Referral marketing is a great tool, but don't forget about
privacy issues.
Current customers are a valuable source of referrals.
Search "invite a friend," "tell a friend" or
"refer a friend" online and you will find that this form
of marketing is ubiquitous. Typically, this web-based marketing
tool involves the user inputting e-mail addresses or allowing a
website or mobile application to harvest the user's address
book information to generate a list of potential
"friends" who will receive an electronic invitation
(usually by e-mail) to visit a website or join the user in a social
network or promotional site, game or activity.
It is important, however, to take steps to avoid tripping over
the privacy and antispam compliance issues relating to the
collection and use of the "friend's" personal
information during these promotions.
