Computer-implemented system for the automated collection, allocation, and compensation of referrals within a digital referral platform

Abstract

Computer-implemented system for the automated collection and assignment of digital recommendations, including: a) a module package for the automated generation of personalized QR codes and digital links for tipsters; b) a data collection module for recording and server-side storage of contact details of potential new customers via a landing page; c) a database module for uniquely assigning this data to a tipster and a service provider; d) a commission module for calculating and managing the remuneration for each successfully referred lead and for automatically triggering a payment to the referrer; e) a dashboard module to display recommendations, leads and compensation for referrers and service providers.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented system for the automated execution of referral marketing. The platform connects referrers, new customers, and service providers via a mobile application and a web-based dashboard. Each referrer is assigned a personalized QR code and an individual referral link. The system collects, transmits, and processes referral and customer data, assigns this data to the respective referrers and service providers, and enables automatic commission payment.

[0002] The preferred implementation is the mobile application using the Flutter framework to ensure cross-platform functionality for iOS and Android. The service provider dashboard is based on a Next.js application, enabling a responsive user interface and server-side rendering. Data is stored and processed in a cloud database, such as Firebase, ensuring scalable and secure real-time synchronization of recommendation processes. State of the art

[0003] Traditional referral programs often rely on manually distributed codes or paper vouchers. They lack automated attribution of referrals to referrers and service providers, as well as an internal system for calculating and paying commissions. While referral platforms exist, they don't offer a combination of personalized QR codes, instant data capture on a landing page, automatic lead attribution, commission calculation, live tracking, and unlimited scalability for referrers and links.

[0004] To the applicant's knowledge, no other solution is known that integrates all of these functions into a single system architecture consisting of a Flutter-based mobile application, a Next.js-based web dashboard, and a cloud database. The platform described here therefore represents—as far as can be seen—the first and only implementation to achieve this level of complete automation in referral marketing. Object of the invention

[0005] The goal is to provide a digital system that clearly assigns referrals to a referrer and a service provider, captures and processes the new customer's data, calculates the referrer's compensation, and provides the service provider with clear tools for evaluating leads and commission payments. Simultaneously, the system should support an unlimited number of referrers and links to create a network effect and make the application flexible for use in both B2B and B2C sectors. Solution to the task

[0006] The task is solved by a computer-implemented system consisting of several technical-constructive modules: 1. Registration module - enables the service provider to register on the platform and create an unlimited number of tipsters. 2. Personalization module – automatically generates a personalized QR code and an individual referral link for each referrer. Assignment is made via server-side hash functions to ensure unique identification of the referrer. 3. Data collection module - captures the contact details of new customers via an individualized landing page, stores them on the server and assigns them to the respective referrer and service provider. 4. Commission Module – calculates and manages the compensation for successful leads according to individual agreements between the referrer and the service provider (minimum five euros per lead). The module prepares the automated payment to the referrer. 5. Dashboard module – presents the service provider with real-time information on all leads, their origin, conversion status, and commissions due. It supports features such as data export, landing page branding, and sending push notifications to motivate referrals. 6. Scaling and security module – ensures GDPR-compliant data storage, role and rights management, and redundant data storage. It allows for an unlimited number of tipsters and links, as well as secure system operation. Technical embodiments • Data structure: Referral processes are stored in a relational or document-based database with unique foreign keys for referrers and service providers. Hash functions ensure that QR codes and links cannot be manipulated. In cloud-based implementations, the data is stored and synchronized in a real-time database (e.g., Firebase). • Middleware: Server-side middleware transfers the data entered by the new customer to the backend and verifies the validity of the referrer and service provider. In the preferred implementation, this middleware is implemented as a serverless cloud service that automatically reacts to data changes. • Commission module: The commission module manages compensation agreements, calculates the commission (minimum €5 per lead), sends payment reminders, and monitors timely payments. Penalties may be imposed for non-compliance. • Dashboard: The web-based dashboard provides the service provider with leads, sources, and conversion status, and offers features such as rights / role management, data export, and individual configuration of landing pages. Referrers receive push notifications via the mobile application and have insight into the status of their referrals. Advantages of the invention • Automated processing: No manual steps are required. Referrers, new customers, and service providers interact via the system; allocation and payment are processed automatically. • Transparency and traceability: Live tracking and dashboard functions provide a complete overview of leads and commission balances and allow export for tax purposes. • Motivation and network effect: Individual commissions, push notifications and the scalability of the system promote the exponential growth of the network. • Scalability: Unlimited tipsters and links, as well as role and rights management, enable use from sole proprietorships to franchise systems. • Flexibility: The system can be used in various industries (insurance, finance, real estate, crafts, fitness, gastronomy, etc.) and does not require any special IT knowledge for setup. Areas of application

[0007] The system is suitable for insurance companies, financial advisors, real estate agents, craft businesses, gyms, beauty salons, coaches, car dealers, restaurants, retail businesses and other service industries that use referrals. Character description

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 shows the schematic functional cycle of the referral tracking and compensation system. A referrer shares a personalized QR code or link. A new customer uses this code to access the landing page and enters their contact information. The data is transferred server-side to the system, which then assigns the referrer to the relevant service provider. A service provider uses a dashboard to view leads and commissions. After the commission is paid out, the referrer is incentivized to generate new referrals.

[0009] The diagram illustrates this process as a cycle: Referrer → QR code / link → New customer / landing page → Data / platform → Company / dashboard → Commission → Referrer. The final stage closes the cycle by returning the commission to the referrer, thus motivating them to make another referral.

[0010] Fig. 1: Schematic functional cycle - Referrer shares QR code / link → New customer enters data on landing page → Platform assigns → Service provider checks in dashboard → Commission is calculated and paid out → Referrer is motivated to make the next recommendation.

Claims

[1] Computer-implemented system for the automated capture and assignment of digital recommendations, comprising: a) a module package for the automated generation of personalized QR codes and digital links for tipsters; b) a data collection module for recording and server-side storage of contact details of potential new customers via a landing page; c) a database module for uniquely assigning this data to a tipster and a service provider; d) a commission module for calculating and managing the remuneration for each successfully referred lead and for automatically triggering a payment to the referrer; e) a dashboard module to display recommendations, leads and compensation for referrers and service providers. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the module package for generating personalized codes and links is designed to be implemented via a mobile application and to provide each tipster with a platform-independent code and link. [3] System according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the data acquisition module captures the contact details of a new customer via an electronic form, the database module stores the data in a cloud database and enables the assignment to the referrer and service provider. [4] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the commission module is set up to calculate the remuneration in accordance with an individual agreement and prepare it for payment to the tipster. [5] System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which additionally includes a notification module that informs tipsters and service providers about the status of the recommendations and the remuneration due and sends push notifications for motivation. [6] System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dashboard module is implemented as a web application that provides the service provider with live tracking, export functions and rights and role management.

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