I can refer you to several third party platforms that provide this service: www.referralsasquatch.com allows you to create an incentive based sharing system, www.sweettoothrewards.com is similar but more tailored to a full 360 loyalty program. Additionally, www.referralcandy.com has a different form of pricing that may suit your needs because it allows you to pay as you go; with no setup fees. Hopefully these few recommendations will be enough to get you atleast considering different options. Feel free to call me with any questions or implementation advice.

Great answer with loads of information: my problem is somewhat similar however it goes one step further: I have created a functional prototype using a simple web design platform for my application. I do not have the necessary skills to develop the true program myself and I currently find myself at a standstill:

Do I launch a simpler version of my concept now, using the features of the prototype that are functional? Or do I use seek the proper financial support to properly hire a true developer.

See, I originally created the prototype so I may start testing demand and functionality for the purposes of attracting angel investors and possible team members...however the development of the prototype was a great learning experience because it showed me those ideas that work and inspired some new features to be added or adjusted. Here I am 12 months later with no seed financing or co-founder to develop it: however I have just applied to a local tech incubation firm (Chicago), and I have begun exposing my idea to the startup community at Angel.co (https://angel.co/philip-higgins). It's a critical time for me to make the right next steps.

I think these are all good answers: but how can anyone make any references to social media blogging tools that can empower these areas?