How to Get Catering Clients
Networking
One of the most effective ways to get catering clients is through networking. Attend local business events and industry conferences, and introduce yourself to potential clients. Build relationships with other professionals in the industry, such as event planners, catering coordinators, and wedding planners. Joining local business groups or chambers of commerce can also provide networking opportunities.
Be sure to have business cards and a pitch ready to go. Make sure you stand out by having a unique value proposition or a memorable branding.
Networking is not just about meeting potential clients, but also building relationships with other professionals in the industry. By collaborating with others, you can expand your reach and gain referrals.
Referrals
Referrals are a powerful way to get catering clients. Satisfied customers are often happy to recommend your services to their friends and family, especially if they had a great experience with your food and service.
Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals, but be sure to do it in a natural way. For example, you can include a note in your follow-up email thanking them for their business and asking them to refer you to their friends and family.
Another way to incentivize referrals is by offering a referral program. This could be a discount on their next order or a free appetizer for each referral that books your services.
Website
Your website is your online storefront, and it’s often the first impression potential clients will have of your business. Make sure it’s professional, easy to navigate, and showcases your food and services in a compelling way.
Be sure to include a menu, photos of your food and events, and customer testimonials. Your website should also have a clear call-to-action, such as “Book Your Event Now” or “Contact Us for a Quote.”
Make sure your website is optimized for search engines by including relevant keywords and meta descriptions. This will help your website rank higher in search results when potential clients search for catering services in your area.
Don’t forget to link to your website from your social media profiles and business listings.
Email Marketing
Email marketing is a powerful way to stay in touch with past clients and keep your catering business top of mind. Build an email list by collecting email addresses from past clients and website visitors.
Send regular newsletters with updates on your business, promotions, and new menu items. You can also use email marketing to upsell clients on additional services, such as dessert or beverage catering.
Make sure your emails are visually appealing and mobile-friendly. Don’t send too many emails or they may end up in spam folders.
Advertising
Advertising can be a great way to get catering clients, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t have a large client base yet. Consider advertising in local newspapers, magazines, or wedding guides.
You can also advertise online through Google Ads or social media advertising. Be sure to target your ads to your ideal client and use compelling ad copy and images.
Remember that advertising can be expensive, so be sure to track your return on investment and adjust your strategy as needed.
Partnerships
Partnering with other businesses can be a great way to expand your reach and get more catering clients. Look for businesses that serve a similar client base, such as wedding venues, event planners, or florists.
Offer to provide catering for their events in exchange for referrals or a discount on their services. You can also offer to cross-promote each other on social media or your websites.
Be sure to choose partners that align with your brand and values, and that you would be proud to work with.
Conclusion
Getting catering clients takes time and effort, but with the right strategies, you can build a successful catering business. Don’t be afraid to try new things and be persistent in your outreach.
Remember to network with other professionals in the industry, ask for referrals, optimize your website and social media, and consider advertising and partnerships. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to getting more catering clients and growing your business.
For more tips on starting and growing your catering business, check out Morin Hospitality’s YouTube channel and Udemy course bundle.
Social Media
Social media is a great way to reach potential clients and showcase your services. Choose the platforms that make the most sense for your business, such as Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
Post regularly and showcase your food and events. Use hashtags to make your posts more discoverable, and engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages.
Social media is also a great way to build your brand and show off your personality. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your catering business and show your followers the people behind the food.
Make sure your social media profiles link to your website and include your contact information.