Catering is brimming with opportunities, but standing out in a competitive market requires more than just delicious food. It’s about creating memorable experiences, building trust, and connecting with the right customers who appreciate your unique offerings. Let’s explore proven ways to attract more large digital orders and grow your catering business. From creative marketing ideas to building strong relationships, these strategies are designed to help you establish your brand and increase sales.
Strengthening Customer Relationships
Fostering strong relationships with clients is not just an optional practice for catering business owners—it’s a cornerstone of sustainable success. Building meaningful connections with clients creates trust, enhances credibility, and positions your business as their go-to choice for catering needs. This bond often translates into repeat business, glowing referrals, and an increased likelihood of being recommended for high-profile events.
Some of the ways restaurant catering leaders or operators can create relationships with their customers include:
- Understand their preferences, budgets, and expectations.
- Tailor your services to deliver a personalized and memorable experience.
- Send thank-you notes to express your appreciation.
- Offer personalized discounts or perks to loyal clients.
- Go the extra mile to leave a lasting impression and foster loyalty.
Expanding Connections Through Networking
Networking is essential for obtaining catering clients. Attend business networking meetings, conventions, and other events where potential customers may be present. These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your services, meet new clients, and build relationships with other professionals in the industry.
Don’t underestimate the power of face-to-face interactions; they can lead to valuable connections and new business opportunities.
Online Marketing Strategies
Online marketing can reach a wider audience and attract new catering clients for your business. Any catering business will benefit from a website promoting the business, the team, the portfolio, and contact information. Other online marketing strategies include:
- Use social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. These platforms market your business to potential catering clients. You can share pictures of your food, events, and team on these networks and interact with clients and the business world.
- Email marketing is another excellent method of reaching potential clients and keeping them informed regarding your services, events, and promotions. It also lets you stay in touch with the clients and build a good relationship.
- Some of the SEO techniques would be to use relevant keywords on your website and other social media posts. This can increase your online visibility and attract more potential clients.
A well-executed online marketing campaign through these ways can significantly enhance your client patronage.
Special Events And Promotions
Special events and promotions are powerful tools for attracting new clients and encouraging repeat business for your catering services. You can tap into your target audience's specific needs and desires by offering seasonal packages or themed events. Promotions can also highlight your versatility and creativity, helping you differentiate your catering services in a competitive market.
Here are some ideas for effective promotions and offers:
- Offer special holiday menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s, featuring traditional dishes with a unique twist.
- Provide a price reduction for clients hosting large corporate events, weddings, or parties, offering bulk discounts for bigger orders.
- Create limited menus highlighting seasonal ingredients, such as fresh summer produce or cozy winter comfort foods.
- Host themed catering options like a “Tropical Luau” BBQ, “Winter Wonderland” dinner, or “Around the World” tasting experience.
- Reward repeat clients with loyalty discounts or special offers for booking multiple events or referring new customers.
- Run contests on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, where followers can win free catering services for their next event or discounts on future bookings.
- Provide discounts or bonuses for early birds who book your services in advance, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
Collaborate With Event Planners
Building partnerships with event planners can be incredibly beneficial for your catering business. Event planners often have a list of clients who require catering services, and being recommended by a trusted planner can lead to steady business. Establishing a good relationship with event planners can open doors to new opportunities and help you reach a wider audience.
Optimize Your Website For Local Search
Local SEO is crucial for catering businesses looking to attract clients in their area. Optimize your website for local search by including relevant keywords, creating location-specific content, and ensuring your business is listed on Google My Business. This will help potential clients find your services when searching for catering options nearby, increasing your chances of securing new clients.
Enable Online Ordering From Your Website
Adding an online ordering system to your website can simplify the booking process for clients and drive more business. A user-friendly platform allows clients to browse your menu, place orders, and pay online with ease. Here’s how:
- User-Friendly Platform: Make sure your website is easy to navigate so clients can browse your menu, place orders, and make payments seamlessly.
- Mobile Ordering: Implement mobile-friendly ordering options to cater to clients who prefer placing orders on the go.
- Integration with POS Systems: Ensure your online system integrates with your POS system to streamline order management.
- Customized Order: Provide clients with the option to customize their orders based on dietary preferences or specific requests.
- Online Discounts: Offer exclusive discounts for online orders to encourage customers to use the system more frequently.
Offer Themed Catering Packages
Offering themed catering packages can attract various clients looking for unique experiences. Themed options can appeal to different tastes and preferences, making your services more attractive to a broader audience.
Some ideas include:
- BBQ Catering: Serve a variety of grilled meats, sides, and sauces for casual, outdoor events.
- Mediterranean Spreads: Include appetizers, fresh salads, and grilled fish or lamb, perfect for corporate events or special occasions.
- Brunch Buffets: For morning events, offer a mix of savory and sweet dishes, such as eggs benedict, pastries, and fruit salads.
- Holiday Packages: To capitalize on seasonal demand, customize catering options based on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Eve.
- Diet-Specific Options: Create themed menus for vegan, gluten-free, or paleo diets to cater to health-conscious clients.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
Providing top-notch customer service is essential in every interaction with clients. Excellent customer service goes beyond delivering great food. It involves being responsive, attentive to detail, and proactive in addressing client needs. By doing so, you can create lasting relationships with your clients and encourage them to return for future events.
Email Your Past Clients And Prospects
Email marketing is a powerful tool for staying top-of-mind with past clients and reaching new prospects. Encourage email newsletters that include updates on new menu items, special offers, and upcoming promotions. Regular communication can help keep your catering services at the forefront of clients' minds, increasing the likelihood of repeat business.
Reward Customers Who Provide Referrals
Referral programs can be an effective way to expand your client base. Rewarding customers who refer new clients helps incentivize loyalty and spreads positive word-of-mouth. This encourages existing clients to promote your services and helps build a community of satisfied customers eager to share their experiences.
To engage customers, implement these ideas:
- Offer discounts or freebies on future orders to customers who refer new clients.
- Create different levels of rewards based on the number of successful referrals (e.g., a free meal after five referrals).
- Provide gift cards as a reward, allowing referrers to treat themselves or share with others.
- Offer referrers access to exclusive deals or VIP events as part of a loyalty program.
Train Staff For Walk-In Catering Requests
Preparing your staff to handle walk-in catering requests effectively is crucial for maximizing business opportunities. While most catering businesses focus on pre-scheduled events, last-minute or walk-in orders can present significant opportunities for growth.
Ensure your team is trained to manage these requests efficiently, providing excellent service even under pressure. This readiness can lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
Scale Your Catering Business With Checkmate
Choosing Checkmate's catering solution can boost your catering business. Our solution lets you build a targeted offering with a distinct menu and all the enterprise features you need to attract more customers. With its user-friendly online ordering system, advanced features, and tools to streamline service, we help restaurants stand out. Get a catering demo and see how we can help.
