How to get more catering orders is a question that many business owners ask. It’s not surprising, considering the profits that can be made in this industry.

In fact, the catering industry in the United States is projected to reach over $10 billion by the end of 2022. With this growth potential, it’s no wonder why so many business owners are trying to increase their catering orders.

To help you maximize your profits and get more catering orders, we’ve put together 19 tips that you can use today.

How to Get More Catering Orders

You have to be creative and stand out from the competition to get more catering orders. Here are 19 tips that will help you do just that.

1. Provide Excellent Customer Experience

Providing an excellent customer experience is vital to get more catering orders. This includes providing quality food, being flexible and accommodating with orders, and communicating well with customers.

It is also essential to have a friendly and helpful staff who is knowledgeable about the menu items you offer. Positive word-of-mouth reviews from satisfied customers go a long way toward increasing your catering orders.

2. Utilize Social Media to Increase Brand Visibility

Social media is a great way to spread the word about your catering business and increase orders. Create accounts on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Use them to post pictures of your food, share customer feedback and reviews, announce special promotions or discounts, and share other relevant content.

You can also create targeted advertisements based on user demographics to get more visibility for your catering business. Additionally, consider engaging with influencers in the catering/food industry who can help promote your business.

3. Get Found On Search Engines

Many potential customers are now turning to search engines to find local catering services. To maximize your catering orders, you should optimize your website for search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing so that it shows up when people search for a caterer in your area. This involves ensuring that all your web pages have relevant titles and descriptions and are filled with keywords related to catering.

Additionally, doing keyword research to determine the most popular terms used by people looking for caterers can also help improve your organic ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs).

4. Create a Google My Business Page

A Google My Business page is essential to growing your catering business. It allows customers to review and rate your services. Plus, it makes it simpler for new customers to find your business when searching online.

An optimized GMB page with complete information about your business can help improve your local SEO ranking and position you higher in the search engine results pages. Additionally, ensure that you provide accurate contact details so customers can easily get in touch with you directly.

5. Join Local Groups

Joining local groups is a great way to get your catering business more orders. You can join networking groups, meet-up groups, or even business associations to build relationships with other local businesses and individuals who may be interested in hiring you for their next catered event.

Attending these meetings allows you to talk about your services, create connections and make people aware of what you offer. Additionally, joining such groups can help you stay informed on the latest trends. Then, you'll be more prepared for future catering opportunities.

6. Offer Convenience Through Online Ordering

Make it simple for your customers to place orders. Do this by offering them an online ordering platform. This will allow them to place orders from the comfort of their own homes at any time of day, even when you’re not available. Additionally, online ordering systems for restaurants can help streamline your processes and make tracking customer information easier.

7. Ask Previous Clients for Referrals

One great way of getting more catering orders is to reach out to your previous clients and ask for referrals. Many people are happy to give a positive recommendation if they have had a good experience with your catering service.

Make sure you follow up with any leads that come in, as this can help generate even more business for your company. Additionally, don’t forget to thank those who provide referrals – it can go a long way in building loyalty amongst your customers!

8. Joining Industry Organizations

Joining industry organizations such as local Chambers of Commerce, catering associations, and trade groups can help you get more catering orders. These organizations offer networking opportunities that can lead to referrals or even direct contracts with companies in your area.

Being part of an industry organization also gives potential clients confidence in your services. Many organizations often provide resources, training, and other benefits to help you make the most of your business.

9. Reach Out With Restaurant Email Marketing

Email marketing is a great way to reach potential customers and increase catering orders. By sending out targeted emails, you can let them know about upcoming events or special offers you have available.

You can also use email campaigns to keep existing customers informed about what’s new with your catering business. By staying top of mind, you remain the first choice when they need catering services. Additionally, take advantage of email automation features to streamline the process and save yourself time and effort.

10. Promote Special Deals and Offers

One of the best ways to increase catering orders is to promote special deals and offers. Customers love a good deal, so highlight any discounts, package deals, or promotional offers for your catering services. You can use social media, email campaigns, web banners, and other creative marketing tactics to spread the word about your special offers.

Additionally, offering seasonal menu specials such as summer BBQs or holiday-themed menus may also help draw in more customers who are looking for something unique and tasty. Put some thought into what types of promotions would be attractive to potential customers and run with it!

11. Outgoing Catering Call Reminders

Making sure to follow up with past customers is a great way to increase your chances of getting more catering orders. By sending out reminder calls, you can confirm if they have any upcoming events that need catering or remind them about their previous experience and how much they enjoyed it.

Taking the extra step to reach out can make all the difference in securing another order from them. Plus, providing excellent customer service will help build trust and generate word-of-mouth referrals that can lead to new catering opportunities.

Make sure you reach out regularly but don’t annoy your clients.

12. Manage Customer Relationships With CRM

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is one of the best ways to manage customer relationships and increase catering orders. A restaurant CRM allows you to have an organized database of all your customers, their preferences, and contact information.

It also lets you keep track of customer interactions and build better relationships with them. By keeping detailed records, you can easily identify loyal customers and target them with special restaurant discounts or offers that will help generate more orders. You can also use CRM software to send automated emails, track customer feedback, and follow up on leads quickly.

13. Reach Out to Local Businesses

Businesses often require catering for conferences, meetings, or other corporate events. Get in touch with local companies and inquire about their needs for catering services. You can also offer discounts and other incentives if they book your services frequently enough throughout the year.

14. Talk to Other Caterers

Networking with other caterers in your area can be a great way to get more catering orders. Often, caterers recommend each other or even subcontract for one another when they’re too busy. Connecting with them could lead to great opportunities for both parties.

15. Invest In Packaging

If you have the budget, investing in attractive packaging can go a long way toward getting more catering orders. People are naturally drawn to visually appealing things; if your packaging is eye-catching and high quality, they’ll likely remember it when they need catering services—which means more business for you!

16. Create Special Menus

Consider creating special menus for holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. This could be a great way to get new clients looking for something unique and specific. It also allows you to showcase your skills in a creative way that sets you apart from other caterers.

17. Participate In Local Events

Look out for events in your area where catering is needed, ranging from private birthday parties to local festivals. Participating in these events can help you gain exposure and create more awareness about your business.

18. Create Catering Proposals That Stand Out

When creating catering proposals, it’s important to distinguish your business from the competition. Showcase your unique menu items, highlight any awards you may have won, and emphasize why customers should choose your company over others.

Additionally, offer competitive pricing and incentives such as discounts, free samples, or flexible options for clients with special requests or dietary restrictions.

You could also showcase creativity by offering customizable menus or adding seasonal items to existing ones.

This will help ensure that your proposal stands out among others and increase the chances of securing more catering orders.

19. Offer Something Extra

Customers appreciate something extra, so it helps to add bonuses such as free delivery or discounted pricing if customers order catering more than once. It is also beneficial to offer discounts on large orders or special menu items. Additionally, offering custom menus tailored to specific events can help get more orders since clients are likely to choose a vendor that offers personalized service.

By following these 19 tips, you can get more orders for your catering business and grow your customer base.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get More Catering Orders

There are many questions that come up on how to get more catering orders. In this FAQ section, we will answer some of the most common ones.

Who Are the Target Market of Catering Services?

Catering services generally target two primary audiences: individuals and businesses. Individuals may seek catering services for weddings, private events, or special occasions. Companies may use catering services to provide food at conferences, meetings, and other corporate events. In either case, the catering company must design their restaurant marketing strategies around these customer segments to reach them effectively.

What Are the 7 P’s of Marketing a Catering Business?

The 7 P’s of marketing a catering business are:

1. Product
2. Price
3. Promotion
4. Place
5. People
6. Processes
7. Physical Evidence

What Is the Key to Success In Catering?

The key to catering success is a comprehensive knowledge of the catering industry and its practices. This includes understanding market trends, customer preferences, menu planning, event planning, TCS food, and food safety regulations.

Additionally, having excellent organizational skills and attention to detail helps ensure that each event is planned with precision and care. A successful caterer must also be able to manage cost-effectively and efficiently while still providing quality service.

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