It takes good planning and an ambitious marketing plan to break into the Catering business.You need to offer something unique to the area where you will work in order to compete with other marketing companies.When starting a business, most people can't afford a marketing team.If you can't afford a full-time professional, you should develop a marketing plan that will last through your first few years of business.If you want to increase your brand recognition, consider forming partnerships and an online presence.You can learn how to market your business.
Step 1: Do your research.
The first step in marketing is market research.If you don't have the time or skill to find out who your competition is, you should hire a marketing consultant.Sample menus and booking information should be given to you.You can see who will offer similar products by grouping them by price point.There are major functions in the area.If you want to get quotes and samples of your cuisine, you should request a list of popular venues.Look for possible partnerships with other event services.You can improve your chances of success by learning about event planners, event rental agencies, photographers and more.
Step 2: A marketing budget needs to be set.
For people without a business education, it may seem like a waste of money to spend thousands of dollars on marketing in the first few years of your business; however, breaking into a new area requires name brand recognition as well as good food.
Step 3: A good name is what you should choose.
If you decide on something memorable, it will quickly identify you as a Catering service.Consider how easy it will be to find the name online.
Step 4: An exceptional sample menu can be created.
You will need to get your clients to sample food and attend fairs to try it.Your menu needs to be original and cost effective.
Step 5: It's a good idea to invest in photography.
You should hire a photographer to take photos of the food, the company you work for and the dishes you create.High quality photos are needed for websites and handouts.
Step 6: It's a good idea to create signs.
A large sign is a must for your business location.You can begin building a brand image by hiring a graphic designer to create your logo, sign, business cards, van decals and flyers.
Step 7: A website can be created.
The first place people will look for information about you is the website.There is a process for starting quotes for events and scheduling features for tastings.
Step 8: It is possible to create an online following.
You can show up in the first results on search engines if you have an online presence.If you have employees that can help you update your accounts, you can quickly get a following that will translate into high brand recognition.You have to sign up for at least 1 to 2 social media accounts.You must sign up for accounts that will be updated regularly.For most businesses, social media works well.It is possible to fill a bulletin board with your own website content, recipes, or event ideas from other sources.You should update your online directory information regularly.Ensure that you have the correct address, a description of the business and photos that appear on the internet.Pay-per-click marketing increases your visibility on search engines.You can try Microsoft AdCenter.To begin with, choose the city name, "catering" and " event planning", and refine them according to what works best.You can start a video or blog.You can also post on your own website.They should be linked with other social media accounts.Pictures of your work and reviews can be posted.Video cooking instructions can be used to attract more people to your website.
Step 9: There are reserve booths at bridal fairs.
There are many bridal fairs in the fall and winter.If you pay for a booth, you will be able to serve samples to potential brides, grooms and their families.
Step 10: Call the event organizers to get some samples and a quote.
It's a good idea to call up to a year in advance of the event.Schedule a time to meet with them when they are ready to make a decision.This will require some telesales.Sell your product with employees and friends if you haven't done it before.You need an elevator pitch about your company, a description of services and a friendly tone.
Step 11: A loyalty program can be created.
Referral bonuses are given to people who recommend you.If you give discounts to returning customers, the companies and events will choose you.
Step 12: Corporations in the area can be contacted.
Corporate mixers, conferences and large meetings are some of the events that companies hire caterers for.Give incentives to help them try out your product.There are incentives that do not have to be discounts.Adding a free appetizer or some wine is one of the "value added" benefits.The incentives increase value by providing more.
Step 13: Call the drug company representatives.
Catering companies are often hired by these salespeople to provide food.It is possible to earn regular work with a partnership.
Step 14: Become a part of a business or organization.
Meet people in the community.If you volunteer your time to handle event organization for a charity, your relationships with other business people will lead to more high-profile catering opportunities.
Step 15: You should review your marketing efforts quarterly.
Cut out campaigns that don't seem to be working and repeat things that work well.It can take at least a year for online marketing to become lucrative, so try to do it yourself or hire an employee to help you.