How to Get More Catering Orders: 12 Tips

Expanding your catering business is challenging. But with the right strategies, it is easy. Catering services reached $164.59 billion in 2023. It should grow at a CAGR of 6.6% between 2024 and 2032.

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This is a result of the growing interest in:

Corporate events 

Private gatherings 

Community celebrations 

To stand out, you must have strategies to:

• Boost your catering sales 

• Strengthen client relationships

• Improve operations using tech

Whether you're an established catering business owner or just starting, this article can help.

Understanding the Catering Market 

Catering has seen changes in recent years, driven by what clients want and technology. Understanding this is important. Here are the four trends: 

4 Catering Market Trends 

1. Going Digital: The rise of online ordering has changed catering. An easy-to-use website and online ordering system are a must.
2. Personalization: Clients want personal experiences. Offer custom menus and personalized services. 
3. Sustainability: People want to protect the Earth. Use sustainable methods, such as using local ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging. 
4. Health and Wellness: The health-conscious market grew by 3.85% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2019 and 2023.  Providing nutritious menu items excites this market. 

3 Audience Insights 

You must know your target market. Three targets include: 

1. Corporate Clients: Need services for meetings, conferences, and corporate events. 
2. Private Parties: People planning gatherings want creative menus. 
3. Community Groups: These organizations want affordable options. 

By understanding market trends and audience, you can get your catering business ahead.  

12 Tips to Increase Catering Orders 

Growing your catering business requires more than great food. You need a mix of:

• Smart marketing

• Innovative offerings 

• Efficient operations

Increasing Visibility 

1. Improve Your Digital Presence 

You need a quality website and detailed marketing materials. Make your catering website:

• User-friendly

• Mobile-optimized 

• Easy to navigate

Include: 

• Clear catering menu design with pricing. 
• A simple online ordering system. 
• Professional photos of your food and events. 

Don't forget restaurant SEO! Keywords like "How to get more catering orders" and "catering services" should be placed naturally on pages throughout your site. 

Use restaurant catering software to improve the online ordering process. 

2. Use Social Media 

Social media campaigns are a great way to find catering clients by showing your:

• Expertise 

• Event success stories

• Unique offerings

Promote your brand on platforms like:

• Instagram 

• Facebook 

• TikTok  

• LinkedIn 

Post:

• High-quality photos 

• Customer testimonials  

• Behind-the-scenes videos

Use stories and live videos to excite followers. 

Tip: Run targeted ads to reach customers in your area. Make sure to promote special events or seasonal menus. 

Strengthening Your Service 

3. Innovate Your Menu 

To keep your catering menu fresh, use seasonal dishes and trending flavors. Highlight specialty items that set your catering company apart. A good menu helps boost catering sales.

4. Offer Customization  

Clients love flexibility. Offering personalized options helps keep clients and get more catering clients. This makes customers feel valued. 

Building Strong Relationships 

5. Engage Your Customers 

Loyal customers are your best asset. Engaging customers is a must for running a successful catering business. Improving customer retention by 5% can grow profits 25-95%. 

Reach out to past clients through: 

• Emails 

• Exclusive offers 

• Holiday greetings

Regular communication creates loyalty. That includes both online, with well-designed loyalty programs, and offline. Loyalty programs can also boost customer happiness.

6. Partner with Local Businesses 

Partner with local businesses, such as:

• Event planners 

• Florists 

• Event venues 

These partnerships can get you more catering clients and open doors to bigger events.  

It also allows you to tell people about your custom catering model. 

Using Technology  

7. Use Catering Management Software 

Software for order management improves your delivery and inventory tracking. It combines with your current systems for: 

• Smoother operations 

• Reduced errors 

• More catering customers

These tools help your catering company:

• Handle large orders 

• Coordinate deliveries 

• Track performance

8. Use Marketing Tools 

Targeted advertising, like Google Ads, helps you reach new catering clients. Use the data tools to review and improve your strategies. 

Catering Sales Tips 

9. Offer Promos and Discounts 

Limited-time discounts help get large orders and increase catering sales during off-peak seasons. Examples include: 

• Discounts for new clients. 
• Bonus items for large orders. 

10. Referral Programs

Offer discounts or free add-ons to help your clients refer others. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool. 

Customer Service Excellence 

11. Use Feedback 

Ask for customer feedback after every catering event. Use online surveys or calls to understand what went well and where you can improve. 

12. Make Memorable Experiences 

Make sure every interaction with your staff leaves a positive impact. Happy clients are more likely to tell others.

FAQs About Getting More Catering Orders

How do you get catering customers? 

With a mix of:

• Marketing

• The right channels 

• Excellent service 

Start by building an online presence with a website and active social media. 

Show your:  

• Client testimonials 

• High-quality photos of your dishes  

• Success stories

Offer:

• Targeted discounts

• Referral programs

• Exclusive deals for new clients

Network with:

• Event venues 

• Event planners 

• Other local businesses

How can I improve my catering service? 

It starts with focusing on quality and consistency. Customize your menus and keep your offerings fresh with seasonal options. Use catering software to improve order management and delivery.

Gather feedback after every event and act on it. Train your staff to provide excellent service. 

What is the secret to a successful catering business? 

 It combines excellent service with good business practices. Make marketing materials and have a professional online presence. 

Grow by building partnerships with event venues and local businesses. Use technology to:

• Improve operations

• Reduce errors

• Handle large orders

Finally, make changes when needed.

What are the 7 Ps of marketing a catering business? 

The 7 Ps are: 

1. Product: Offer high-quality dishes and menu options.
2. Price: Set competitive pricing.
3. Place: Ensure your services are in person and online. 
4. Promotion: Use SEO, social media, and referral programs.
5. People: Train your staff to give excellent service. 
6. Process: Improve your operations with efficient workflows.
7. Physical Evidence: Use branding like logos, packaging, and marketing materials.

What This Means for Your Business 

Growing your catering orders involves a mix of:

• Innovation 

• Technology 

• Relationship-building

This helps you get more customers for more growth. 

These strategies position your catering business for success in a competitive market. 

Ready to take the next step? Download our free eBook, How to Maximize Digital Ordering for Restaurants, to learn how to streamline your operations and grow your business today! 

Need more help? Book a demo now to discover more about our catering software.