Catering is a tough business. Not only do you have to be a great cook, but you also have to be a savvy marketer to get your business in front of potential customers. Local marketing is a great way to get the word out about your catering business, and there are a few secrets that can help you get started.
Here are 5 secrets to local marketing for my catering business:
- Get involved in your community.
- Make friends with the local media.
- Sponsor a local event.
- Get involved with food truck rallies.
- Offer discounts and coupons.
1. Get involved in your community
One of the best ways to market your catering business is to get involved in your community. This can mean volunteering at local events, sponsoring a Little League team, or even just being active on local social media groups. The more people see your name and your brand, the more likely they are to think of you when they need catering services.
Sponsoring a Little League team is a great way to get your business name out there while supporting a worthy cause. You can have your business name and logo printed on the team’s shirts or banners. If you provide catering services, you could also offer to cater the team’s end-of-season party.
Organizing a food drive is another great way to give back to your community while promoting your business. You can put flyers up around town, with your business name and logo, announcing the food drive and when it will take place. You can also promote the food drive on social media using hashtags and tagging local news outlets. In addition to getting your name out there, this is also a great way to build relationships with other local businesses who may be interested in partnering with you in the future.
2. Make friends with the local media
Another great way to get exposure for your catering business is to make friends with the local media. This can be done by pitching story ideas to reporters, becoming a source for food-related news stories, or even just providing quotes for articles. Getting your name in the local paper or on the evening news can do wonders for your catering business.
One of the best ways to get on the good side of the local media is to be a resource for them. That means being available when they need an expert source for a story, having helpful information to share, and being easy to work with. If you can be all of those things, you’ll quickly become a go-to source for the local media, which will lead to more coverage for your catering business.
To be a resource for the local media, start by making a list of reporters who cover your industry or niche. Then, reach out and introduce yourself. Send them an email or give them a call and let them know that you’re available if they ever need an expert source for a story. Be sure to include your contact information and a brief overview of your business so they can easily get in touch when they need someone like you.
It’s not enough to just be a resource for the local media; you also need to build relationships with the reporters, editors, and producers who cover your area. To do that, start by getting involved in their stories. If you see an opportunity to provide valuable input or feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out and offer your expertise. Not only will this help ensure that their stories are accurate and informative, but it will also help them see you as more than just a source; you’ll become a trusted advisor who they can rely on for guidance and insight.
In addition to offering your expertise on stories, make an effort to get to know the people in the local media scene. Attend events that they’re covering or invite them to events that you’re hosting. Get lunch or coffee with them every now and then. The more personal connections you have with members of the local media, the more likely they are to think of you when they’re working on a story.
3. Sponsor a local event
Sponsoring a local event is a great way to get exposure for your catering business while also giving back to the community. This can be anything from sponsoring a charity banquet to providing food for a bake sale. Not only will you be getting your name out there, but you’ll also be doing something good for the community. And that’s always a win-win!
Make sure you choose an event that makes sense for your business. For example, if you own a wedding catering business, sponsoring a bridal show would be a great way to get your name in front of potential customers. If you’re looking to reach a new customer base, consider sponsoring an event that appeals to your target market.
Get creative with your sponsorship. There are many different ways to sponsor an event. You can simply make a monetary donation, or you can donate your time and resources. For example, you could provide the food for a charity fundraiser or silent auction. Or, you could offer a discount on your services for anyone who mentions your sponsorship at the event.
Promote your sponsorship. Once you’ve decided on an event to sponsor and how you’ll do it, make sure you promote your involvement. Add it to your website and social media pages, and include it in any marketing materials you send out leading up to the event. This will help build anticipation and interest in both your business and the event itself.
4. Get involved with food truck rallies
Food truck rallies are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re a great way to get exposure for your catering business. participation usually involves setting up a booth at the rally and giving out samples of your food, as well as promotional materials like menus and business cards. It’s a great way to let people know about your catering business and what you have to offer!
Do your research. Not all food truck rallies are created equal! Some may be more popular than others, or may attract a different type of crowd. Do a little bit of research online or ask around to find out which rallies are the best fit for your business.
Get involved early. Once you’ve found a few food truck rallies that you’re interested in, reach out to the organizers and see if there are any opportunities to get involved early. For example, you could help promote the rally on social media, or volunteer to help set up or clean up after the event.
Make sure you’re prepared. On the day of the rally, make sure you arrive early and that your truck is clean and well-stocked. Have plenty of napkins, utensils, and condiments on hand, and make sure your menu is easy to read and understand.
Engage with the crowd. Take advantage of this opportunity to chat with potential customers and get them excited about your catering business! Hand out flyers or business cards, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your marketing materials.
Follow up after the event. After the rally is over, be sure to follow up with any potential customers who showed an interest in your business. You could send them a coupon for their next catering order, or simply drop them a line to thank them for their interest.
5. Offer discounts and coupons
One final secret to marketing your catering business is to offer discounts and coupons. This can be done through online ads, direct mailers, or even just posting signs in strategic places around town (like grocery stores). Discounts and coupons are always appreciated, and they can help bring new customers through your door!
Local marketing is essential for any catering businesses looking to get their name out there and attract new customers. There are many different ways to go about it, but these five secrets should help you get started on the right foot!
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