How to Market a Catering Business

Do you have a small catering business? Catering can be a tough business to market with everyone from independent home based caterers to large, well staffed restaurants getting in on this profitable business. Naturally, you have to have good food to keep people coming back for more, but how do you get their attention in the first place? If you're an independent caterer, you don't have the luxury of a restaurant storefront to draw in business. You have to be a bit more creative with your marketing. Here's how to market a catering business:

Market a catering business: Weddings

Weddings are an excellent source of business for the independent caterer. To reach budding brides and their wedding parties, join forces with local wedding planners and studios that sell wedding attire. Ask if you can display your cards in their storefront. Offer to give their customers a small discount on their catering costs as a good will gesture. Another way to capture this market is to attend local bridal shows in your areas and advertise in local bridal publications.
Market a catering business: Corporate functions

Catering corporate functions can be quite lucrative as businesses are usually willing to pay top dollar to make their employees are happy. Send a professional brochure to local businesses along with a link to your website where you display sample catering menus. Follow up by contacting the business two weeks after sending the brochure and let them know you're available to cater their employee functions. Be sure to send a follow up brochure in a few months. Persistence will usually pay off. Another way to network with the owners of local businesses is through meetings sponsored by your local Chamber of Commerce. Be sure to bring lots of business cards.

Market a catering business: Private parties