In the bustling $11 billion catering industry, standing out among the 12,000 companies in the U.S. can be challenging. If you’re looking to grow your catering business, you need strategies that work. Here are six proven methods that can help you attract more clients and expand your catering enterprise.

Develop a Solid Business Plan

Just like building a house requires a blueprint, starting a catering business needs a well-thought-out business plan. This plan will serve as your roadmap, detailing essential steps like:

• Securing a catering license as per local and state regulations.
• Finding a commercial kitchen space.
• Acquiring necessary catering insurance.

A comprehensive business plan not only keeps you organized but also enhances your credibility with banks and investors, increasing your chances of securing funding.

Specialize in a Catering Niche

Specialization can significantly boost your business’s visibility and appeal. Whether it’s a specific type of cuisine like Mexican, Indian or a dietary focus like gluten-free, specializing can set you apart from competitors. By focusing on a niche, your business becomes more searchable online for those specific needs, potentially leading to higher rankings and more clients

Strengthen Your Online Presence

In today’s digital world, an online presence is crucial. Most new clients will likely discover your catering service through a simple web search, which means:

• Setting up a Google Business Profile to enhance visibility on Google Maps and searches.
• Developing a professional website that showcases your services, menu, and high-quality images of your offerings, all optimized for search engines to improve your online find-ability.        

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  Here are few features:

• Low commission for catering orders
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• Integrated delivery & order management
• Integrated marketing support

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Ensure Access to Proof of Insurance

Having proof of insurance readily available reassures clients of your professionalism and reliability. Displaying your certificate of insurance (COI) can also lead to more referrals, as clients feel more secure knowing they’re dealing with a covered and responsible caterer.

Foster Client Referrals

Referrals are a powerful tool in the catering industry. Encourage satisfied clients to refer others to you by:

• Expressing gratitude for referrals, perhaps with a gift card or a sample of your specialty dish.Ensuring each guest experience is memorable, thereby increasing the likelihood of referrals.    

Collaborate with Other Caterers

In a competitive market, partnering with other caterers rather than competing can prove beneficial. Look for opportunities to:

• Share resources, reduce costs and increase exposure.
• Combine client lists and marketing efforts to broaden your reach.

Such partnerships can also provide a platform for sharing experiences, bulk purchasing, and staffing solutions, all of which can lead to business growth and sustainability.

Conclusion

Mastering these six strategies can significantly enhance your catering business’s market presence and client base. For catering business owners looking for more tools and support, boons.io offers a commission-free ordering platform designed to streamline operations.

To see how it can transform your business, book your free demo today at https://boons.io/get-a-free-demo

These targeted strategies are designed to not only attract more clients but also to create a sustainable and thriving catering business.