![Catering Service: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-1_85890f90-b710-49b1-8ada-4b43bc251188.png?v=1715865430&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best catering services in the world use strategically to attract clients.
We know you're busy running your catering business and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new clients to your service.
To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for catering services.
Get the content idea list made for catering service owners
A lot of catering services manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a catering service
We have meticulously analyzed numerous catering services' social media accounts to develop our strategy pack for catering services - here’s what consistently proves effective.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Clients for Your Catering Service |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Event Photos | Visually stunning images of catered events can make potential clients envision their own events, encouraging them to book your services. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the preparation process, chefs, and staff in action builds trust and creates a connection with your audience. |
| Client Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients provide social proof and encourage others to hire your catering service. |
| Special Offers and Packages | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and special packages can attract new clients looking for deals. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by clients (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity to your brand. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local event planners or venues can introduce your catering service to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, tastings, or open houses can attract new clients interested in experiencing your services firsthand. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Menus | Highlighting seasonal dishes or holiday menus can attract clients looking for special catering options during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to consider your services. |
| Recipe Shares | Sharing recipes of popular dishes can intrigue food enthusiasts and motivate them to experience the full catering service. |
| Daily Specials Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily specials or featured dishes keeps your catering service top-of-mind and encourages bookings. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about your staff members creates a personal connection and humanizes your brand. |
| Food Preparation Tips | Sharing tips and tricks from your kitchen can engage followers who are food enthusiasts and home cooks. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or locally sourced ingredients appeals to environmentally conscious clients. |
| Client Spotlights | Featuring regular clients creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into clients. |
Some catering services make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best catering services in the world. Replicate them now!
How can catering service owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritise
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your catered dishes are essential.
People eat with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the food looks fresh, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your catering service. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential clients excited, highlight any special offers, events, or seasonal menus. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new clients.
An example of our marketing pack for catering service owners
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your catering service “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your catering service, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for catering service owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage clients to share their own photos and tag your catering service. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for catering services on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for catering services, complete with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively leverage social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your catering service.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Event Photos | Capture the essence of your catered events using natural light. Position dishes near windows during daytime events and enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Client Testimonials | Encourage satisfied clients to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a small discount on their next event as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage clients to share photos of your catered events by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your catering service on Instagram. |
| DIY Recipe Videos | Film short, simple recipes of your popular dishes using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your event setup or introduce the team during prep hours. |
| Event Highlight Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for event highlights using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a captivating photo. |
| Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting at an event or in the kitchen. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite dishes or suggestions for new menu items. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Client Spotlights | Highlight loyal clients with their favorite dishes. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience with your catering service. |
| Homemade Food Photos | Create attractive table settings using inexpensive items like tablecloths, napkins, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as composting or using local ingredients. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the kitchen prep work, such as chopping vegetables or plating dishes. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free catering service for a small event. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free appetizer platter. |
| Seasonal Dish Posts | Highlight seasonal ingredients and dishes using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the dish to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best catering services in the world!
There are catering services that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for catering services
Investing in high-quality social media content for your catering service can be a game-changer. Many catering businesses overlook this, giving you a golden opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a loyal client base.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Clients |
|---|---|
| Virtual Cooking Classes | Hosting live or recorded virtual cooking classes where your chefs teach viewers how to prepare your signature dishes can create a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Event Previews | Offering behind-the-scenes looks at your event setups, including kitchen prep and venue decoration, can provide a unique experience and entice potential clients to book your services. |
| Seasonal Menu Highlights | Creating buzz with seasonal or limited-time menu items can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat clients for special events. |
| Exclusive Tasting Events | Hosting exclusive tasting events where potential clients can sample your menu and interact with your chefs can create memorable experiences and word-of-mouth referrals. |
| AR Menu Integration | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your digital menus where clients can see a 3D representation of dishes can enhance the booking experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
| Themed Catering Packages | Offering themed catering packages, such as a tropical luau or a vintage tea party, can provide unique and immersive experiences, attracting clients for themed events and celebrations. |
| Food Challenge Contests | Organizing food challenge contests (e.g., a spicy food challenge) at events can create viral moments, attracting competitive eaters and spectators. |
| Collaborative Pop-Up Events | Partnering with other local chefs or catering services to host pop-up events can introduce your business to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your dishes, the farmers you source from, or the personal journey of your chefs can create an emotional connection with clients. |
| Interactive Menu Customization | Allowing clients to choose ingredients for a custom menu via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to book your services for their events. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as zero-waste catering or sustainable sourcing practices, can attract environmentally conscious clients and media attention. |
| Mobile Catering Services | Operating a mobile catering service at different locations or local events can expand your reach and attract new clients who may book your services for future events. |
| Recipe Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where clients receive monthly recipes and ingredient kits to recreate your catering dishes at home can create a loyal client base. |
| Immersive Culinary Workshops | Hosting workshops where clients can learn advanced cooking techniques from your chefs can attract food enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Catering Experiences | Organizing flash mob catering events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous clients looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for catering services on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many catering service providers make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new clients for your catering business.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Catering Services | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make your catering service appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your catered events, dishes, and team to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off potential clients. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, client testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with catering or events confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your catering services, food, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your catering service's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your catering positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on food, community, and your catering service's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate clients looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your clients and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your catering service can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential clients. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value client input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your catering service seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate clients and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for clients to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your catering service. |
Make your catering service more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best catering services in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your catering service
We understand that as a catering service owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a catering service are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for catering service owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your catering service. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small catering businesses on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your catering service's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your catering service's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your catering service could make more money!
Most catering service owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
