What are good ways to advertise my catering business i am trying to form?

You can use the site www.pixelsinthetown.com, you can advertise your services in the zone "Restaurants/Food", there are some free places.

Word of mouth. Period. I have a friend who did the same thing and had no intention of ever actually starting a business. Now, because of 1 free party with some rave reviews from the attendees she is booked through the rest of the year and is making money hand-over-fist. Bottom line? Leverage your friends, family and former clients. If you have worked weddings and other major functions already then you've got a leg up. You can also hook up with local realtors/business people and offer to cater some of their client meetings at a discount for the extra exposure. Never underestimate how good it will make somebody look to perspective clients to have a beautifully catered spread at their meeting! Business cards. Get them. Make them POP! I use these guys www.M13graphics.com. (And notice there is no affiliate link, I honestly like and use this company) You don't need a website right now, but you will. Budget about $1500 for it. Get photos and testimonials from former clients. In a few short months that will be what drives your business. Above all: DO NOT WASTE MONEY ADVERTISING IN THE YELLOW PAGES OR NEWS PAPERS!!!!! Sorry for the shouting, but I get a bit carried away by that subject. Using either of these forms of advertising will expend money you could be using on other much more valuable business-building ventures... like flushing $100's down the toilet. Focus on the presentation and flavor of your food, passively work the crowd when you are working… and always have a simple, yet catchy business card ready to present when somebody asks "Wow, this Swedish Meatball is amazing... do you do Bar mitzvahs?"

It sounds like you already have experience to build upon. I suggest creating a few case studies based on the "weddings and other major functions" you have already catered. Take the time to speak with your previous customers and get some feedback on how your catering helped enhance their event. Use that feedback and develop a more detailed explaination of your catering efforts in relation to a each wedding or event. Submit the case studies as press releases and/or advertising articles to the local media. Testimonials and case studies are great ways to influence potential customers and establish credibility.

I've been in direct marketing for many years, and I think you might want to consider doing a mailing to your area and tell your prosepects what you're doing, what your best dishes are and maybe invite them to a local library or office to taste test them. When we were in NY hiring caterers for parties, the owners brought over several goodies for my staff and I to taste. One lady was outstanding and we use her service for many years.

◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊ 35 yrs ex in adv I sold Yellow Pages for 25 years and had many successful caterers in my directory. They have ads for every budget and your local rep can help you design an ad for free. When people have a need, they go there first. You'll want an ad under "Wedding services" as well. Also, you might want to print a simple brochure describing your services and place it with every hotel or resort in your area. Also, many companies hold local events so be sure to contact the largest in your area. Finally, put together a website with great pictures of your products. Link that to the local on-line Yellow Pages as well. Good luck. ◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊

Depending on what market you are in, maybe try to hook up with a wedding/event coordinator. A lot of times they have a list of options for their clients to go through, or just use themselves. Just starting out you will need to piggy back off of other businesses until you grow to the point of others piggy backing off of you!

Your target audience is well off consumers and businesses. I'd try a small billboard on a busy commuter highway leading to upscale neighborhoods. It's expensive. Hopefully after your catering business is established you can thrive on word of mouth. You gotta spend money to make money. Edit: iman w is a paid poster for revivemybusiness.con.

Advertise in the phone book, provide brochures to halls and other locations where people hold events and try to get contracts, get booths at local events like fairs or at the flea market so people can taste the food and remember you.

If you are just starting a catering business I strongly advise you visit the site below. You they offer great methods and ways to grow a business.