Let’s be honest. Most caterers treat marketing like a potluck - random, last-minute, and mostly guesswork.
But if you’re using CaterZen's catering software, you’ve got a secret weapon your competitors aren’t using: built-in CRM segmentation and email campaigns that let you target smarter, market faster, and sell more - without needing a marketing degree.
Even better? We’re just getting started.
But first, let’s look at five CRM campaign strategies you can run right now using CaterZen’s existing filters—plus a sneak peek at what’s just around the corner.
5 Email Marketing Campaigns for Growing Catering Sales
Let’s explore some simple but powerful email campaigns you can launch right now using CaterZen’s CRM tools. These aren’t pie-in-the-sky ideas—these are real, actionable campaigns designed to help you drive more catering orders, reconnect with warm leads, and stay top-of-mind with your best customers.
No fluff. No fancy funnels. Just smart, targeted messages sent to the right people at the right time.
1. The “Niche Hit List” Campaign (Using CRM Groups)
Most people group their customers into boring buckets: “Catering Clients,” “Companies,” or worse, “Everyone.”
That’s not how you win.
Use CRM Groups in CaterZen to tag your contacts based on real-world, revenue-driving categories. Beyond segmenting your contacts into valuable groups like pharmaceutical reps, schools or law firms, try these outside-the-box ideas:
- Administrative Assistants Club – They book the meetings. They order the food.
- Repeat Monday Clients – Great for exclusive early-week promos.
- Gluten-Free Fans – Send them menus tailored to their dietary preferences.
Once your Groups are set, you can easily send a bulk email to just that segment—perfect for promotions, loyalty offers, or seasonal menus.
2. The “Holiday Hijack” Campaign (Menu-Based Filtering)
One of the best features in CaterZen’s current email marketing setup? The ability to send emails to clients who ordered from specific menus.
Here’s how you use it:
If someone ordered your Holiday Catering Menu last year, target them this year with a promotional campaign, like:
- “Book Early, Save Big” Thanksgiving promo
- “Let Us Handle the Office Party” December offer
You already know they buy for that event. You’re just staying one step ahead.
Pro Tip: Queue these campaigns early and set auto-send dates so they go out even if you’re knee-deep in stuffing and sweet potatoes.
Plus, we offer customizable email templates for various holidays and occasions, ready for you to use with a single click. Just choose your group, tweak the message, and you’re done.
3. The “Prospect Push” Campaign (Target Non-Buyers)
Got a list of folks in your CRM who asked for a quote or started an order in your online ordering portal… but never placed an order?
Don’t let them rot in your database.
CaterZen lets you target prospects - people with email addresses but no orders. This is your chance to:
- Send a re-introduction offer (“We noticed you haven’t ordered yet—here’s 10% off your first event.”)
- Promote a sample drop-off
- Invite them to a “Lunch & Learn” tasting
4. The “Monthly VIP Newsletter”
Want to stay top-of-mind without being annoying? A monthly newsletter is your jam.
Use CaterZen’s drag-and-drop email builder to send short, visual updates that:
- Announce new catering packages
- Highlight upcoming calendar-worthy events (e.g., Teacher Appreciation Week, graduation season)
- Share client testimonials or behind-the-scenes peeks at your kitchen
5. The “All-Star Feedback Ask” Campaign
This one’s subtle but powerful.
Use CaterZen to target clients you know had a great experience - maybe those who rebooked or ordered multiple times.
Send a simple email:
“Hey [First Name], you’ve been one of our best clients, and we’re so grateful. If you’ve got a second, would you mind leaving us a quick review on Google?”
Turn your best clients into your marketing team.
What’s Coming Soon: More Firepower at Your Fingertips
While everything above is ready to roll today, here’s a peek at what’s coming up with our big CRM upgrades (and yes, it’s going to be a game-changer):
✅ 1. Advanced Audience Filtering
You’ll soon be able to build precise marketing lists using filters like order frequency, total spend, quote status, event types, and more.
✅ 2. Automated Email Sequences
Think “HubSpot Lite” for caterers. Send a series of templated emails to warm up prospects or stay in touch post-event—without lifting a finger after setup.
✅ 3. 1-to-1 Email Templates
You’ll be able to access branded templates for one-off emails that still feel personal but look pro - think quote follow-ups, birthday offers, or quick check-ins.
We’ll be covering all of this in detail soon, so stay tuned.
Ready to Leave Lazy Marketing Behind?
You’ve already got the contacts. Now it’s time to put them to use.
👉 Already a CaterZen client? Book a training session and we’ll walk you through setting up your first high-impact email campaign—live and hands-on.
👉 Not using CaterZen yet? Start your free trial or book a "Non-Demo" Demo and see how easy it is to target the right clients, send better emails, and grow your catering sales.
Whether you’re looking to save time, boost bookings, or finally run the kind of marketing your competitors are too lazy to do, CaterZen’s CRM and email tools make it simple.
Let’s turn your contacts into customers.
