How to Get More Local Clients Without Spending Money on Ads (NZ Guide for Catering & Bartending)
Whether you’re a caterer or bartender in New Zealand, growing your client base without spending on ads might seem tricky, but it’s absolutely doable. With smart strategies that fit the Kiwi market, you can build your reputation locally and keep your calendar full. This guide shares 10 practical and no-cost tips tailored for catering and bartending professionals hoping to attract more local clients.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Claim Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile helps put your catering or bartending service front and centre when locals search for “caterer near me Wellington” or “hire bartender Auckland.”
Fill out your profile completely with services, areas served, business hours, and photos from recent events. Regularly encourage happy clients to leave reviews mentioning the type of event and location.
A Christchurch caterer saw a notable increase in event enquiries after updating their profile with localised reviews and fresh food photos.
2. Join Local Facebook & Community Groups
Kiwi folks turn to Facebook groups and Neighbourly for trusted local recommendations-whether it’s for wedding catering or a private party bartender.
Participate by offering helpful advice, sharing behind-the-scenes snaps, and gently mentioning your services when relevant. Being useful without pushing sales goes a long way.
Groups like “Auckland Wedding Plans,” “Wellington Event Ideas,” or local suburb pages are ideal spots to connect.
3. List on NZ Catering Directories
Appear in trusted directories such as Yada, Eventfinda, and Yellow.co.nz, where locals regularly search for caterers and bartenders.
Create detailed, alluring profiles showcasing menus, bar setups, and testimonials to attract the right clients.
A Tauranga bartender attributes a steady stream of bookings to their presence across local business directories.
4. Use Yada to Respond to Local Jobs
Yada connects local specialists with clients needing catering and bartending services, making it easy to find gigs without paying fees.
Your rating and communication skills help grow your visibility and access to more job posts.
One Wellington caterer highlighted Yada as critical in securing consistent local event work.
5. Collect Client Reviews and Referrals
In New Zealand’s community-minded culture, rave reviews and personal referrals are invaluable.
After events, ask clients to share quick testimonials or refer you to friends, perhaps offering a small thank-you discount.
A Christchurch bartender boosted bookings by 35% after actively soliciting and displaying positive client feedback.
6. Show Your Work on Social Media
Share snaps and videos of your food displays, cocktail setups, or event action to show potential clients what you offer.
Use local hashtags like #NZCatering or #AucklandEvents to draw nearby viewers.
An Auckland caterer gained new event leads by posting before-and-after venue shots and menu previews.
7. Partner with Local Event Vendors
Build relationships with venues, photographers, and event planners to get mutual referrals and create bundled offerings.
An example is a Hamilton bartender collaborating with a local florist and photographer to provide all-in-one packages.
Offer to guest post tips on partners’ platforms for wider exposure.
8. Distribute Flyers on Community Boards
Use noticeboards in cafes, community centres, and supermarkets to reach everyday Kiwis offline.
Design eye-catching flyers with clear contact info, service highlights, and appealing photos.
A Nelson caterer found flyer placements led to numerous bookings around busier seasons like Christmas.
9. Host Tasting Events or Demonstrations
Offer low-cost or free tasting sessions or cocktail demos to build buzz and display your skills.
Advertise in local groups and community spaces to attract attendees who could become customers.
A Wellington catering company’s monthly demo nights have become a reliable source of recurring clients.
10. Stay Organised and Communicative
Managing multiple events means clear scheduling, booking confirmations, and prompt client updates are vital.
Use tools like Yada’s internal chat to keep client communications secure and organised.
Professionalism in communication and reliability earns repeat business and glowing reviews essential in Kiwi networks.