New Year Sequence for Caterers Email Guide
Why New Year Sequence Emails Fail for Caterers (And How to Fix Them)
Another New Year approaches. Are you facing the same old catering challenges, or are you ready for a different story?
Many caterers find themselves caught in a cycle of reacting to bookings rather than proactively shaping their business. The end of the year often brings a flurry of activity, leaving little time to plan for strategic growth.
But what if you could turn that reactive energy into focused momentum? A well-crafted New Year sequence isn't just about sending emails; it's about guiding your clients through a journey of reflection, vision, and decisive action.
The templates below are designed to help you connect deeply with your audience, positioning your services as the essential solutions for their upcoming year of events.
The Complete 4-Email New Year Sequence for Caterers
As a caterer, your clients trust your recommendations. This 4-email sequence helps you introduce valuable tools without sounding like a salesperson.
The Reflection
Help them review the past year and identify gaps
Hi [First Name],
The holiday rush is settling, and a new year is almost here. Before you 2024 bookings, let's take a moment.
Think back over the past year. Were there events you wished you'd landed?
Projects that felt like they drained more than they gave? Moments when you knew you deserved more for your culinary craft?
Many caterers find themselves repeating cycles, hoping for different results without a clear plan. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, forgetting to pause and evaluate what truly worked and what held you back.
This isn't about dwelling on what went wrong. It's about clarity.
What would it mean for your business if you could identify those gaps now, before the next wave of inquiries hits? Consider what changes you need to make to ensure next year tells a different, more profitable story for your catering services.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses cognitive dissonance. By highlighting the gap between where they are and where they want to be, you create internal tension that drives action. It prompts self-reflection without judgment, making the reader receptive to solutions.
The Vision
Paint a picture of what their next year could look like
Hi [First Name],
What if next year wasn't just 'busier', but better? What if every event felt like a true success, both creatively and financially?
Picture your calendar filled with clients who value your expertise, not just your price. Imagine your team executing flawlessly, your kitchen running efficiently, and your profits reflecting the true quality of your service.
This isn't a fantasy. It's what happens when you move beyond reactive booking and start proactively shaping your future.
When you define your ideal client, refine your menus, and improve your operational flow. Think about the peace of mind that comes with a clear strategy, knowing exactly how to attract the right events and deliver an unforgettable experience every single time.
A clear vision acts as your compass, guiding every decision from menu development to marketing efforts, ensuring your catering business moves in the direction you choose.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email employs future pacing and positive visualization. By painting a vivid picture of a desirable future, it taps into the reader's aspirations and creates a strong emotional connection to the idea of positive change, making them eager to learn how to achieve it.
The Fresh Start
Present your offer as the catalyst for change
Hi [First Name],
That vision of a perfectly planned catering year? It doesn't happen by accident.
It happens with intention, and with the right solutions guiding you. For many caterers, the biggest hurdle isn't talent; it's structure.
It's having the systems in place to turn ambition into consistent, profitable results. That's why I'm excited to share [PRODUCT NAME]. [PRODUCT NAME] isn't just another tool; it's designed to help you simplify client proposals, manage event logistics with ease, and track profitability for each service, ensuring every effort contributes to your bottom line.
Imagine having a clear roadmap for your New Year. From attracting your ideal clients to delivering exceptional experiences and maximizing your income, [PRODUCT NAME] provides the framework.
This is your chance to stop reacting and start orchestrating your success. Let this be the year you build the catering business you've always envisioned.
Find out how [PRODUCT NAME] can transform your New Year →
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email transitions from problem awareness to solution. It uses the principle of 'problem-solution' by first acknowledging a common pain point (lack of structure) and then immediately introducing [PRODUCT NAME] as the direct, tangible answer. This creates a sense of relief and hope.
The Momentum
Create urgency before New Year motivation fades
Hi [First Name],
How many New Year resolutions have you seen fizzle out by February? Great intentions are powerful, but consistent action is what truly changes your business.
The excitement of a fresh start is potent right now. You have clarity from reflecting on last year, and a vivid vision for the next.
This is the moment to act, before the daily grind pulls you back into old habits. We've opened enrollment for [PRODUCT NAME] to help caterers just like you to seize this unique window of opportunity.
It's designed to keep your momentum going, turning those initial plans into lasting results. To help you make the most of this critical time, we're offering a special bonus: a personalized 30-minute strategy call to tailor [PRODUCT NAME] to your specific catering goals, for those who get started by January 15th.
Don't let this New Year be another 'almost'. Secure your path to a more organized, profitable, and fulfilling catering year now.
This offer closes soon. Claim your New Year advantage with [PRODUCT NAME] →
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses urgency and loss aversion. By reminding the reader of the common tendency for New Year motivation to wane, it creates a psychological pressure to act now. The limited-time bonus adds scarcity, making the offer more attractive and prompting immediate decision-making before the opportunity is gone.
4 New Year Sequence Mistakes Caterers Make
| Don't Do This | Do This Instead |
|---|---|
✕ Underpricing services to win bids, leading to burnout and reduced profitability. | Clearly define your value proposition and confidently charge what your quality, expertise, and unique culinary experiences are truly worth. |
✕ Trying to cater to every single client request, diluting your brand and overextending your team. | Focus on your ideal client profile and specialize in the types of events and cuisine that truly excite you, align with your brand, and maximize your profit margins. |
✕ Neglecting post-event follow-up and client feedback, missing opportunities for repeat business and valuable insights. | Implement a structured follow-up process to gather testimonials, encourage repeat bookings, and proactively identify areas for service and operational improvement. |
✕ Relying solely on word-of-mouth for new business, which can lead to inconsistent booking cycles. | Diversify your marketing efforts with a clear strategy, including a strong online presence, active networking within the event industry, and targeted outreach to potential clients. |
New Year Sequence Timing Guide for Caterers
When you send matters as much as what you send.
The Reflection
Help them review the past year and identify gaps
The Vision
Paint a picture of what their next year could look like
The Fresh Start
Present your offer as the catalyst for change
The Momentum
Create urgency before New Year motivation fades
Start the last week of December, peak on January 1st.
Customize New Year Sequence for Your Caterer Specialty
Adapt these templates for your specific industry.
Beginners
- Focus on building a strong portfolio with diverse, high-quality photos that showcase your culinary range and presentation.
- Start with a clear, limited menu to perfect your offerings, simplify kitchen operations, and manage inventory effectively.
- Network actively with local event planners, venues, and other vendors to gain experience and secure initial referrals.
Intermediate Practitioners
- Develop specialized menus or unique event experiences to differentiate your brand and attract higher-value clients.
- Invest in refining your client onboarding and communication processes for smoother event planning and enhanced client satisfaction.
- Analyze past event profitability to identify your most lucrative services and adjust pricing or package offerings accordingly.
Advanced Professionals
- Explore strategic partnerships with luxury brands, high-end venues, or exclusive event agencies to expand your market reach.
- Mentor junior chefs or offer consulting services to position yourself as an industry leader and thought innovator.
- Implement advanced inventory management and waste reduction strategies across all operations to significantly boost profit margins.
Industry Specialists
- Deepen your niche by creating highly specific, branded packages that resonate directly with your target audience (e.g., sustainable catering, cultural fusion events).
- Become the undeniable go-to expert in your specialty through targeted content creation, speaking engagements, and thought leadership within your specific segment.
- Forge exclusive partnerships within your specific industry segment, such as collaborating with vegan-friendly venues or corporate event planners specializing in tech conferences.
Ready to Save Hours?
You now have everything: 4 complete email templates, the psychology behind each one, when to send them, common mistakes to avoid, and how to customize for your niche. Writing this from scratch would take you 4-6 hours. Or...
Get Your Caterers Emails Written In Under 5 Minutes.
You've got the blueprints. Now get them built. Answer a few questions about your caterers offer and get all 7 emails written for you. Your voice. Your offer. Ready to send.
Stop guessing what to write. These are the emails that sell caterers offers.
One-time payment. No subscription. Credits valid 12 months.