Corporate caterers who rely solely on referrals and local reputation are leaving serious revenue on the table. Video content cuts through the noise and lets potential clients see your food quality, team professionalism, and event execution before they pick up the phone. Here's how to build a video strategy that converts office managers and event planners into paying customers.
Why Video Works for Corporate Catering
Decision-makers at mid-sized and enterprise companies need proof before committing $3,000–$15,000+ for an office lunch or all-day conference catering. A polished 60-second video of your team plating charcuterie boards or setting up a buffet does more credibility work than three paragraphs of website copy. Video also ranks better in Google search results and gets shared more on LinkedIn—where your actual buyers are scrolling during their workday.
Shoot Short-Form "Day-in-the-Life" Content
The most effective videos for catering aren't heavily produced. Film your team prepping ingredients, assembling trays, and setting up an actual client event (with permission). Keep it to 45–90 seconds, shoot on your phone if you have decent lighting, and post to Instagram Reels, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Aim for one new short-form video every 1–2 weeks. Show different meal types—breakfast spreads, boxed lunches, cocktail hour appetizers—so viewers see the full range of what you offer. Include quick text overlays with the dish name or price point ($8–$12 per person for breakfast, $14–$18 for lunch).
Create Service Showcase Videos (2–3 Minutes)
Longer-form content performs well on YouTube and your website homepage. These videos should walk through a specific service: your corporate breakfast packages, dietary accommodation process, or on-site catering setup for events 100+ people.
Structure it simply:
- Introduce the service (30 seconds)
- Show real prep or setup footage (60 seconds)
- Highlight standout features or flexibility (30 seconds)
- Include clear call-to-action: "Book your next event—contact us for a free quote" (15 seconds)
Invest in basic editing software like CapCut or Adobe Premiere Elements ($20–$55/month). You don't need cinematic quality—clean, well-lit, and authentic beats polished and generic every time.
Leverage Testimonial and Case Study Videos
Recorded client testimonials are gold for corporate catering. Reach out to past clients and ask if they'll do a 30–60 second on-camera testimonial about their experience. Offer to film at their office or send them simple filming instructions.
Focus on:
- How your catering solved a specific problem (tight timeline, 50-person headcount increase, vegan-heavy dietary needs)
- The actual impact (employees raved, event ran smoothly, freed up their time)
- Recommendation (would they book again, why)
Even three strong testimonials staggered across your social media and website build serious trust with hesitant prospects.
Post-Event Recap Videos
After delivering a large corporate order, film a quick behind-the-scenes recap: your team loading the truck, an empty tray (proof it was eaten), a shot of the setup. Send this 30-second clip to the client directly—they'll often share it internally or on their company LinkedIn. It's great social proof and gives clients professional content to use themselves.
Distribution Strategy
Don't just upload and hope. Here's where your videos should live and how to use them:
- Instagram/TikTok: Post short-form content 1–2 times per week. Use hashtags like #corporatecatering, #officeevents, and location tags (#NYCCatering, etc.)
- LinkedIn: Share 60–90 second videos and testimonials 2–3 times per week. LinkedIn's algorithm favors video, and that's where corporate buyers hang out
- YouTube: Upload longer showcase videos; optimize titles and descriptions with keywords like "corporate catering near [city]"
- Website: Feature your best service video above the fold on your homepage and embed testimonials on service pages
- Email: Send case study videos to past clients and prospects who've requested quotes
Listing your catering business on Mercoly also ensures your videos and service details reach corporate buyers actively searching for caterers in your area—helping you win leads and close sales faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to produce a professional catering video? DIY videos on your phone cost nothing; basic editing software runs $20–$55/month. If you hire a local videographer for a half-day shoot, expect $500–$1,500 depending on your market.
Q: What should I avoid showing in catering videos? Skip messy prep work, visible food safety shortcuts, or unhappy team members. Keep the focus on finished plating, clean kitchens, and professional presentation.
Q: How often should I post video content? Post short-form content 1–2 times weekly on Instagram and TikTok, and 2–3 times weekly on LinkedIn. Longer videos can go monthly.
Start filming this week and commit to a 4-week test run—you'll see which video types drive the most inquiry calls.