Running a food truck is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done, but getting noticed in a busy market wasn’t easy at first. When I started, I had great food, a solid truck, and a big dream. What I didn’t have was visibility. If people don’t know you exist, it doesn’t matter how good your food is — you won’t get the bookings you need. Over time, I learned that small, consistent changes can make a huge difference. These are the tips I used to get my food truck noticed and booked for weddings, corporate events, staff days, film shoots, and private parties across the UK and Ireland.
1. Opening a Google Business Profile
The very first step I took was setting up a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). It’s completely free and one of the most powerful tools for local businesses. By filling out my profile with photos, menus, opening hours, and service areas, I made sure my food truck could appear when people searched for terms like “food truck near me” or “hire a food truck Belfast.”
Google profiles work like a digital shop window. They appear on maps, in search results, and on mobile phones when people are looking for quick solutions. Without one, you’re almost invisible to potential customers. With one, you instantly increase your chances of being found by couples planning weddings, businesses organising staff events, or production teams looking for catering on set.
2. Collecting and Replying to Reviews
Once I had a Google Business Profile, the next step was collecting reviews. At every event, I encouraged people to leave feedback on Google or Facebook. Reviews are powerful because they build social proof. A five-star rating reassures couples planning their wedding that you’ll deliver on the big day. A detailed review from a corporate client gives other businesses confidence in your professionalism.
But it’s not just about collecting reviews — it’s about replying to them. I made a point of thanking every customer for their feedback, even if it was short. When people see you engaging with your clients, it shows that you care. It also gives you a chance to showcase your personality. Reviews (and your responses) became one of the most effective ways to build trust before people even spoke to me.
3. Making My Location Clear
One mistake I made early on was forgetting to highlight where I was based. People liked my posts but didn’t know if I was in London, Belfast, or Dublin. Once I fixed that by adding my base location to my Instagram bio and tagging locations in posts, enquiries doubled. People want to know if you can serve their area. Being clear about your location saves time and makes it easier for potential clients to reach out.
4. Using Professional Photos
Photos sell food trucks. Grainy mobile snaps might work for quick updates, but professional photography changed how my business was perceived. I invested in a local photographer to take shots of my truck, my food, and me serving at events. These photos became the backbone of my website, social media posts, and promotional materials.
When couples are planning a wedding or businesses are organising corporate catering, they’re judging based on first impressions. Sharp, professional photos make your food truck look like a premium option, even before they taste your food. That visual credibility gave me an edge over competitors who relied only on casual photos.
5. Building a Website
Another big step was building a simple website. It didn’t need to be complicated — just a few pages that explained who I was, what I offered, and how to book me. The website included:
- About page – My story, my values, and why I started the food truck.
- Menu page – Clear options, with notes on dietary choices.
- Gallery – Professional photos of the truck, food, and events.
- Contact form – A simple way to enquire and book.
My website also helped me appear in Google searches. For example, when people typed “hire a food truck Northern Ireland,” my site gave me a chance to rank. Without it, I would have been relying only on social media, which doesn’t deliver consistent enquiries.
6. Listing on Directories
If I could go back and change one thing, I would have listed on a dedicated food truck directory sooner. Directories put you in front of people who are actively searching for catering. They save potential clients from endless Googling or scrolling through Instagram. Being listed means you’re visible where it matters most — at the exact moment someone is ready to book.
When I finally understood this, I realised how many enquiries I’d missed early on. A directory could have driven traffic to my website and filled my calendar with bookings much faster.
7. Branding Matters: Logos and Design
A professional logo and consistent branding make a food truck memorable. I started with a DIY design but quickly learned that investing in a proper logo was worth it. It gave my truck, menus, and social media a polished look. People remembered the name and logo, and that recognition helped secure repeat bookings.
8. Being Active on Social Media (the Right Way)
Social media is still useful — but I stopped chasing likes and started using it strategically. Instead of posting randomly, I used Instagram and Facebook to highlight events, share behind-the-scenes moments, and direct people to my website or contact form. Likes don’t pay the bills, but posts that show you’re active, reliable, and professional can turn into enquiries.
9. Networking and Word of Mouth
Food trucks thrive on community. Every private hire I did was a chance to connect with guests, planners, and organisers. I handed out business cards, collected emails, and made sure people knew how to book me. Word of mouth is powerful, but only if you make it easy for people to share your details. The combination of networking and online presence multiplied my bookings year after year.
10. Consistency Wins
Finally, consistency made the biggest difference. I didn’t just set up a Google profile and forget about it. I updated it with new photos. I kept replying to reviews. I posted regularly on social media. I refreshed my website. Each small step built momentum until my food truck was not only noticed but regularly booked for weddings, corporate events, and more.
Summary
Getting a food truck noticed in the UK and Ireland isn’t about luck. It’s about being visible in the right places and showing potential clients that you’re professional, trustworthy, and worth hiring. For me, the biggest wins came from opening a Google Business Profile, collecting and replying to rev iews, making my location clear, investing in professional photos, building a website, and eventually listing on directories like Born & Raised Collective.
These small, free, or low-cost changes built my reputation and kept the bookings coming. If you’re starting your food truck journey, take it from me — don’t just wait for people to stumble across you on social media. Be found online, show up consistently, and watch your bookings grow.
