📌 What to Fix Before 2026

Quality Content Checklist for Hospitality Marketers

Are your 2026 content standards high enough? Where are your quality gaps hiding, and what should you fix first to protect guest trust?

🌞 Hello and Welcome To Hospitality Marketing Insight, I’m your host, Dawn Gribble, and this week we’re exploring something that impacts how guests judge your brand before they ever walk through the door: the quality of the content you publish.

Every menu description, social post, and update to your Google profile influence how confident a guest feels about selecting you. When standards slip, trust does too. The industry has evolved, guest behaviour has changed, and the tolerance for unclear or inaccurate content has decreased significantly.

This edition gives you the structure you need to review your output with more confidence, correct the weak spots and raise the level of everything guests see.

📄 On the Menu this week - Your Quality Content Checklist covering

• 🏛️ Foundations

• 👀 Multi-Sensory Content

• 📱 Mobile-First Formatting

• 🌐 Social Media Channels

• 📰 Articles & Blogs

• ⭐ Google Business Profile

• 📣 Press Releases

• 📬 Newsletters

• ♿ Accessibility Standards

• ✅ Final Checklist

Let’s Check In ☕

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👉 The full breakdown is best read online. Continue reading here.

🏛️ Foundations

Before you get started, make sure the foundations are in place. These checks set the tone for everything that follows and prevent issues later in the process.

Brand Tone Check

Start by confirming the tone reflects your business and the experience guests expect. Use this quick filter:

Clarity

• Is the message easy to understand at first glance?

• Would a guest know immediately what you mean and what to do next?

Consistency

• Does the tone match how you speak on your website, menus, social posts and review replies?

• Are you avoiding sudden shifts (overly formal → overly casual)?

Operational realism

• Does the content reflect what you can genuinely deliver on-site?

• Are timings, offers and descriptions accurate for your service model?

Guest expectations

• Does the tone reassure, inform or guide — rather than overwhelm?

• Is the language aligned to the experience you actually provide (warm, helpful, confident, direct, etc.)?

No filler, no noise

• Remove clichés, verbosity, stock phrases and unnecessary adjectives.

• Every line should earn its place.

AI & Compliance Checks

Where AI has been used in drafting, editing or generating visuals, run the following checks to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness.

Hallucination Check

• Scan for any claim, stat, detail or process that AI may have invented.

• If you cannot confirm it quickly, remove or replace it.

Source Verification

• Ensure every fact, figure or technical detail has a source you can point to.

• Double-check anything regulatory, allergen-related or operational.

Bias Reduction

• Re-read for assumptions about guests, staff or sectors.

• Adjust anything that feels unbalanced, exclusionary or overly prescriptive.

AI Image Disclosure

• If imagery has been AI-generated or AI-enhanced, ensure it doesn’t misrepresent the venue, food or guest experience.

• Add disclosure where appropriate.

Readability Testing

• Run a skim pass: short paragraphs, clean spacing, clear hierarchy.

• Optional: read aloud — if you stumble, the guest will too.

Final Accuracy Pass

• Names, dates, prices, opening times, menu details and allergen notes must be checked manually.

• This is the point where most content errors happen.

With the foundations checked, the next step is to make sure the content engages the senses in a way that supports how people make decisions. This is especially important in hospitality, where visuals, sound and atmosphere all influence how guests interpret what they see.

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👀 Multi-Sensory Content

Digital content performs better when it reflects how people actually experience hospitality — through sight, sound, movement, texture and atmosphere. A multi-sensory check helps ensure what you publish feels inviting, accurate and true to the experience you deliver.

Use this section to confirm that your content supports the right sensory signals.

Sight

• Is the visual clear and easy to interpret at a glance?

• Are colours consistent with the atmosphere and style of your venue?

• Does the lighting feel natural and representative of real conditions?

• Are key details visible without zooming in (menus, signage, food texture)?

Sound

• If audio is included, is the sound clean, steady and free from sharp spikes?

• Have you removed any noises that could create discomfort (scraping, clattering, harsh cutlery, machinery)?

• Does the sound support the intended mood (calm, lively, warm, welcoming)?

• Have you checked for sudden loud moments that may affect noise-sensitive viewers?

Movement

• Do transitions feel smooth and intentional?

• Is movement used to guide attention, not overwhelm it?

• Have you avoided fast flashes or rapid cuts that may be uncomfortable for some viewers?

• Does any motion reflect how guests actually move through your space?

Texture & Tactile Cues

• Does the content highlight the right sensory expectations — crisp, cold, warm, soft, fresh, fragrant?

• Is the texture of the food or drink clear enough for guests to understand what they’ll experience?

• Have you avoided anything visually misleading or overly filtered?

Atmosphere

• Does the content convey the feeling of your space: relaxed, energetic, intimate, family-friendly, premium?

• Is the ambience representative of real service conditions?

• If you use background visuals or sound, do they reinforce the intended mood?

Overall Multi-Sensory Alignment

• Do all sensory elements support the same message?

• Would a prospective guest get an accurate sense of the experience from what they’re seeing and hearing?

• Is anything likely to be misinterpreted or feel inconsistent with the real venue?

If you want a clearer path through this, the VIP edition gives you a distilled priority list for 2026 and a downloadable PDF that highlights where to focus first.

Before publishing, the final foundation to check is how well the content works on mobile. Most guests will view your posts, menus and updates on their phones, so clarity and legibility here have a direct impact on engagement and conversions.

📱Mobile-First Formatting

Mobile viewing is now the default. If content isn’t readable, scannable or visually coherent on a small screen, important information will be lost — especially menu offers, opening hours and event details. Use this section to ensure everything holds up on mobile before you publish.

Readability

• Are the main text elements large enough to read without zooming?

• Is body text at least 16px equivalent?

• Are headings clearly separated from supporting text?

• Are paragraphs short, clean and easy to skim?

Menu Offer Legibility

• Can guests read the offer without pinching the screen?

• Is pricing clear and visually separated from descriptions?

• Have you avoided uploading menu images with tiny text?

• If text is in an image, is it crisp enough to remain legible on mobile?

Layout & Hierarchy

• Is the most important information placed near the top?

• Are spacing, line breaks and dividers used consistently?

• Are CTAs positioned clearly, with enough space around them to tap easily?

• Does the content flow logically on a narrow screen?

Images & Video

• Are images sized correctly for vertical viewing?

• Is any text in images readable on mobile preview?

• Does video avoid dense captions that become too small to read?

• Have you checked video framing so subjects aren’t cropped awkwardly?

Tap Targets & Interaction

• Are buttons or links large enough to tap without misclicks?

• If you’re using Stories, Reels or similar formats, are interactive elements placed away from edges where taps may be missed?

• Are swipe or tap cues visible and clear?

Device Testing

• Does the content display correctly on at least one standard iPhone and one standard Android screen size?

• If you’re using templates, do they adapt properly to smaller devices?

• Have you checked both light mode and dark mode?

Most content will reach guests on social platforms first, so the next step is to ensure your posts meet the standards required for visibility, clarity and trust across every channel.

🌐 Social Media Channels

Before breaking anything down by platform, each post should meet a core set of universal standards. These checks keep your content consistent, accessible and easy for guests to understand wherever they see it.

General Social Checklist

Relevance & Value

• Is the post genuinely useful, timely or relevant to your audience?

• Does it match what guests typically look for on that platform?

• Is the point clear within the first few seconds?

Clarity & Readability

• Is the text easy to skim?

• Are line breaks and spacing used effectively?

• Is the language direct and free from unnecessary filler?

Visual Consistency

• Are the visuals well-lit and representative of your venue?

• Are colours, fonts and styling consistent with your wider presence?

• Does everything remain readable on mobile?

Licensing & Permissions

• Do you have the rights to use the images, audio or footage?

• Have you avoided including guests without permission?

• Is the audio platform-safe and licensed?

Accessibility

• Is contrast clear and easy to read?

• Are captions added to video?

• Have you removed sudden loud sounds or uncomfortable audio?

• Is alt text added where possible?

Platform Fit

• Does the format align with how people use the platform?

• Is the length appropriate?

• Does the tone feel natural for that environment?

Accuracy & Trust

• Are all details correct (times, dates, prices, menu items)?

• Is anything ambiguous or open to misinterpretation?

• Does the content accurately reflect the real experience?

If you want steadier, more reliable social output, the VIP edition shows which accuracy checks matter most for 2026 and gives you the full checklist in a downloadable PDF.

🧵Threads

Purpose & Fit

• Is this best delivered as a short, clear statement or a brief thread?

• Is it something guests would understand quickly?

• Does it feel conversational rather than promotional?

Structure

• Is there one clear idea per post?

• If using multiple posts, are they ordered logically?

• Does the opening line set the context?

Tone

• Does it sound calm, human and straightforward?

• Have you avoided jargon and hype?

• Does it reflect how your business naturally communicates?

Visuals

• Is the image or video clean, uncluttered and relevant?

• Is any on-image text readable on mobile?

• Is the audio free from sharp spikes or distracting noises?

Engagement Intent

• Is there a natural reason for someone to save or share the post?

• Does it add something recognisable from real hospitality behaviour?

• Are you contributing to a conversation rather than broadcasting?

Accuracy & Trust

• Are all operational details correct?

• Could anything be misinterpreted if read quickly?

🎬 Instagram Reels

Purpose & Fit

• Does the Reel communicate its point quickly and clearly?

• Is it suited to short-form, visual-first storytelling?

Structure

• Is the opening moment strong enough to hold attention?

• Does the sequence flow smoothly?

• Is pacing steady rather than frantic?

Tone

• Does it feel warm, genuine and representative of your venue?

• Have you avoided filters or edits that distort reality?

Visual & Audio

• Is the lighting natural and clear?

• Is the audio clean, steady and free from sudden spikes?

• Are captions accurate and readable?

Engagement Intent

• Is there a reason to save or share it?

• Is the format purposeful rather than decorative?

Accuracy & Trust

• Does the content match what guests actually experience?

• Are colours, portions and ambience truthful?
  

If you want the full standards for Instagram grids, carousels and stories, the VIP edition includes dedicated pages in your downloadable PDF covering layout, pacing and visual consistency.

📌 Pinterest

Purpose & Fit

• Is this content evergreen, useful or visually informative?

• Does it match what guests search for (rooms, dishes, events, décor)?

Structure

• Is the pin clean and easy to interpret?

• Is any text large enough to read on mobile?

• Is the layout uncluttered?

Tone

• Does the style feel calm, inviting and aspirational?

• Is it clear rather than heavily stylised?

Visuals

• Is the photography high-quality and naturally lit?

• Are colours accurate?

• Are details easy to see without zooming?

SEO & Discoverability

• Does the title reflect common guest search terms?

• Is the description clear and useful?

• Does the link direct to the correct landing page?

Accuracy & Trust

• Are visuals representative of real conditions?

• Are menu or venue details correct?

🎵 TikTok

Purpose & Fit

• Is the idea simple and recognisable at a glance?

• Does it work in a natural, unforced style?

Structure

• Is the key moment placed early?

• Is pacing smooth?

• Have you avoided disorienting transitions?

Tone

• Does it feel authentic rather than staged?

• Is the language conversational?

Visual & Audio

• Is the audio stable and free from sharp spikes?

• Are captions added for clarity?

• Is the lighting natural?

Engagement Intent

• Will viewers recognise the scenario from a real hospitality experience?

• Is there a clear takeaway?

Accuracy & Trust

• Is everything operationally accurate?

• Does the content match what guests will experience?

👥 Facebook (Ads + Community Groups)

Purpose & Fit

• Is this post best suited to local reach, updates or group sharing?

• Does it offer clear, practical information?

Structure

• Is the message concise and easy to understand?

• Is the CTA straightforward and visible?

Tone

• Is it informative and steady?

• Is it aligned with the expectations of local audiences?

Visuals

• Is the image clear on mobile?

• Is any text readable without zooming?

Community Groups

• Is the post relevant to the group’s purpose?

• Is the tone respectful and non-promotional?

• Have you provided necessary context?

Ads

• Is the benefit clear immediately?

• Is the target audience correct?

• Is the format compliant with Facebook’s ad guidelines?

Accuracy & Trust

• Are all details correct and up to date?

✖️ X / Twitter

Purpose & Fit

• Is the update clear enough for fast-scrolling?

• Does it suit short, direct communication?

Structure

• Is there one idea per post?

• If threaded, is the order logical?

Tone

• Is the message calm and direct?

• Are you avoiding sensational or vague wording?

Visuals

• Are images crisp?

• Is on-image text readable?

Engagement Intent

• Does it add clarity, context or useful information?

Accuracy & Trust

• Are all operational details checked?

💼 LinkedIn

Purpose & Fit

• Does the post offer insight, clarity or useful information?

• Is it aligned with a professional audience?

Structure

• Are paragraphs short and readable?

• Is the opening line clear?

Tone

• Is it steady, informative and professional?

• Have you avoided unnecessary jargon?

Visuals

• Are images relevant and high-quality?

• Is any text readable on mobile?

Engagement Intent

• Does it offer a save-worthy takeaway?

Accuracy & Trust

• Are all facts, figures and operational statements accurate?
  
  

▶️ YouTube

Purpose & Fit

• Does the video have a clear purpose (walkthrough, explanation, behind-the-scenes)?

• Is the length appropriate?

Structure

• Is the introduction clear?

• Does the content flow logically?

• Is pacing steady?

Tone

• Is the delivery calm and clear?

• Is it helpful rather than promotional?

Visual & Audio

• Is the footage well-lit and stable?

• Is the audio balanced with no sudden spikes?

• Are captions accurate?

Engagement Intent

• Does the video provide a clear takeaway or next step?

Accuracy & Trust

• Is the portrayal of space and service accurate?

• Is everything factually correct?

With the social channels covered, the next step is to ensure that your longer-form content meets the same standards of clarity, accuracy and accessibility. Articles and blogs often carry more detail, so the checks here focus on structure, trust and search visibility.

📰 Articles & Blogs

Longer-form content carries more detail and often shapes how guests understand your expertise. These checks help ensure articles and blogs stay clear, accurate and easy to navigate, while meeting the technical requirements for search visibility.

Structure & Readability

• Is the article easy to read and understand on the first pass?

• Are paragraphs short enough to skim on mobile?

• Is the headline clear, descriptive and aligned with the main point?

• Does the introduction set accurate expectations for what follows?

Accuracy & Trust

• Have all facts, figures and claims been checked?

• Are sources credible, current and verifiable?

• Does the content avoid exaggeration or overclaiming?

• Is the information operationally correct for your venue?

AI Optimisation

• Have you checked for hallucinations or invented details?

• Are quotations, stats and specifics verified manually?

• Has any AI-generated phrasing been edited for clarity and tone?

• If AI imagery is used, is it disclosed and representative?

Search Visibility

• Does the article match a clear search intent?

• Are headings, subheadings and structure easy for search engines to interpret?

• Is metadata complete and accurate?

• Have you used semantic search terms naturally, without forcing keywords?

• Is schema markup in place where relevant?

• Are internal links added to guide readers to related content?

• Have you used entity linking to reinforce context?

Hospitality Clarity

• Is the content grounded in realistic guest behaviour and operational practice?

• Are descriptions of food, drink, rooms or experiences accurate to what you deliver?

• Does the language avoid over-styling or embellishment?

• Would a guest feel the article reflects the real experience on-site?
  

If you want clearer direction before publishing, the VIP edition highlights the article checks that have the biggest impact in 2026 and provides the full guide as a PDF you can work from.

Alongside your website and social channels, your Google Business Profile is often the first place guests check for practical information. Keeping it accurate, clear and accessible has a direct impact on visibility and booking confidence.

⭐ Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is often the first place guests check before making a decision. Keeping it accurate, clear and accessible ensures they get the right information quickly and with confidence.

Accuracy & Essential Information

• Are your opening hours correct for the current season, holidays and service patterns?

• Is your address, phone number, website and booking link accurate?

• Are menus, offers and event details up to date?

• Are any temporary changes clearly stated?

Categories & Attributes

• Have you selected the most accurate primary category for your business?

• Are secondary categories relevant and useful?

• Have you added attributes that matter to guests (dietary options, accessibility, amenities, atmosphere)?

Photos & Visuals

• Are your photos current, clear and representative of real experience?

• Are images uploaded in high quality without heavy filters?

• Have you removed outdated or inaccurate visuals?

• Are file names descriptive and easy to understand (e.g., “Menu_Winter2026.pdf”) rather than generic?

Accessibility

• Is text within uploaded images readable on mobile without zooming?

• Is colour contrast clear in menu images?

• Do any uploaded videos avoid sudden loud noises or uncomfortable audio?

• Is alt text provided where supported?

Reviews & Guest Interaction

• Are you responding to reviews consistently and professionally?

• Are replies clear, calm and helpful for future guests reading them?

• Have you addressed repeated themes or questions raised by guests?

• Are you monitoring Q&A and providing accurate information?

Menu & Document Uploads

• Is your menu easy to read on mobile?

• Are PDFs formatted for clarity rather than large, dense text blocks?

• Have you checked that no essential information becomes too small when viewed on a phone?

• Are allergen details and dish descriptions accurate?

Local Ranking & Visibility

• Are you updating your profile regularly with posts or timely information?

• Have you included location-specific details guests may search for?

• Are you avoiding keyword stuffing while still being descriptive?

• Does the profile reflect what guests actually experience on-site?

If you want confidence in what to adjust first, the VIP edition outlines the ranking factors to focus on in early 2026 and includes the complete checklist as a downloadable PDF.

Clear communication also matters when speaking to the press. These checks help ensure your press releases are accurate, relevant and easy for journalists to work with.

📣 Press Releases

Press releases need to be clear, accurate and easy for journalists to use. These checks help ensure the information you provide is relevant, trustworthy and aligned with how the media works.

Purpose & Fit

• Does this announcement warrant a press release rather than a social update or newsletter mention?

• Is the angle clear and relevant to the journalist’s audience?

• Have you provided enough context for someone unfamiliar with your business?

Relationship Context

• Do you have an existing relationship with this journalist?

• If yes, is the tone appropriately direct and informed?

• If no, have you provided the necessary background without being repetitive?

Structure & Clarity

• Is the headline clear, factual and easy to understand?

• Does the first paragraph summarise the key point without embellishment?

• Is the information ordered logically and free from filler?

• Are quotes positioned where they add clarity rather than noise?

Accuracy & Verification

• Are names, dates, prices and operational details correct?

• Have all factual statements been checked manually?

• Have you avoided any claims that cannot be verified?

Visuals & Attachments

• Are any images relevant, high quality and correctly labelled?

• Are files named clearly for journalists to identify quickly?

• Is everything compressed appropriately without losing clarity?

Accessibility

• Is the layout clean and easy to read on mobile?

• Is contrast clear in any embedded visuals?

• Are links, attachments or media easy to open and view?

• Have you avoided dense formatting or heavy blocks of text?

Distribution & Follow-Up

• Are you sending it to journalists who cover this topic or sector?

• Have you checked their recent work to ensure fit and relevance?

• Is there a clear contact for follow-up questions?

If you want clearer judgement on what matters most before you send a release, the VIP edition lays out the priority checks for 2026 and gives you the full guide in a PDF format.

📬 Newsletters

Newsletters carry more detail than most other formats, so they need to be clear, accurate and easy to read on every device. These checks help ensure the information is reliable and accessible for every guest

Deliverability

• Are DKIM, SPF and DMARC correctly configured?

• Do images load quickly?

• Do links work across devices?

• Does the email render properly in major clients?

Mobile Layout

• Is text readable without zooming?

• Are headings clear and distinct?

• Are menu offers or pricing blocks legible on mobile?

• Is spacing consistent?

Structure & Readability

• Is the hierarchy easy to follow?

• Are paragraphs short enough to skim?

• Is the CTA visible and clear?

• Is the preview text accurate?

Accessibility

• Are images labelled where possible?

• Is colour contrast strong enough?

• Are captions provided for embedded video?

• Is essential information available as text rather than image-only?

Accuracy & Trust

• Are dates, times, prices and links correct?

• Is all information current?

• Does the content reflect real service conditions?

With newsletters covered, the next step is to make sure your content is fully accessible for every guest.

♿ Accessibility Standards

Accessibility ensures every guest can understand and engage with your content. These checks help you identify issues that may affect clarity, comfort or usability.

Visual Accessibility

• Is there clear contrast between text and background?

• Is all text large enough to read on mobile without zooming?

• Are images free from heavy filters that distort colour or clarity?

• Is any on-image text readable on a small screen?

Screen Reader Compatibility

• Is alt text added where supported?

• Are headings structured in a logical order?

• Have you avoided decorative text that screen readers cannot interpret?

Motion & Visual Comfort

• Have you avoided flashing visuals or rapid transitions?

• Is movement smooth rather than disorienting?

• Is the content comfortable for guests sensitive to motion?

Audio Accessibility

• Are captions included on all video content?

• Is the audio balanced without sudden loud spikes?

• Have you removed uncomfortable “ick factor” sounds such as scraping or clatter?

• Does the content avoid sudden noises that may cause discomfort?

Cognitive Clarity

• Is the layout simple and easy to follow?

• Are instructions or CTAs unambiguous?

• Are long paragraphs broken into manageable sections?

Practical Usability

• Are links and buttons easy to tap on mobile?

• Are tap targets large enough to select without error?

• Are downloadable files clearly labelled and sized appropriately?

With the core sections complete, the final step is to bring everything together in one clear summary you can use as a quick reference before publishing.

If you want a structured way to improve accessibility, the VIP edition sets out the checks to focus on first in 2026 and includes a downloadable PDF for easier team-wide use.

✅ Final Summary Checklist

Hospitality is fast-paced, and some days you only have time for a quick check before publishing. This final section highlights the essentials to review when you need a clear, reliable snapshot of quality in the shortest possible time.

Overall Clarity

• Is the main message immediately understandable?

• Does the content reflect what guests will actually experience?

• Is the tone consistent, steady and aligned with your business?

Accuracy

• Are all dates, times, prices and menu details correct?

• Are links working and pointing to the right place?

• Has any AI-generated content been checked for errors?

Readability

• Is the layout clean and easy to skim?

• Are headings, spacing and structure clear?

• Is the key information placed near the top?

Mobile Experience

• Is all text readable without zooming?

• Are images and offers clear on a small screen?

• Are buttons and links easy to tap?

Accessibility

• Is contrast strong and colours readable?

• Are captions and alt text included where possible?

• Have you avoided sudden loud sounds or uncomfortable audio?

Visual & Audio Quality

• Are images representative and free from distortions?

• Is audio balanced and stable?

• Are videos smooth and comfortable to watch?

Platform Fit

• Does the format match the platform’s strengths?

• Is the length appropriate?

• Does the tone make sense for where it’s being shared?

Final Confidence Check

• Would a guest understand this clearly on the first read?

• Does it feel aligned with your standards?

• Is it ready to publish without further clarification?

📅 Coming Up in Thursday’s VIP Edition

As you reach the end of this edition, I hope you can see how much clarity you have earned, how many blind spots you have closed and how much stronger your decision-making becomes when every part of your marketing is held to a higher standard. You now have a clearer sense of what to prioritise, what to repair and what to elevate, and that confidence carries forward into every guest interaction and every piece of work you publish.

Thanks for coming, and I’ll have a fresh serving of insights ready for your next visit.

All the best
Dawn Gribble MIH MCIM
Hospitality Marketing Insight
Here’s to Your Success 🥂

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❓ Got a question about this issue?

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