Hospitality needs marketing materials and a strategy for both online and offline presence, and there are some handy rules to follow.
Our Campaign Delivery Manager was the erstwhile Marketing Manager for an exclusive little hotel nestled in the countryside, and she shares some of her top points to consider when marketing a hospitality venue.
Get your brand in line and put it on your materials.
Try to print evergreen materials, as these will help you to reuse and save costs.
Keep your marketing materials cohesive with the same brand colours, designs and logos
Keep your core message upfront and centre. Those could be your special offer, your pricing, your availability, your awards.
Make sure to add something that makes you distinctive. In other words, what is it about your establishment that creates a unique experience? Do you have a speciality dish? A well-known chef or a keen interest in keeping things local. Perhaps you have the opportunity for private dining, exclusive use, outside catering, or speciality afternoon teas? Tell people what they can experience and you’re now offering something special.
“In terms of where to market, look at online ads, social media*, print ads, online voucher sites, guidebooks – particularly those where you can gain an accolade such as The Trencherman’s Guide, Sawdays, The Caterer Top 100 or The AA Rosettes. The National Pub And Bar Awards or Hospitality Awards are well worth an application. Also, never underestimate the prowess of a local award because those tend to get featured within your footfall area and can be a real boon.
If you are doing a great job, there is no reason not to apply for these, as they will give you some status and additional marketing, often for a small fee, but the prestige can be helpful.
*A note on influencer marketing – be wary of this, as not all influencers are made equal. Guests should pay for their experience and perhaps be invited back for a lavish affair if they have proved useful to the business. Remember it costs what it costs because it takes effort, money and experience. Giving it all away may hurt your margins and affect your long-term ability to thrive.
You will want to consider an approach that brings in customers and positively bathes them in your brand when they walk through the door. This can be done subtly and in a way that feels natural. In hospitality, it’s all about the experience. In print, it’s all about the finish, and that’s where we can help.”
You will want to consider an approach that brings in customers and positively bathes them in your brand when they walk through the door. This can be done subtly and in a way that feels natural. In hospitality, it’s all about the experience. In print, it’s all about the finish, and that’s where we can help.”
Hospitality printing plays a direct role in how customers experience your brand, from the moment they read a menu to the point they leave with takeaway packaging in hand.
Printed materials such as menus, signage, and promotional items are functional but they also influence perception, support service flow, and reinforce brand identity across every touchpoint. Choosing the right formats, materials, and finishes helps hospitality businesses create a consistent and practical customer experience.
In hospitality, the details people touch often matter just as much as the food or service they experience. A menu that feels considered, signage that’s easy to read at a glance, or packaging that carries your brand out into the street all shape how customers remember you.
Menus are one of the most frequently handled items in any venue, so the format needs to match how they’re used day to day.
Flat and folded menus work well for cafés, pubs, and casual dining, where simplicity and speed are key.
Booklet menus give you more room to tell a story, list a wider range of dishes, or include drinks and specials without crowding the page.
Durability is just as important. Waterproof and wipeable menus are designed for repeated handling, making them a practical choice for busy environments or outdoor seating areas.
Cleanliness is key, so be sure to print items that can be cleaned easily or replaced with ease, as nothing is so off-putting as a sticky menu.
Hospitality environments are fast-moving. Spills happen. Weather changes. Customers handle items constantly.
That’s where material choice matters. Synthetic stocks and laminated finishes help menus and signage last longer without losing their appearance. For short-term outdoor use, products like PVC banners and Foamex boards are built to temporarily withstand the elements while keeping messaging clear.
Balancing durability with cost is often the goal. Some items are designed to last, while others, like placemats or flyers, are intended for short-term use and quick turnover.
Not every venue needs large print runs. Seasonal menus, limited-time offers and testing new concepts all benefit from smaller quantities.
Being able to order short runs, whether that’s a handful of booklet menus or a small batch of tent cards, gives you more control. It also reduces waste when updates are frequent.
At the same time, larger runs remain cost-effective for core items that stay consistent over time.
Consistency across printed materials helps build recognition. Customers notice when menus, signage, packaging, and promotional materials feel connected.
This doesn’t require complex design. Clear use of your logo, colour palette, and typography is often enough to create a cohesive look. From loyalty cards and business cards to takeaway packaging, each item becomes part of a wider brand experience.
Packaging, in particular, extends that experience beyond your venue. A well-designed paper bag or cup continues to represent your business once it leaves the counter.
“In our hotel, we organised a lot of weddings, so we created print material for brides and grooms to take away with them. Printed folders adorned with our beautiful hotel and stuffed with information, alongside a business card with our personal details. After weddings, we would send thank-you cards printed with a hand-painted watercolour of the hotel to thank the guests. All on brand but all slightly different, moving from formal, practical information upfront to a fond memory keepsake after the event” – Kelly, Campaign Delivery Manager
Printed materials are also a practical way to support promotions and to drive footfall.
Flyers, window graphics, and A-boards can help attract attention locally. Loyalty cards encourage repeat visits. Event-specific print, such as menus or signage for pop-ups and festivals, helps maintain a professional and consistent presence even in temporary settings.
These tools work best when they are clear, easy to read, and aligned with your overall brand.
Not every business has in-house design expertise, and print shouldn’t be a barrier.
Having the option to upload your own artwork, use simple design tools, or work with a design team makes it easier to produce materials that look professional without slowing things down.
The focus stays on creating print that works in practice, rather than overcomplicating the process.
Hospitality printing is about supporting the way your business runs, from daily service to long-term growth.
Menus need to be clear and durable. Signage needs to be visible and reliable. Packaging and promotional materials should feel consistent with your brand.
When these elements are aligned, print becomes part of the experience rather than an afterthought. It helps customers move through your space with ease and leaves a lasting impression that goes beyond the table.
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