Creating a product catalogue is more than just putting a list of products together.

It’s about presenting your offerings in a way that is clear, engaging, and helpful to your customers. Let’s get into why product catalogues matter and how to make one that really works.

Why product catalogues are needed

A well-made catalogue makes it much easier for customers to see what you offer. Instead of searching through different pages or asking many questions, they can quickly find what they need in one place. This not only saves them time but also makes shopping more enjoyable. When customers see that you’ve organised your products and included all the details, they’re more likely to trust your business. Trust is important because it makes people feel comfortable buying from you.

Another great thing about a product catalogue is that it provides all the necessary information in one spot. You can include prices, descriptions, sizes, colours, and even customer reviews. This allows customers to make informed decisions without needing to look anywhere else. When they have all the information at their fingertips, they’re more likely to make a purchase.

They might even discover new items they hadn’t considered before. Plus, it’s easy to update the catalogue as your products change, keeping everything current and accurate. In the end, a product catalogue not only boosts sales but also promotes your brand in a clear and attractive way. It’s a bit of work upfront, but the benefits make it well worth it.

Step-by-step guide to creating a product catalogue

Step 1: Gather your product information

Start by collecting all the necessary information about your products. This includes product names, descriptions, prices, SKUs, sizes, and any other key details. High-quality images are essential, so invest time in getting good photographs of your products.

If available, gather customer reviews and ratings as well. Writing everything down in one place, like a spreadsheet, can make this process easier.

Step 2: Choose a format

Decide whether your catalogue will be digital, printed, or both. Each format has its own needs. A printed catalogue involves choices about paper quality and binding, while a digital one must be optimised for various devices. Digital catalogues can be easily shared online and quickly updated.

Printed catalogues can be handed out in stores, events, or mailed. Think about what will best suit your customers’ needs and your resources. This decision will guide your design and layout choices.

Step 3: Organise your products

Once you have all the information, the next step is to organise your products logically. Group similar items together—perhaps by type, range, or any other criteria that make sense for your business.

For example, if you’re selling clothes, you might want to divide them into sections like “Shirts,” “Pants,” and “Accessories.” This makes it easier for customers to navigate through the catalogue, almost like building a table of contents.

Step 4: Write clear descriptions

Your product descriptions need to be both informative and engaging. Explain what each product is, its features, and why someone would want to buy it. Focus on what each product does and why it’s useful. Avoid complicated words, and make sure your description answers any questions a customer might have. Simple and concise is best.

Step 5: Choose a design template

Select or create a design template that suits your branding. Make sure it’s clean and easy to navigate. Plenty of software programs and online tools offer free and paid templates perfect for product catalogues. Look for a design that allows you to display your product images and information clearly.

Step 6: Add your products to the template

Now it’s time to put everything together. Add your product names, descriptions, prices, and images to the template. Be consistent with fonts, colours, and style to give your catalogue a uniform look. Don’t clutter the pages; leave enough white space to make it easy on the eyes.

Step 7: Include contact and ordering information

Make it easy for customers to reach you and place orders. Include your contact details like phone number, email, and store address if you have one. Clearly explain how they can order products, and mention any return policies or guarantees.

Step 8: Review and edit

Before you consider your catalogue finished, review it carefully. Check for any spelling mistakes, ensure all the information is correct, and make sure the layout looks good. It’s often helpful to ask someone else to look it over too, as they might spot things you missed.

Step 9: Publish and share

For digital catalogues, make sure the file size isn’t too large. The goal is to make it easy for customers to download and share. If you’re printing, find a good printer and decide how you will distribute your catalogues. Keep a digital copy handy for easy updates.

Why most businesses use digital catalogues

Statistics show that digital catalogues are becoming increasingly popular. According to a recent study, over 70% of consumers prefer to browse catalogues online rather than in print.

This shift is largely due to the convenience and interactive features digital catalogues offer. Including cost-effectiveness long term, When you have new products or price changes, you can quickly make the updates without the need for reprinting.

Tips for creating a digital catalogue

• Use online tools: There are many user-friendly tools online that offer customizable templates. They can help you create a professional digital catalogue without much hassle.
• Optimise for mobile: Make sure your digital catalogue looks good on all devices, especially mobile phones. Many people will view it on their phones, so it needs to be easy to read and navigate.
• Interactive elements: Incorporate links, videos, and animations to make your catalogue more engaging. For example, you can link product names to their pages on your website for more details.
• Easy to share: Ensure your digital catalogue is in a format that’s easy to share, like PDF. This makes it simple for customers to download and spread the word.
• Regular updates: Keep your catalogue up-to-date with new products and price changes. Regular updates keep your catalogue current and useful for customers.

Developing a product catalogue is a thoughtful process that requires attention to detail. It’s valuable to keep the end goal in mind: making the shopping experience smoother and more delightful for your customers.

Remember, the better your catalogue meets your customers’ needs, the more likely they are to trust and engage with your business. These are just basic tips but you can have a look at more advanced tips for how to present your product catalogue to really create a catalogue that stands out.

Last remarks

Creating a product catalogue takes some effort, but it’s important to keep your main goal in mind: making shopping enjoyable and easy for your customers.

A well-organised and informative catalogue helps them find what they need quickly and without hassle. When your catalogue meets their needs, they’re more likely to trust and interact with your business.

So, as you work on creating your catalogue, always think about how it can make things better for your customers. This approach will help you build a useful tool that benefits both your customers and your business.

Onsight helps by letting you showcase your products in a visually-rich electronic catalogue, whether you’re visiting customers, attending trade shows, or allowing customers to access it remotely. It also lets you create sales quotes and orders directly within the B2B product catalogue app, simplifying the process. Interested in seeing how it all works? Sign up and try a free trial to explore the features and see how Onsight can support your catalogue creation and sales process