Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 1: Create your own product catalog
• Tips

Creating a product catalog is an effective way to expand your customer base and provide customers with all the unique products your company has to offer. The catalog gives the opportunity to get acquainted with your products for those customers who will never visit your store. The sooner you learn what needs to be included in your catalog and how to arrange it in a convenient and presentable way, the faster you can turn it into an effective advertising tool for your products.

Steps

Method 1 of 1: Create your own product catalog

1. 1 Collect information. Make sure you have all the ingredients to get started with your design. The information you need to create a catalog should include product images, product listing, and product features. Other information will be useful, for example, information about the company, customer reviews, any other information that will help your customers make the right decisions.
2. 2 Make product images visually appealing. You may want to use your own images to save money, but if you are not a professional photographer, it is better to hire a professional to photograph your products. The photographs of your products are one of the most important aspects of a catalog, which is what customers will see first. An attractive product image will encourage customers to read the description and hopefully make a purchase.
   • If you have the skill and ability to photograph and you have a digital camera, set the camera to maximum resolution and take photos, following these rules: photograph each product individually, do not take photos of the product group against a light background, add shadows. To make the products look clearly on the page, upload them in a resolution of at least 300 dpi.
3. 3 Know the specifics of your products. Before posting product descriptions, you should know all the technical specifications of each product. You can specify item numbers and prices, including starting and discounted prices. You can also describe some of the benefits of your product. You may want to write about any little thing that will characterize your product, but you only need to give such information that will help the client make the right decision. However, for more detailed information about the product, you can invite the client to visit your site.
4. 4 Choose the optimal size for your catalog. You should choose a convenient size for your catalog when it is closed. Regardless of where it will be used, whether on the plane or on the desktop in the waiting room, the catalog should be of a convenient size. Your customers shouldn't get nervous about an overly large catalog or get annoyed with a catalog that is too small. They must clearly see images and product information.
5. 5 Determine the required number of pages. Your catalog should be large enough to provide clients with all the information they need, but short enough to keep the reader interested and not burden the reader with unnecessary details. Don't forget the table of contents, full page product posters, and additional information pages such as company history.
   • Make sure the pagination is correct. You can specify data for a quick search of your site, addresses and phone numbers, placing them on two pages (spread). You can include company phone numbers in the lower right corner of each page, and your website address in the lower left, or vice versa.You can also place this information on the top or bottom of the cover.
   • Remember to provide 4 pages for the printing company. 4 pages will be printed completely (2 front and 2 back).
6. 6 Write a description of the products. Each description should be short, within 50-150 words. If you want to describe the features of a product, be sure to display several benefits in each position. And don't forget about the basic functions. For example, note that golf gloves are a must-have for regular golfers, and also importantly, golfers will be able to progress to a higher level of play (side benefit). They will help customers to make the right choice of items, where in the description you will indicate the price for weight or dimensions.
   • If you need extra help writing, hire a copywriter.
7. 7 Write additional information. When you write, use short, easy-to-read sentences and paragraphs, and avoid excessive use of technical terms. Each section of the catalog should have a cover or introductory page that shows the person what products will be discussed in the section, and gives brief information about the benefits of this product category. The catalog can include a short history of your company so that your readers feel more comfortable exploring your products.
   • You need to create an order form if you will be accepting orders by fax or mail.
8. 8 Organize your content. You need to plan the content of each page. Make sure similar products are placed together. In addition, you must place related products next to each other. For example, if you are selling high-end men's shoes, you can place shoe spoons nearby to help keep the shoes in good condition for a long time. Looking at such a page, customers will know that they are buying great shoes. It's also a great way to tell customers that they can make purchases they never thought of.
   • When processing the contents of the catalog, you will not only have to create sections for products, but also an introductory part at the beginning of the book, training sections, you can include articles, as well as a section for describing the procedure for return and warranty information. You can distribute articles in the catalog in such a way that when buying your products, customers receive consumer information.
   • Make sure the typography and typography used will not interfere with the client. You should make them as easy as possible to find a specific section by color-coding the top, bottom, or side of the pages of each section.
9. 9 Use quality content. Work out the content for the added 4 pages. These content should be effective and support your catalog's goal of selling products. Your company's history may be revealed there, which will generate additional loyalty among customers when purchasing your products. You can also post customer reviews and guarantees. Do everything that can interest the client and help your company get back on its feet.
10. 10 Create an effective cover. The first thing your potential customers will see is the cover. It can set the stage for the success or failure of your catalog. If the cover does not grab attention, the catalog may end up in the trash can before the customer opens it. Modernize the design, display promotions and discounts, and post stunning images - all of which help to develop consumer interest for scrolling through the pages. In the event that the catalog is seasonal in nature, it is necessary to use a theme that corresponds to the season or the upcoming holidays.
11. 11 Think over the design of the order form. While it can be quite tedious to create an order form, keep in mind that a customer might opt ​​out of purchasing this one-of-a-kind lamp because the order form is too confusing. A customer service number will give customers the ability to contact you if they find themselves in difficulty. The perforated address form greatly simplifies the order of mailing for customers. Do not forget about the need for such an option when delivery must be organized to two customer addresses. If your customers wish to order goods via the Internet, you must familiarize them with this option as well.
12. 12 Create a layout original. It is important to create a mockup of your product catalog before you order hundreds of catalogs and realize that you have made some organizational or visible mistakes. This process will keep you from wasting time re-layout your pages and give you an idea of ​​what your directory will look like. If you are looking for a graphic background design, bring in a professional to find the best way to display your pages in your directory.
    • You will need to discuss the budget, the printing devices you plan to use, the different ordering forms, the images you want to use. Once you or your graphic design expert have selected the components you want, you need to determine how to lay out the information and place the maximum number of products on the page that will not interfere with each other.
    • You can use shapes or other placeholders to place images that you will use later. When everything is ready, you can use real customers to check the catalog and get suggestions and feedback from potential buyers before you start printing.
13. 13 Print the catalog. If your catalog is only 4 pages long, you can try to print it yourself. Professional printing takes less time and delivers quality results. Plus, when printing for a commercial firm, you don't have to worry about issues such as page layout (page order) and page creep (outer pages get shorter than inner pages when put together). Printing shops will also be able to use a much stronger binding material. Some printing companies even provide postage services for your convenience. Just find a print shop you can trust with reasonable prices and professional quality.

Tips

• Avoid templates that often limit creativity and uniqueness.
• There are many other factors to consider when creating catalogs. They differ from postcards and brochures in that they contain better quality reference materials than past marketing publications.