Last updated: February 5th, 2025
Have you ever flipped through printed catalogs and wanted to see more details about a specific product – maybe some images from different angles or further details about a product’s materials? I know I did, and I was kind of disappointed that I couldn’t be easily redirected to a website and buy the product in just a few seconds.
Don’t get me wrong. Printed product catalogs are great. However, as e-commerce platforms continuously rise and buying behaviors evolve, digital product catalogs have become valuable marketing assets to most retail and wholesale industry giants.
So, in this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to make a catalog online that will help you reach a wider audience, give customers a better shopping experience, and, ultimately, increase your sales.
All this sounds exciting, right? Let’s go through every detail of product catalogs.
But first, a quick recap, in case you need it –
A digital product catalog is an online version of a product catalog that showcases a company’s products. It can be in different shapes and sizes and is typically accessible through websites, PDFs, or specialized platforms. However, its main goal is to help users interact with product information, such as pricing or material.
Usually, the companies that create digital product catalogs activate mostly online; that’s why it can also be called an e-commerce product catalog.
In the past, product catalogues were only considered to be delivered as printed PDFs. But today, with the help of online catalog makers, B2B and B2C sellers can reach their customers more quickly and cost-effectively.
The entire shopping experience has been dramatically improved since the appearance of digital product catalogues, also known as flipbooks, because of their page-flipping effect.
Customers can grab their laptops, tablets, or smartphones, check their inboxes, and get easy access to the digital catalog in just a few seconds. Moreover, they can immediately purchase products as online product catalogs create shoppable experiences as they have links, buy buttons, price tags, and so much more. We’ll get into that a bit later.
Through an e-catalog, your clients are always just a few clicks away from browsing through its pages and purchasing your products.
You can realize what this means for your business, right? More sales possibilities! But let me give you more proof of the great benefits digital catalogs can offer your business.
Truth be told, there are many advantages to having an online product catalog. Probably the most important one is that creating a product catalog online is cost-effective. This is extremely helpful for small businesses that otherwise would create product catalogs in programs like Adobe InDesign and pay for hundreds of printed catalog copies.
Let’s see some other benefits of making a catalog for your online products:
And these are only a few benefits of digital catalogs.
Let’s not forget how substantially environmentally friendly digital materials are. More and more brands consider this factor when preparing their materials before planning a marketing campaign. Being environmentally conscious is the new must for brands wanting to win their customers’ trust.
When creating a product catalog online, you can showcase the entire product library and make it easily accessible to your customers by adding shopping features that also boost your sales.
If you wonder what those interactive elements are, below is a product catalog example you can flip through and see what a digital catalog looks like:
Notice the product videos, buy buttons, price tags, and social media buttons? We wanted to show you this product catalog example to understand how it can bring you closer to your audience (we’ll see more examples in a minute).
Now, before moving on to the part where we show you how to make a catalogue, let’s see what elements you need to include in it:
Now, let’s take them individually and see what details you should keep in mind when learning how to make a product catalog.
The front cover of any digital product catalog should have an eye-catching design. It’s the first thing your customers see when they receive your email with the digital catalog. And if the front cover doesn’t entice them from the beginning, your audience might lose interest. Cover design mistakes can be costly.
Pick the right products for your front cover and pair them with eye-catching headlines and fun, engaging copy to spark curiosity.
Running a promotion? Highlight it right on the cover and guide readers to the details inside to help drive sales. And don’t forget: professional, high-quality images make a huge difference. If hiring a photographer isn’t an option, try taking photos in natural daylight for bright, stunning results.
Get your audience excited to see what your brand has to offer.
Including a table of contents isn’t a must, but it’s a smart move that even big brands still follow, so why shouldn’t you?
The table of contents informs the clients what the product catalog contains, allows them to find the products they’re interested in, and makes browsing easier. For digital catalogs, you can even add clickable buttons to take readers straight to the right page, like in the example below.
Creating a professional product catalog online involves a few key elements, but don’t worry, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make one that grabs people’s attention and keeps your audience hooked.
Just like the previous element, this one is not a must-have, but if you like to give customers a little information about your business, products, or services, here’s your chance. The introduction is usually just a page where the brand can briefly describe the overall product catalog purpose.
For instance, if it’s a promotional edition for the upcoming holidays, then you can mention that in the intro. Stores like cvaley, a fashion and cosmetics brand, use seasonal catalogs to engage their customers with the latest trends and products. If you have items on sale for a limited time, let your customers know that.
Remember that you can also add calls to action and redirect links to the promotion on your website. Doing this provides an easy and accessible shopping experience for your customers.
The content pages are where your products come to life. Include details like descriptions, images, videos, prices, and shopping buttons. This is your chance to get creative with colors, fonts, and layouts, but always stay true to your branding.
Your branding kit (logo, colors, typography, etc.) isn’t just for your website or social media. It should shine through in your product catalog, too. A consistent look builds trust and makes your catalog feel professional.
Don’t forget to sprinkle call-to-action buttons throughout the catalog. These guide your customers, encourage purchases, and ultimately boost your sales. And if you’re including videos, try embedding short product demos or testimonials. These are an excellent way to engage and convert your audience.
The back cover usually has the website link and the brand’s social media platforms. It can also have contact details like email, address, phone number, state, and so on.
Most brands keep this page simple and let the contact details stand out more so that people know how to reach the brand if they need more information.
So there you have it. You only need a few ingredients to make online product catalogues awesome.
And now, let’s see how to make a catalog online using Flipsnack.
Catalogs have a long history, and while they’ve evolved, they still play a powerful role in shaping the online shopping experience. A well-designed catalog complete with stunning images, engaging product descriptions, and even a touch of humor when appropriate can captivate customers and leave a lasting impression.
Ready to create your own? Let’s dive into the steps for creating an online product catalog that stands out.
Before creating a product catalog, be clear about its purpose and who it’s for. Is it to attract new customers, assist your sales team, or support retail partners? Understanding your audience helps you tailor the catalog’s tone, style, and features to meet their needs.
Most product catalogs are between 8.5″ x 11″ and 9″ x 12″, or 816 x 1056 to 864 x 1152 pixels. While these are standard sizes, you can adjust them based on your design goals. Catalogs typically range from 4 to 64 pages, depending on the scope of your offerings.
If these technical details feel overwhelming, don’t stress. Flipsnack makes it easy to get started.
You can upload a PDF or use a professional product catalog template. These product catalog templates save time and deliver polished designs, even if you’re not a pro. They ensure elements like balance, colors, and margins, creating a visually appealing and functional catalog.
Templates are the preferred choice nowadays, and it makes sense. Just think about all the WordPress or Wix pages out there. People with no coding experience got the chance to create their websites without turning to a web developer.
Now, you can notice how much thought is put into creating a template, so when you want to create a product catalog online, you should definitely consider starting with a template. Also, using Flipsnack as a content creation tool means you don’t have to hire a designer to create a product catalog for you.
High-quality photos are non-negotiable. They show your products at their best, set you apart from competitors, and appeal to your audience’s visual instincts. Hire a professional photographer if possible because they’ll know the right lighting, angles, and details to highlight.
💡Tip: Use lifestyle images to show your products in action or in real-world settings. They make a stronger emotional connection than standalone product shots. Just like in the image below.
Unsurprisingly, brands invest millions of dollars in commercials because they understand this principle: profits require investing. One of the best investments for your product catalog is to equip it with otherworldly product photography.
Pair your stunning photos with compelling, concise product catalog copy. Focus on key details like features, benefits, and unique selling points. Don’t overdo it, as your text should complement the images, not compete with them.
You can get inspired by others who wrote descriptions or use a product descriptions generator, but make sure to edit it and make it your own. For digital catalogs, use product tags to include extra details like prices, discounts, or links to purchase without crowding the page.
Your catalog is an extension of your brand. So when people flip through your product catalog, they must recognize it’s yours.
This means you need to add your brand identity to product catalogs. Logo, custom fonts, colors, and fullscreen URLs must be considered personal characteristics intended to set you apart.
Recognize that IKEA catalogs from a million? Then you know what I mean.
Respect the brand book guidelines you already have established for your business and let your audience easily recognize your style among your competition. Also, make sure you have brand consistency throughout the entire product catalog design.
💡Tip: Stick to your brand’s color palette and adjust hues or saturation as needed. Avoid cluttering your design with too many colors.
One of the biggest benefits of having an online product catalog is being able to incorporate a shopping list.
This feature makes everything easier for both the buyer and seller.
With Flipsnack, you can let customers add items to a digital list, download it as a PDF, or share it with the seller. Include overlays with product details like price, description, and ID for a seamless experience.
Additionally, using the shopping list feature gives you the opportunity to add extra details to your product in an overlay. This is completely optional, but when the customers click on the item they want more details on, the overlay will pop up. Here, you can add a product description, the price, the currency, and more.
You can add all of this information without having to clog up your product catalog. This is an easy way to keep the design aesthetically pleasing while giving the customer everything they need to make a purchase decision.
💡Tip: Be as descriptive as possible when using the product overlay. Add a clear title and product ID to the item to keep things nice and organized. This will maximize the catalog’s selling power by arming your customers with all the necessary details.
So far, you’ve found out the basics of creating a product catalog; the final step is to make sure as many people as possible get the chance to see it.
You can distribute your catalog in many ways, via direct email, social media, or even embed it on your website. The thing with catalogs is that you want a wide reach. So, take advantage of all the different methods available and reveal your product catalog to everyone.
There are much easier ways to share a PDF document online that are much more engaging and inspirational than downloading every scrollable catalog.
💡Tip: Generate a QR code for your catalog and display it in stores for quick, easy access. You can also create a GIF version to share on social media for added engagement.
Well, it’s been a wonderful ride! You’ve learned how to create a catalogue, and as you can see, it’s not rocket science. The benefits, though? They’re game-changing. A well-designed product catalog can elevate your sales and leave a lasting impression on your customers.
So, what’s stopping you? Start designing your product catalog today and give your audience an unforgettable shopping experience.
Start by defining your catalog’s purpose and target audience. Use a design tool like Flipsnack to create a professional layout, either from scratch or by customizing a template. Add high-quality images, concise product descriptions, and call-to-action buttons. Don’t forget to follow your brand’s style guide for consistency. Once your catalog is ready, share it digitally or in print.
1. Keep it clean: Use a simple, uncluttered layout with plenty of white space to let your products shine.
2. Balance text and visuals: Avoid overwhelming readers with too much text; let high-quality images do the talking.
3. Stick to your branding: Use your brand’s fonts, colors, and logo consistently.
4. Ensure readability: Choose easy-to-read fonts and maintain a clear hierarchy of information.
5. Use professional photography: Highlight your products with high-resolution, well-lit images.
6. Add interactive elements: Include links, shopping buttons, or videos to engage your audience in digital catalogs.
Digital catalog analytics provide insights into customer behavior, like most viewed pages, clicks, and time spent on specific products. Use these statistics to refine your content, rearrange product placements, and prioritize high-performing products. Tools like Flipsnack also allow integration with Google Analytics and Tag Manager for deeper insights into engagement. Adjust designs and calls to action based on these metrics to create more effective catalogs that resonate with your audience.
1. Share your catalog on social media platforms with engaging captions and visuals.
2. Include it in email newsletters or promotional campaigns.
3. Embed it on your website’s homepage or product pages for easy access.
4. Optimize your catalog for SEO to attract organic traffic.
5. Use QR codes on print materials to drive people to your digital catalog.
6. Partner with influencers or other brands to expand your reach.
7. Create short videos or GIFs showcasing your catalog and share them across social media.
1. Use relevant keywords in your catalog titles, descriptions, and metadata.
2. Ensure your catalog is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.
3. Incorporate high-quality images with optimized alt text.
4. Add clickable links to improve navigation and increase time spent on the catalog.
5. Include social sharing buttons to encourage wider distribution.
6. Regularly update your catalog to keep content fresh and appealing to search engines.
Focus on usability and engagement. Use a clean design with clear navigation, add interactive features like shopping buttons, and provide high-quality content with compelling visuals. Share the catalog widely and ensure it’s accessible on multiple devices, including mobile phones and tablets.
You should update your product catalog whenever there are changes to your product offerings, pricing, or promotions. For most businesses, a seasonal update (every 3–4 months) works well, especially if you launch new collections or adjust prices regularly. However, if your business is fast-paced, like fashion or tech, more frequent updates may be necessary. For digital catalogs, updating is quick and cost-effective, so don’t hesitate to refresh content as needed to keep it relevant and engaging for your audience.
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