Outlining is crucial in creating a catalog. Before laying out your design, gather and
organize
your content from the front cover to the back. Your content should include images, products, services,
company
information, testimonials, table of contents, contact information, and more. A well-structured outline
ensures
that
every element aligns with your intended purpose, making it easier to manage your catalog's content.
Front Cover
Your catalog’s cover is the first thing your audience will see and will be the deciding
factor
for
your
readers to either engage with it or toss it aside. Like magazines,
the
cover
of
your catalog should be eye-catching and persuasive enough to entice your audience to pick it up and flip
through
the
pages.
To create an effective catalog cover, you need to carefully consider the design elements you will use and the messaging. Make sure to include your brand’s name, vibrant colors, and imagery that aligns with your brand’s identity, as well as intriguing language that speaks to your target audience.
Table of Contents
No matter the size of your catalog, a table of contents or index is essential in helping your
readers
navigate through its pages.
A well-crafted table of contents will show your audience that you value their time and
interests.
It
serves as a roadmap that guides them to the pages that are most relevant to their needs, making the
catalog
browsing
experience more enjoyable. By including a user-friendly table of contents, you can enhance your readers’
engagement
with your catalog thus driving more sales and revenue.
Introduction Pages
Catalogs are like books; they tell a story and help introduce your readers to your brand and
its
message.
An introduction is an essential component of any good book, and it is no different for catalogs.
For catalogs selling and listing products or services, the introduction pages are a perfect
place
to
include advertisements and promotions to excite the reader for what is to come in the next pages. For
informational
catalogs and other types of catalogs, these pages can also act as
advertising
space,
but that might not always be the best option. In this case, the introduction pages are the perfect place
to
include
a summary about your brand or any intriguing content that grabs the reader's attention and moves it
further.
Main Content
To create the main content section of your catalog, it's important to identify the key
products,
services, or company details you want to showcase. Begin by determining the main categories or themes
you
want
to
focus on and gather all the necessary information, such as descriptions, product specifications, and
images.
You
can
also gather additional content, such as case studies, testimonials, or paid ads.
As you gather your content, plan out the flow of your pages. Each page should emphasize the
content
or
products that you want to prioritize, so your audience can easily engage with them. To provide an
organized
and
efficient experience, segment your pages and content based on your table of contents.
Final Pages
The final pages of your catalog are where you can tie everything together to create a lasting
impression
on your audience. You can use this space to strengthen your brand image and remind your readers of why
they
engaged
with your catalog in the first place. Including customer reviews or stories about your company is a
great
way to
build trust or you could use this space to provide contact information, your website details, or social
media
handles to encourage further engagement with your brand.
Guide For How to Order
Catalogs are
a
great
way
for shoppers to discover new products and make informed purchasing decisions from the comfort of their
own
homes.
While order forms that are mailed in have become less common in catalogs, they can still be useful tools
for
some
readers who may not be tech-savvy. Even if you choose to include an order form, be sure to include a
website
URL
or
QR code on the last page of your catalog. This will make it easy for readers to visit your website to
learn
more
or
place an order online. Plus, a recent survey showed that 60% of shoppers who received a catalog visited the website of the company
that
sent
the
catalog. So, it’s important that you make it as easy as possible for readers to navigate to your website
from
your
catalog.
Back Cover
While the front cover is important for grabbing the attention of your audience, the back
cover of
your
catalog is equally important for providing a great first impression. When gathering the content for the
back
cover,
consider including information and design elements that complement the front cover and provide insight
into
the
products or services inside.