Your e-commerce glossary

All the terms you need to know to succeed in modern e-commerce, explained simply and clearly.

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What is Catalog?

A catalog (or catalogue) is a structured collection of products or services available for purchase, typically presented online or in print

Explanation

In the e-commerce context, a catalog is a digital or printed document that showcases the products or services a business offers, complete with details like images, descriptions, prices, and specifications. It serves as a reference for customers to browse, select, and learn about available items before making a purchase. Shopify merchants often use catalogs to highlight product collections and boost sales.

Importance

  • Enhanced Shopping Experience: Offers customers a clear overview of available products.
  • Efficient Product Discovery: Helps customers find specific items through categorized layouts.
  • Brand Presentation: Provides an opportunity to showcase brand identity and product variety.
  • Marketing Tool: Used in campaigns to attract and engage potential buyers.

How It Works

  • Product Compilation: Gather product details, images, and specifications to include in the catalog.
  • Organization: Categorize products into logical groups (e.g., by type, collection, or promotion).
  • Design: Use catalog-building tools or apps to create visually appealing layouts.
  • Publication: Share catalogs digitally on websites, social media, or via email, or print them for offline distribution.
  • Updates: Keep catalogs updated with the latest product information and availability.

Benefits

  • Improved Visibility: Highlights products and collections in a cohesive format.
  • Increased Conversions: Simplifies the customer journey by providing all necessary product information.
  • Cross-Selling Opportunities: Promotes related products within the catalog.
  • Flexibility: Supports both digital and print formats for broader reach.

Top Shopify Apps for Catalog Creation:

Abandoned Cart Recovery
B2B Catalog & Linesheet Maker

- Creates stunning digital catalogs with drag-and-drop functionality.

- Enables merchants to share catalogs across multiple platforms.

- Includes interactive features like clickable links for seamless shopping.

Abandoned Cart Recovery
Catalog Maker by Now in Store

- Automates the creation of professional product catalogs.

- Offers customizable templates for personalized branding.

- Updates catalogs automatically with inventory changes.