1. Determine how often and when you will be sending your print catalog. Knowing how often you will need to update your catalog will give you a guideline for planning your catalog printing process.
2. Decide what size you need and also the page count. You may want to go with a standard 8.5x5.5 size or something more unique. Once you have determined your size, then a choose the page count based on the layout of the product. You do not want the pages to be too crowded so make sure that you choose a count that is appropriate for the amount of information you will include.
3. Choose whether or not you will use color throughout. The most appealing catalogs are those that are colorful rather than black and white, so if you are sending your catalog to new customers you will definitely want to design with color.
4. The paper you choose can be either glossy for uncoated. A glossy paper is more durable but an uncoated paper is less expensive. Determine which is more important to you. You will also need to decide if your cover will be the same as the inside pages or different.
5. Make sure that the photographs of products are professional. Blurry or pixilated images will discourage consumers from buying your products. Also, use only individual photographs as this is more appealing to viewers.
6. Write descriptions for each product making sure to keep it simple. Assign item numbers and prices to each product as well. Use only two or three different font styles and sizes to avoid clutter.
7. Lay out each page with the most appealing products in the corners as this is where readers look first. Align the text and images logically and consistently for greater readability.
8. Include an order form as this can increase sales up to 20%. Often, the order form is a mailable brochure stapled in the center of the catalog.
Since catalog printing is such a large task, you may want to enlist the help of a professional design team. If this is what you decide to do, check with your catalog printing company as they may have a team available for your use.
For comments and inquiries about the article visit:
Designing Catalogs, Print Catalog