Elevate Your Brand: Creating a High-Quality Catalog for Your Small Business

It can seem like everything these days is digital: shopping (Amazon), networking (LinkedIn), and entertainment (Netflix). But even when digital seems dominant, what we can hold in our hands has staying power. A high-quality catalog or brochure is more than just a collection of products—it offers the chance to tell the story of your business. In this article, we will look at why investing in professional design layout and printing can make or break your catalog. We’ll also cover the key elements to focus on when creating a high-quality catalog.

Why catalogs still matter

Catalogs are not just relics of a pre-Internet era; catalogs give your customers an experience they cannot find online. With a catalog you can offer your customers:

• Connection. Holding a catalog and flipping through the pages provides a tangible, tactile experience. Many people enjoy perusing catalogs; they may even have beloved memories or an emotional tie to the experience. Putting your catalog in their hands connects that positive feeling to your business.
• Brand identity. A catalog is another extension of your brand and another opportunity to get your business’ message across. The visual experience of seeing your brand colors, typography, images, and copy will communicate your brand to the customer in a fresh but consistent way with your digital marketing.
• Professionalism. A professional company that makes beautiful catalogs stands out in today’s world. A catalog shows confidence in investing in your brand and creating an intentional connection with your customer.
• Staying power. Printed items like catalogs have a staying power that lasts longer than an online ad or email. Customers can simply scroll past your ad (out of sight, out of mind) or delete the email without even glancing at it. Catalogs are more likely to stay on counters and coffee tables, inviting the customer to pause and engage longer or more frequently than they would online.  

Creating a high-quality catalog design

Want to create a high-quality catalog but aren’t sure where to start? Follow these steps for success.

• Know your audience. Identifying who your target audience is will help to clearly define your goals and creative approach. Start with what your customers need or want and match your copy and images to this.
• Consistency. Always be consistent with your branding. Make sure your logo, color scheme, typography, and images match all of your other marketing materials.
• Organize your information. A catalog invites a customer to peruse your brand’s products or services—make sure your information is laid out in a way that makes sense and gives customers a clear next step to take.
• Use high-quality images. Customers who read your catalog will be seeing your images up close and for longer periods of time than they would online. Be sure to use high resolution images that print crisply and present your brand or products well.

Work with a professional printer

The final ingredient to creating an excellent catalog is to partner with a professional printer who will produce a catalog that accurately represents your business. Here’s what you need to know.

• Discuss your specific needs. Quantity, paper stock, offset or digital printing, binding and finishes—feeling lost? A professional printer will also be able to advise you on the best choices to match your goals and budget.
• Prepare your files. You will want to send files that are in the correct format, color mode, and correct resolutions. Your printer can give you guidelines and help you through the process to ensure you get the best results.
• Request and review a proof. A proof gives you the chance to make any changes you want before your bulk order is printed and sent out to customers. This will make a huge difference in quality.

High-quality catalogs are a powerful marketing tool for businesses even in a digital world. They have a staying power and provide a unique and personal experience for your customers.

Looking to do business with an expert marketing and printing company that can do it all, including catalogs? It’s easy to get started with AlphaGraphics Wood Dale. Simply send us a file to get a quote or call us for more information on your project. Need more help? Learn more about our print services. At AlphaGraphics Wood Dale, we provide great choices at great prices. Remember, a free quote is just a click away. Or give us a call at 630-595-6800. We are conveniently located at 165 Hansen Court, Suite 111 in Wood Dale.

AlphaGraphics Wood Dale is proud to be recognized as the “Regional Center of the Year”, Great Lakes, 2022, for the best-run business in the Great Lakes Region—awarded by the entire AlphaGraphics network. We want to thank our amazing community for supporting our business—you continually inspire us to be our best.