If you've never built a catalog before, it can seem complicated. With the right approach it isn't. Here's a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Gather your product data

Start with a product list. For each item, define: exact name, product code, price, minimum order quantity and a short description. If you have many products, put this in an Excel file so it can be imported all at once later.

Step 2: Prepare good photos

Photos are the most important part of a catalog:

• Use natural or evenly diffused light.
• Keep the background plain, ideally white.
• Shoot every product from the same angle and aspect ratio.
• Use at least 1000×1000 pixels so print quality holds up.

Step 3: Write effective descriptions

Descriptions should be short, precise and benefit-focused. Instead of "high quality product", give real specifications: material, dimensions, capacity, warranty. Professional buyers want information, not adjectives.

Step 4: Choose a layout and template

The template should suit your industry. Industrial products work better with clean, technical layouts; apparel and cosmetics suit image-led designs.

Step 5: Export and distribute

Produce two versions: a PDF for WhatsApp and printing, and a web version to share as a link. The web version has the advantage that customers can search within it.

Mistakes to avoid

Overcrowding pages with text, using low-quality or inconsistently sized images, forgetting contact details, and omitting product codes are the most common errors.