Catalogs, digital or printed; play a crucial role in bringing customers online. Nowadays, businesses require a good catalog design that fits into the changing marketing environment, targets the intended audience, and makes the products and services stand out. Here are some pro tips to help you make a good catalog design:

Identify the Purpose Before You Start

You should plan your catalog from the perspective of your potential clients. Ask them to define the objectives for which they will require a catalog. Examine your current brochure in the light of known facts to figure out if it serves the purpose well. A brief from your clients can help you figure out exactly what your catalog is trying to achieve. In a nutshell, your catalog must be functional with an intuitive design yet appealing with a modern layout and high paper quality.

Limit Your Fonts

You do not require multiple fonts to create an impressive design. People primarily use different fonts for headlines and body text. However, design experts recommend using one or two font families. Do not mix typefaces. You can create an impressive layout with two or three fonts using different styles like bold and italic to harmonize the flow of content. Use consistent fonts for different sections of the text.

Use Quality Paper Stock

Consider using quality paper stock. You can use uncoated paper or apply various types of glossy and non-glossy finish to complete the design. The idea is to select the right paper stock that works best for your business. You can use flexible paper that is easy to carry or a rigid cardstock that is more durable. Get your first copy, right. Experiment with the first version to check if it needs reworking.

Put Your Readers First

Your catalog design must reflect the perspective of your readers. It is a reflection of how your customers view your brand. Keep the end purpose in mind while designing your catalog. Are you making the catalog on request by a client? Are you designing it as a giveaway gift at an exhibition? Are you going to print it as a leave-behind brochure? What impression will the readers get when they open up your catalog? Design your catalog for the end-user, not for yourself.

Keep the Content Simple

Keep your catalog design clear and simple. Simple ideas often work best when it comes to good catalog design. Never use lots of cliched images. Scrap them to get a particular idea across more effectively. You can also make a literal statement using a typographic cover instead. For example, you can add a full-page product image or use the centerfold as a design advantage. Whatever design elements you try, never overdo.

You can also use white-space as a design advantage. A cluttered page often looks tiring to the reader. Intelligently use the white-space to put more emphasis on individual products. Consider breaking out the layout. Start from scratch with basic drawing and sketching. Share your ideas before finalizing a concept. Keep a design that works best for your business statement.

Make a Good First Impression

Your catalog must create a good first impression of your design. You do not need to spend multiple to create a good catalog that looks amazing on the exhibition stand. Wisely use the images to create a pleasurable flick through. You can use stock images in a budget. You can find free images online to create a picture-perfect catalog design.

Be Consistent with Your Design

Use a consistent design throughout the catalog and get the presentation right. A catalog gives you the perfect opportunity for branding. Use familiar patterns, layouts, and color schemes that your customers can easily associate with your brand. Further, give equal emphasis to new and on-sale products. Highlight new arrivals, and add a discount to draw customer attention towards on-sale products. In any case, keep the catalog focused on your products and services. Never use too many product lines as they may overwhelm the readers.