Your ultimate goal for your catalog is to sell your product.  In order to sell your product you must present it in the best way possible.  Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when designing and printing catalogs.

Do make dramatic headlines
Make use of your headlines to draw in your customer.  Use bold, interesting fonts that set it apart from the body of the article.  This is your introduction to your product.  Keep it brief, one or two words.

Don’t overdo it
To many words will take away the effect of a headline.  Do not include the description of you product in the headlines.  They are better placed inside the catalog along with a photo of your product.  The customers who are going to buy will look inside for the description.

Do give special attention to your bestsellers
Set aside plenty of space your best products.  Use full pages with great photography and interesting text.  Draw the attention to these products because they will draw in consumers.

Don’t give the same space to all products
Place your lesser items toward the back of your catalog.  Give them less space and attention.  This will leave room for the better selling products.

Do use pictures
Good photography will make your product more attractive.  Professional photos are great for catching the consumers attention

Don’t use bad pictures
Cheap, unprofessional pictures give a bad impression.  The product will not seem as credible.  If the buyer does not feel good about the catalog they will not make the purchase.

Do use your visual space wisely
Studies show that the eye falls on the upper right hand corner of a page.  Place you best product there.  Make sure your spacing is even.  Uneven lines make the page seem cluttered.

Don’t overcrowd the page
Leave room for some white space.  The room left around your text plays a part in the overall effect of the page.

Do appeal to your customers
Stay focused on your key customer base.  Consider the age, location and social situation of your audience.  Everything from your color pallet to your wording should reflect the consumers taste.  Your job is to sell the product, appealing to a target group is important.

These universal principles can be applied to any catalog.  Take this advice and make it your own.  Designing and printing is a challenge.  When done correctly, your catalog will sell your product.