Paper Catalogs to E-Catalogs…
The National Mail Order Association indicates that Benjamin Franklin is believed to be the first cataloguer in the United States. In 1744, he formulated the basics of mail order catalogs, where he sold scientific and academic books. Perhaps the first, more well-known catalogue was sent out in 1872 by Montgomery Ward. Since then, we have seen catalogs from retailers of all sorts, large and small. We can purchase clothes, underwear, appliances, make-up, toys, electronics and even food through the use of catalogs. Catalogs have become so popular that we often refer to catalogs as junk mail and are often left with stacks of catalogs we rarely look at or purchase items from. Thanks to technology, you may just be able to forgo the large stacks of traditional mail and view your favorite catalogs via your iPad or other tablet devices and smartphones.
If you are a small business owner making a catalog for the first time or a seasoned professional looking to make a change, mobile catalog browsing may just be for you. Mobile cataloging gives your customers a never-before-seen look at your products. Forget the traditional flip through the pages catalog and opt for a catalog that fits with modern technology. Books have turn to e-books and a majority of magazines and newspapers are now being enjoyed online – on tablets and smartphones. Why not add a 2011 spin on your catalog? Stay ahead of your competition with the most up-to-date marketing techniques.
At Preface Media, we can make your mobile catalog a reality. We’ll guide you through the process and help you to make a seamless transition from paper catalog to mobile catalog. With Preface Media’s Rich Media Platform, we can turn your print images into high-quality catalog pages that you can zoom, pan and spin to view each and every angle of a product – something never before possible with a traditional print catalog. The virtual shopping experience will become very life-like. We’ll help you to create a mobile application that works with the iPad, iPhone and other smartphones. Zooming, panning and spinning have never been easier with touch-screen technology. Your customers will have your entire catalog at the tip of their fingers.
Tips and Tricks #015
Make your URL easy to remember. Keep your URL short and to the point. Make it memorable and easy to read. If you have an easy to remember URL, your customers are likely to choose you first over the competition. A URL that stick in the heads of your customers is definitely beneficial. Customers can turn to you on the spur of the moment without having to search through their contacts in order to remember the name of your website.
Tips and Tricks #014
Make your website legible. Your font should be large enough so that everyone can read it. In addition, use an easy to read font and avoid light colors on light backgrounds and dark colors on dark backgrounds. Visitors need to make an informed decision about your products and services. This decision will not be very easy to come to if they cannot read what you have to say.
Tips and Tricks #013
Avoid making your website look like a giant advertisement. If you have something important to say, say it with an article or announcement. Avoid making a small sidebar for an announcement. Small boxes on the side of a page can look more like an advertisement than important matters of business to many visitors to your website.
Tips and Tricks #012
Make yourself known! You will not have repeat visitors or customers on your website if they cannot remember who you are. Make sure your company name and logo is at the top portion of the page where everyone can see it. If they remember your name and like your products and services, chances are they will be back for more.
