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.

Print ads, direct ads, newspapers and possibly even television and radio advertisements are becoming a thing of the past. Technology-savvy customers are looking for intriguing new ways to be introduced to new products and services. As a result the marketing departments of small and large businesses are working overtime to embrace the needs and wants of the customer when it comes to using new media.

First and foremost, get social by using social networking sites. It has been said before and it will be said again and again. Social media is an extremely powerful tool in reaching mass audiences and connecting with individuals in a way that was never possible before. Videos, photos, links and status updates can give customers an inside look at your company. Customers can also obtain information on sales, promotions and give-aways.

Make your website interactive. A vast majority of customers would rather logon to their personal computers or to the mobile web in order to connect with your business. Blogs, pods cast, product information, high-quality photography that allow users to zoom, pan and view ever angle of a product are important in keeping users coming back for more.

Text your customers. Texting is not just an adolescent obsession, it is also a business tool. Use text messages to send customers promotional codes, information on sales, polls and any small bit of information you would like your customers to know. Virtually all cell phone carries offer unlimited texting plans, so there is no concern of your customers being charged for your text message communication.

The key to staying on top of new marketing techniques is to look at what your customers want and the types of technology they are using. Most new media is free to use and easy to understand. You can place yourself in the middle of a marketing phenomena with just a little man power.