Publishing a digital catalogue isn’t just about putting your print brochure online - it’s about creating an interactive, mobile-friendly, data-driven experience that drives results. With the right digital catalogue software platform, you can boost engagement, track performance, and even drive online sales directly from your publication.
But how do you choose the best digital catalogue provider for your business?
Whether you're launching your first digital product catalogue or looking to switch online catalogue platforms, here’s what to look for when choosing a catalogue publishing solution:
1. Easy-to-Use Online Catalogue Platform
You want to be able to upload, publish, and manage catalogues without needing a developer. The best online catalogue platforms offer:
- Drag-and-drop editors or overlay tools
- Fast PDF uploads and automatic conversion
- Clear steps to publish your digital catalogue quickly
Ease of use = faster turnaround and less reliance on external teams.
2. Branding and Hosting Flexibility
Your digital catalogue should feel like part of your website and aligns to your branding. Choose a provider that give you the option to:
- Host your product catalogue online on your own domain
- Customise branding and colours
- Remove third-party logos and watermarks
This maintains brand trust and provides a seamless user experience.
3. Mobile-Friendly Digital Catalogue Viewer
A top performing digital catalogue needs to deliver a great experience across all devices, accessible via web browser or an app. Look for platforms that deliver a mobile friendly experience via desktop, mobile and tablet which:
- Support responsive designs
- Fast loading, smooth pinch-to-zoom
- Simple navigation across all devices.
More than half of catalogue views now happen on mobile — so mobile optimisation is essential.
4. E-Commerce and Interactive Catalogue Features
Your catalogue should do more than display products — it should sell them. Leading providers let you:
With the right interactive catalogue, you reduce friction from browsing to purchase. Giving your customers the ability to make purchases direct from your catalogue with ease.
5. Searchable and Easy to Navigate
Help customers find what they’re looking for. A strong digital catalogue software will include powerful search and navigation capabilities that include:
This boosts engagement and keeps users on the page longer.
6. Marketing & Analytics Integration
The best digital catalogue platforms support your broader digital strategy. Look for tools like:
Publishing your digital catalogue is only half the story — you also need to promote and measure it.
7. Accessibility and Compliance Tools
Make sure your digital product catalogue is inclusive and delivers accessibility. Choose software that supports:
- Screen reader compatibility
- Keyboard-only navigation
- The ability to scale text size for improved readability
Accessible content reaches a wider audience and helps with legal compliance, especially in the UK and EU.
8. Offline Access and App Availability
A catalogue that works offline can be a powerful sales tool at trade shows, in the field, or with international clients. Look for:
- The option to create your very own mobile catalogue app (iOS and Android)
- Offline access and automatic syncing
- Push notifications for product updates
This expands your reach beyond the browser.
9. Security, Permissions and Version Control
For businesses that manage multiple versions of catalogues — trade-only, pricing variations, embargoed launches — your provider should offer:
- Password protection
- Version tracking and publishing controls
This ensures the right people see the right catalogue at the right time.
10. Dedicated Support and Onboarding
Finally, make sure you’re backed by a support team that understands your business goals. Top-tier digital catalogue providers offer:
- Personal onboarding and training
- Localised support
- Fast response times — especially during busy sales periods
Final Word: Don’t Just Digitise — Optimise
Choosing the right catalogue publishing solution is about more than convenience — it’s about unlocking growth. With the right tools, your digital catalogue becomes a performance marketing asset: searchable, shoppable, trackable, and available 24/7 on any device.
If you're ready to create a digital catalogue that converts readers into customers, take the time to compare platforms, ask the right questions, and prioritise features that drive results.
