Digital catalog publishing v/s paper catalog publishing: 7 differentiators!

Catalogs have been one of the most effective means of exhibiting and selling their products for decades. Now, the world is flipping in the publishing word: digital catalogs show their face while the old favorite i.e. paper catalogs stay a trusted classic of many. Let's find the 7 differences between digital catalog publishing and print catalog publishing.

What Is a Digital Catalog?

A digital catalog is an electronic or online version of a traditional catalog that enables customers to browse, explore, and shop for products or services through their devices. It can include text, images, videos, hyperlinks, and even interactive features like 360-degree product views! These catalogs are usually hosted online, shared via email, or embedded into company websites.

Think of them as paper catalogs - but way smarter, sleeker, and more accessible (not to mention eco-friendly!).

Now that you’re caught up, let's compare digital catalogs to good old paper catalogs.

Digital Catalog Publishing vs. Paper Catalog Publishing

1. Accessibility

•Paper Catalogs

Limited access! Customers need to physically have a printed catalog at hand to browse through it. If your target market is dispersed across the globe, this might mean costly shipping expenses and days of waiting.

•Digital Catalogs

Anywhere, anytime, any device! With just a link or QR code, a digital catalog can reach global audiences instantly. Your customers can view your catalog on their smartphones, tablets, or laptops from the comfort of their couch - or even on the go.

2. Cost

•Paper Catalogs

Printing and distributing paper catalogs can be costly. From design to printing to mailing, the expenses stack up quickly - especially if you are printing in bulk.

•Digital Catalogs

Bye-bye to printing costs! You'll need to pay just one-time creation and hosting fees for your digital catalogs, which is way cheap in the long run.

3. Environmental Impact

•Paper Catalogs

Did you know that to produce one ton of paper, it takes at least 24 trees? Not just that, but also carbon emission and waste are also added on because of the production and distribution of paper catalogs.

•Digital Catalogs

Eco-warrior approved! Digital catalogs are paperless, and they reduce waste considerably. If sustainability is part of your brand's values, going digital is a no-brainer.

4. Update and Scalability

•Paper Catalogs

Oops - did you forget to include the price for that new product? Tough luck! Once a paper catalog is printed, there's no going back. Updates are time-consuming and costly, requiring a full reprint.

•Digital Catalogs

Mistakes happen - and with digital catalogs, they are easy to fix! Want to update your prices mid-campaign? Upload fresh content instantly without the need for reprinting. Digital catalogs are also scalable, meaning you can easily add new pages or features without extra overhead expenses.

5. Interactivity and Engagement

•Paper Catalogs

While paper catalogs are beautiful to the eye, they are not interactive. They don't let customers browse products beyond static images and text descriptions.

•Digital Catalogs

Cue the wow factor! With video demonstrations, clickable links, dynamic navigation, and even augmented reality (AR) features, digital catalogs immerse your audience.

6. Analytics

•Paper Catalogs

Know the phrase “shooting in the dark”? That’s essentially what you’re doing when relying on paper catalogs - there’s no easy way to track how many people flipped through it or what products caught their eye.

•Digital Catalogs

Get ready to geek out over data! Platforms like PageTurnPro digital catalog software allow you to track metrics like views, clicks, time spent reading, and what items customers interacted with most. This information helps you refine your next campaign and improve ROI.

7. Shelf Life

•Paper Catalogs

Once a customer receives a paper catalog, it sticks around until it's thrown into the recycling bin. Shelf life depends on how often the recipient refers to it - which may not be very good if they are bombarded with other print materials.

•Digital Catalogs

Eternal longevity! Digital catalogs live online and can be refreshed, reshared, and rediscovered for months - or even years - until you decide to retire them.

Conclusion

Both paper and digital catalog publishing catalogs have their strengths, and the best option depends on your business goals and audience.

•Choose digital catalogs if you prioritize cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, interactivity, and global reach. They are ideal for tech-savvy brands who want to connect with a modern audience through multiple digital platforms.

•Use paper catalogs if your target market enjoys the tangible, rich feel of something or you have a niche clientele that appreciates tradition.

Not yet sure which way to go? Why not take the best of both worlds? Many businesses today use a hybrid approach: they distribute digital catalogs along with companion paper copies to maximize reach and impact.