What is the difference between business and technical catalogs?
Catalogs have always played an important role in sales and marketing. Today, they have evolved into digital formats like flipbooks, eBooks, and interactive web catalogs. No matter the type, their core purpose remains the same: to showcase your company’s products or services.
We often encounter two specific types of catalogs that, though similar at first glance, actually represent different approaches: the business catalog and the technical catalog. But how do they differ?
In this article, we’ll walk you through these differences, like audience, content, and goals. We will also explain how to use tools such as the Publuu catalog maker to create catalogs that effectively attract customers’ attention, show examples, and introduce other types as well.
What is a business catalog?
A business catalog is a marketing tool used to present your products or services to potential customers. It includes clear product descriptions, attractive photos, and persuasive language to highlight benefits and encourage sales. Think of it as a visual sales pitch.
What is a technical catalog?
A technical catalog provides detailed product information for professionals such as engineers, technicians, or B2B buyers. It includes specifications, dimensions, materials, installation guides, and compliance data, often presented according to specific industry standards.
Business catalogs vs technical catalogs – key differences
| Aspect | Business catalog | Technical catalog |
| Main purpose | Promote products, boost sales, build brand awareness | Provide in-depth technical product data for specialists |
| Target audience | End users, distributors, sales teams | Engineers, B2B buyers, technical professionals |
| Content features | High-quality photos, prices, benefits, testimonials, videos | Specs, diagrams, schematics, certifications |
| Language and style | Clear, persuasive, benefits-focused | Formal, precise, technical language |
| Key information | Product advantages, promotions, pricing | Product design, materials, installation, usage, maintenance |
| Use and distribution | Sent to leads, used at trade shows, shared during sales meetings | Used by technicians, clients, partners, regulatory bodies |
Examples of business catalogs
Here are some examples of engaging business catalogs created with Publuu:
1. Outdoor furniture catalog
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This outdoor furniture catalog uses a clean minimalist design, showcasing how the various pieces can be used in real-life settings. Publuu’s embedded videos and galleries allow the catalog to present both samples and space arrangements.
2. Jewelry catalog
High-quality close-ups of models wearing the jewelry in this catalog let you admire the designs up close. Publuu’s animations draw attention to each individual piece, allowing you to see the rings and gems from every angle.
3. Car catalog
The dynamic animations in this car catalog bring the Audi A8’s features and capabilities to life. Publuu hotspots give the catalog a professional, polished look.
4. Sporting goods catalog
This catalog is aimed at business customers, allowing them to browse and purchase special offers from the well-known sporting goods store Decathlon. The catalog introduces the company, organizes the products into categories, and presents each one to the reader.
Example of a technical catalog
Other types of catalogs
In addition to business and technical catalogs, there are other useful formats, such as:
- Digital product catalogs – Often used by e-commerce brands to provide easy access to product ranges via tablets or smartphones.
- Lookbooks – Common in fashion and design, lookbooks present collections through styled photography rather than detailed descriptions.
- Parts catalogs – Used in automotive or machinery industries, listing part numbers, compatibility, and assembly diagrams.
- Service catalogs – Outline service packages, often used in IT, healthcare, or hospitality to present offerings clearly.
- Real estate catalogs — Designed for buyers and investors, these catalogs showcase properties with descriptions, pricing, photos, floor plans, and key features.
- Educational catalogs — Schools and universities use these to present courses, training programs, schedules, and campus info to students and parents.
How to create a business catalog with Publuu?
Creating an engaging business catalog with Publuu is straightforward. Here’s how:
1. Prepare your PDF
Start by designing your catalog in a tool like MS Word or Canva and save it as a PDF. Make sure it includes:
- Introduction: A brief greeting that explains what’s new in this collection, perhaps with a note from your CEO.
- Products and services: Organize items by categories (e.g., age groups, product types). Include strong visuals and concise, engaging descriptions.
- Company information: Add contact details and any other relevant information about your business or partnerships.
👉 Take a look at our detailed guide on how to make a catalog
2. Convert it to a flipbook
Go to Publuu and upload your PDF or drag-and-drop it below. It will be converted into an interactive catalog with a realistic page-flip effect, like the ones shown in examples.
You can:
- Add clickable links or product hotspots
- Customize the background and layout
- Create an interactive table of contents
… and much more!
Publuu makes sharing your digital catalog easy. You can distribute it via direct links, QR codes, email, or by integrating it with your social media. This ensures your branding stays consistent across all platforms and looks professional on any device.
💡Using Publuu helps you reach more people, effectively showcase your products, and connect with your target audience in a visually engaging way!
Conclusion on business catalogs and technical catalogs
Knowing the difference between a business catalog and a technical catalog is vital for effective communication. Business catalogs aim to persuade and sell, while technical catalogs provide detailed information for specialized users. Understanding this distinction helps you better connect with your target market and use Publuu to create materials that sell!
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