If you have an eCommerce business, then your product catalog is one of your most important assets. It’s what showcases your products and drives sales. So it’s essential that you optimize it for maximum impact. This article provides 5 tips for product catalog optimization:

Product Catalog Optimization

1. Real-time product data update

Customers can be dissatisfied by “Out of Stock” notifications and this can end an entire eCommerce business. E-retailers have the opportunity to fulfill 100 percent of customer demands. However, it can be difficult for them to update product information in real-time.

Customers connected to an eCommerce platform may post comments that harm the brand if they fail to deliver on their promises. This can lead to loss of customers and sales revenue. Marketplaces like Amazon and Alibaba have penalties for items that are out of stock.

The situation can also deteriorate if customers complain. Online sellers must ensure that product data is updated on a regular basis.

Online sellers can use automated product data updates in real-time to assess the exact days in a month or a year or the exact time of day when their products have been in high demand. Automated systems allow online retailers to purchase products in advance, avoid out-of-stock situations, and gain a competitive advantage.

2. Standardized images that match your brand

Online sales require product photos. High-quality product images that are zoomable and high quality will entice customers to take you seriously. Professional photo editing services are available to help you save money on product photography. They will edit your product images to enhance your brand’s reputation.

Before you start the product photoshoot, make sure to assess your company’s culture, target audience, and demographics. Instagram is an excellent example of a uniform look and feels for product images. Professional eCommerce photo editors can help you finalize the style, tone, and perspective of your product photos.

3. Centralized product data repository

These items make it difficult to maintain a product data repository.

• 9998 taxing jurisdictions in the USA
• Respecting product safety guidelines from different counties, states, and countries
• Pricing for a group of customers that matches a contract
• Inventory monitoring
• Shipping logistics
• Separate product prices during eCommerce sale
• Supplier information including SKUs

It is almost impossible for anyone to accurately record, manage, and maintain all aspects of a product, including product details and prices.

Product Information Management Systems (PIMS) allow you to manage a central product repository. It contains information about each product and every item on sale, as well as any complimentary items.

PIMS can be used to manage product data, descriptions, and items that are combined with other products for up-sale or cross-sale. Product catalog management solutions include features that allow you to collect product data and manage it.

A central product repository provides you with a consolidated product catalog that is accessible to all your sales channels and eCommerce channels. It makes your brand more customer-centric. It is essential to create a positive CX.

4. Consistent and accurate product descriptions

30% of online shoppers indicated their willingness to purchase from an online retailer if they had informative product descriptions.

After the consumer has found your product easily, follow up with a detailed, informative, and consistent product description to ensure that they buy the product they want. A high-quality listing can result in more sales.

3-step product description model:

• Commentary on customer and product
• Highlight product benefits that complement product features
• Simple and quick recommendations

Instead of listing the features and light of the hanging lamp in a generic description, this furniture decor and home decor began with the following: “Greet your guests with a warm glow.” This helps the customer to immediately picture hosting a party with the beautiful light hanging above.

It can be difficult to buy items online without actually touching them or trying them. Customers cannot even read the packaging to learn about the product. The product description is what gives customers all the information they need to purchase the product.

5. Conduct customer journey mapping

Today’s online shoppers want a personalized and flawless shopping experience. They expect their brand to be able to understand their choices, and this across multiple touchpoints. They expect the eCommerce platform will allow them to re-shop from where they left off, without having to enter any previous details.

There are many layers to your customer journey:

Customer journey mapping allows you to predict customer expectations, needs, and pain points. You can empathize with your customers and get to the point feedback about your brand.

Collecting customer journey maps information to gain actionable insights and implementing them for engaging marketing campaigns, landing pages with higher conversion rates, and other purposes.

How to map the customer journey

Connected and enhanced customer experiences are when the right products are available when the customer needs them. Your eCommerce platform should answer customers’ questions in all channels, including online chat, call center, omnichannel, eCommerce versus store, and eCommerce.

Conclusion

By following the tips above, you can ensure product catalog optimization, increase sales and improve customer experience. This will help you drive more sales and grow your business. So don’t neglect this important aspect of your eCommerce operation – make sure to give it the attention it deserves!