eCommerce has surely changed the way people think about buying and selling. With a number of eCommerce businesses out there, even the competition knows no bounds. To stand out and prove yourself as a seller, you need to be the best at providing the customers with what they want. And one of the most important things that customers look for is clear and accurate product data to be able to make an informed decision. Consistent catalog processing is necessary to ensure quality product data.
To understand it better, let’s take a deeper dive into catalog processing and discover what all it’s comprised of and why is it important for all eCommerce merchants.
What all does catalog processing entail?
The process of catalog management covers all of the things mentioned below:
1. SKU development
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is simply an alphanumeric code that can be used to track a particular product for inventory purposes. Taking custom SKU development into account is important to make sure that all your product information is not just correct, but also complete. Plus, it helps you identify if your inventory is falling short or if you’re overselling an item. After the product attributes are set, they are then normalized and optimized for the search engines.
2. Product upload via Excel/CSV
While uploading a product to your eCommerce store, you may accidentally leave out some of the product attributes, which can later lead to incomplete product data. This mostly happens during bulk product upload. To avoid missing out on attributes, multiple products are uploaded with the help of an excel or a CSV file wherein all the required fields are updated before the upload. To get it done right, merchants who aim for 100% accuracy often go for catalog processing services.
3. Product data feed
You are required to fill in multi-faceted information about your products, make sure they are accurately categorized, and add information regarding discounts, promotional offers, etc.
4. Product description writing
The product description must provide a detailed explanation of your product’s features, benefits, uses, etc. Your product copy has to be crafted and optimized with the help of relevant keywords. If you want a professional copy that targets both the buyers and the search engines, then you can always opt for catalog copywriting services.
5. Image editing
A product image is an integral part of an eCommerce catalog. The images need to be attractive enough to compel a customer into buying the product. Images can be professionally edited to raise their quality and make them more appealing.
Why is catalog processing important?
Catalog processing or the lack thereof could make all the difference. Here are some of the reasons why you must pay special attention to your product catalogs:
1. To ensure quality product information
Say, your product page bears incomplete information. Or worse, the information available is incorrect or misleading. How comfortable do you think a customer would be in making a purchase? Not even a little bit. This will directly affect your conversion rate. Customers won’t click the buy button until and unless they find quality product information, which is only possible with professional catalog processing.
2. To build an omni-channel strategy
Consistent product information is the first step to building a successful omni-channel strategy. For example, if you own an eCommerce store and have some of your products listed on Amazon too, it’s important that the product information across both the channels remains consistent. This way, a customer discovering your product on Amazon would be able to find it easily on your eCommerce site.
3. Business growth
Since customers look for accurate product information before making a purchase, providing them with the same proves to be beneficial for your sales. And when your sales increase, your eCommerce business naturally grows.
4. To enhance customer experience
To make maximum sales, you need to make sure that your customers have a pleasant shopping experience. And when your product data is accurate and on point, customers are able to find everything they need at one place and hence, can finally make a decision. Proper catalog processing helps a lot in enhancing the overall customer experience.
How to get catalog processing right?
Catalog processing is time-consuming and demands accuracy and regularity. Here’s how you can simplify and improve your product catalogs:
1. Use excel to manage product data
As mentioned earlier, using an excel or a CSV file for bulk product upload helps a lot in managing product data for multiple items. In fact, a CSV file can also be used to update information fields later on. All you need to do is make changes to the CSV file and upload it to your eCommerce store. The changes will then reflect instantly.
2. Centralize with a PIM system
A PIM or a Product Management System is simply an application that can be used to centralize all your product data. Using a PIM is especially beneficial for all the large businesses that have a lot of SKUs to handle across multiple channels. This tool helps in streamlining all the processes such as uploading, standardizing, and publishing your product data on all your sales channels.
To be a successful eRetailer, you need to be regular and consistent with your product listings. And a well-built product catalog with all the required information can help fulfil the purpose. Catalog management is a continuous process. Make sure you handle yours efficiently to serve your customers well.
Discover New Possibilities With QuikTek Info
Looking for professionals to help you build quality product catalogs? Well, you can stop looking. eCommerce experts at QuikTek Info know their way around high-end tools, using which they can make catalog management a lot easier for you. Avail our catalog processing services by writing to us at mail@quiktekinfo.com.
