February 14, 2025
I’ve been working with branding and digital tools for more than a decade, and one trend I keep noticing is that business owners underestimate WhatsApp Business Catalog. It’s not just a “list of products in a messenger.” It’s a storefront that works 24/7, talks to your customers, and shapes their first impression of your business. The problem is that most catalogs look like drafts, blurry photos, messy descriptions, and incomplete pricing. As a result, clients leave for competitors. In this article, I’ll break down how to turn your catalog into a sales tool in just 6 steps.
Many people still see WhatsApp as a simple communication app, not a sales channel. That’s a mistake. In regions like Latin America, Asia, and Africa, WhatsApp has already become a major e-commerce platform. Customers come to chat not just to ask questions but to make purchase decisions directly.
When a catalog is set up properly, it shortens the buying journey: the customer finds the product, reads the description, sees the photos, asks a question, and places the order all in one app. A poorly structured catalog does the opposite: it creates distrust and pushes customers away.
The first thing to fix is the structure. I’ve seen dozens of catalogs where every product is dumped into a single feed. Scrolling endlessly frustrates customers, and they give up quickly.
Break your inventory into clear categories: “Clothing,” “Shoes,” “Accessories,” or “Business Services,” “Consultations,” “Packages.” Categories should be intuitive. If you’re unsure, ask your customers: “How would you search for this product?”
Expert Tip: Don’t overload with categories. Six or seven main ones are better than twenty small ones, each holding just one item.
Your product description is your “salesperson in the chat.” Don’t use dry phrases like “women’s bag, black.” That kind of text doesn’t help the customer decide.
I always recommend a simple formula: what it is, who it’s for, and what makes it different. Example: “Black leather office bag. Fits A4 documents, scratch-resistant, handmade.”
Don’t forget the benefits. If you sell coffee, don’t just write “Arabica, 250 g.” Add value: “Medium roast, perfect for morning espresso.”
The weak spot in most catalogs is photos. Blurry pictures on a carpet background kill trust faster than anything else.
Do a basic photoshoot: bright background, good lighting, and one consistent style across all products. If your budget is tight, use a smartphone camera, but pay attention to composition.
Expert Tip: Always include at least three photos: full view, close-up details, and the product “in action.” It helps customers visualize owning it.
Few things frustrate buyers more than missing prices. Many business owners leave the price blank, thinking, “They’ll message me, I’ll tell them.” That’s the path to losing leads.
Show your prices upfront. If they change often, add a note like “current price upon request,” but never leave the field empty. Mark availability: “in stock,” “made to order,” “limited edition.” That’s honest and builds trust.
If one product comes in five colors or three sizes, don’t create separate listings. Use “variants.” It keeps the catalog neat and makes browsing easier.
Tags also speed up searches. A dress could have tags like “evening,” “summer,” “red.” This way, customers can filter naturally.
One of WhatsApp’s strengths is clickable CTAs: “Message,” “Order,” “Ask Now.” Use them. Don’t make customers search for how to contact you.
Quick Replies save time. Set up templates like: “Thanks for your interest! Here’s the full price list”, or “Delivery takes 2–3 days.” They reduce response time and make purchases smoother.
Here are a few tricks I often share during consultations:
Your catalog is part of your brand. If it looks chaotic, customers will assume the same about your business. Visual identity matters: your logo, colors, and overall style should be consistent.
I’ve seen too many cases where a business uses one logo on WhatsApp, another on Instagram, and something else on their website. That inconsistency erodes trust.
If you don’t have a logo yet or it feels outdated, use a tool like Turbologo. It lets you quickly generate a logo and brand materials, business cards, banners, and templates. And if you want to strengthen your customer communication further, check out our AI business card generator, it creates branded cards in just a few clicks.
WhatsApp Business Catalog isn’t just an add-on; it’s a full sales channel. Six simple steps, organize categories, rewrite descriptions, upgrade photos, display prices, use variants and tags, and add CTAs can turn it into a mini online shop inside the chat.
And don’t overlook branding. Your catalog, logo, and visuals form the trust factor. That’s why I always recommend investing in visual identity early. A unified brand increases sales just as much as clear product descriptions.
A disorganised catalogue with blurry photos, poor descriptions, and missing prices creates a bad first impression. It can make your business seem unprofessional, erode customer trust, and cause potential buyers to leave for a competitor with a clearer, more helpful storefront.
Every product listing should have three core components: high-quality images showing the product from different angles, a clear description explaining its benefits, and transparent pricing and availability details. Getting these right is fundamental to converting interest into sales.
Yes, it is highly recommended. Hiding the price creates an unnecessary barrier for the customer. Most people prefer to see the cost upfront. Making them ask for it can lead to them losing interest and abandoning the purchase.
The best ways to improve navigation are by organising products into logical categories and using variants for items that come in different sizes or colours. This keeps your catalogue tidy and helps customers find exactly what they are looking for without endless scrolling.
Use WhatsApp's built-in features. Add clear call-to-action buttons like “Order Now” or “Ask a Question” to your listings. Also, set up Quick Replies for common questions about delivery, payment, or stock. This makes the entire process smoother for both you and the customer.
