Choose a theme optimized for digital catalogs
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 8:16 am
4.
Choosing a website template that's already ready for lookbooks is an easy way to create a digital catalog for your brand—just insert your photos into the existing templates. Many Shopify store themes have this option, some are even free to install.
Shopify web theme demos on desktop browser and mobile phone
The Cascade Shopify theme is designed specifically for visual storytelling, with a built-in lookbook option.
Here are our picks for the best themes from the Shopify Theme Store :
Dawn (free)
Studio (free)
Story ($$)
Cascade ($$)
Streamline ($$$)
Example of a digital catalogue in action
King Ice uses Shopify’s lookbook-enabled District theme to easily showcase each collection dynamically, using graphics and other design elements to tell a story.
Screenshot of the digital catalogue of the fashion brand King Ice
5. Make it shoppable by installing a lookbook app
Take your digital catalog to the next level by installing a lookbook app. These tools transform a simple catalog into an interactive experience with features like shoppable images, hover animations, magazine or pop-up book layouts, automatic integration with Instagram feeds, and embedded videos.
They also eliminate the need for external tools, canada phone numbers list enhancing the functionality of your Shopify theme with features that help you achieve your sales and branding goals.
Screenshot of a store using the Covet.pics lookbook app
If you already have a well-curated Instagram feed, automation is your best friend. Apps like Covet.pics can automatically turn your feed into an interactive lookbook on your website, saving you time and effort.
Our favorite recommendations from the Shopify App Store :
Lookbook by Mod Media (€€)
Lookbook: Shoppable Galleries (€ to €€)
Image Gallery + Video by EA (free at €€
Vimeo Create: Video Maker (Free)
LookThru (€)
Covet.pics (free at €€€)
Example of a digital catalogue in action
On the Steamline Luggage website , hovering over the lookbook images brings up an interactive pop-up displaying details such as the product name, price, and a direct link to purchase.
Screenshot of luggage brand Steamline's digital lookbook
6. Boost sales from your digital catalog
The easiest way to drive sales from your lookbook is to enable it with interactive features like pop-ups, direct links to product pages, or one-click “Add to Cart” buttons. However, the biggest challenge is making sure your audience finds it in the first place. Here are some strategies to grab their attention:
Use a tool like Linkpop to maximize the potential of the link in your social media bio. Turn a simple link into a microsite that connects directly to your store and your lookbook.
Create email marketing campaigns or social media posts to build anticipation for your upcoming collection or announce its official launch. Make sure all of these elements link to your digital catalog, rather than individual product pages.
Include custom inserts in your customers’ packages, such as postcards promoting your digital catalog. With a QR code , you can reuse these printed materials for multiple collections, simply by updating the link attached to the code with each new lookbook.
If you're opting for an automated lookbook via an app, use lifestyle photos on different pages of your site . This can give product pages a mini-lookbook feel, making it easier for customers to browse your collections while they're browsing your site.
Choosing a website template that's already ready for lookbooks is an easy way to create a digital catalog for your brand—just insert your photos into the existing templates. Many Shopify store themes have this option, some are even free to install.
Shopify web theme demos on desktop browser and mobile phone
The Cascade Shopify theme is designed specifically for visual storytelling, with a built-in lookbook option.
Here are our picks for the best themes from the Shopify Theme Store :
Dawn (free)
Studio (free)
Story ($$)
Cascade ($$)
Streamline ($$$)
Example of a digital catalogue in action
King Ice uses Shopify’s lookbook-enabled District theme to easily showcase each collection dynamically, using graphics and other design elements to tell a story.
Screenshot of the digital catalogue of the fashion brand King Ice
5. Make it shoppable by installing a lookbook app
Take your digital catalog to the next level by installing a lookbook app. These tools transform a simple catalog into an interactive experience with features like shoppable images, hover animations, magazine or pop-up book layouts, automatic integration with Instagram feeds, and embedded videos.
They also eliminate the need for external tools, canada phone numbers list enhancing the functionality of your Shopify theme with features that help you achieve your sales and branding goals.
Screenshot of a store using the Covet.pics lookbook app
If you already have a well-curated Instagram feed, automation is your best friend. Apps like Covet.pics can automatically turn your feed into an interactive lookbook on your website, saving you time and effort.
Our favorite recommendations from the Shopify App Store :
Lookbook by Mod Media (€€)
Lookbook: Shoppable Galleries (€ to €€)
Image Gallery + Video by EA (free at €€
Vimeo Create: Video Maker (Free)
LookThru (€)
Covet.pics (free at €€€)
Example of a digital catalogue in action
On the Steamline Luggage website , hovering over the lookbook images brings up an interactive pop-up displaying details such as the product name, price, and a direct link to purchase.
Screenshot of luggage brand Steamline's digital lookbook
6. Boost sales from your digital catalog
The easiest way to drive sales from your lookbook is to enable it with interactive features like pop-ups, direct links to product pages, or one-click “Add to Cart” buttons. However, the biggest challenge is making sure your audience finds it in the first place. Here are some strategies to grab their attention:
Use a tool like Linkpop to maximize the potential of the link in your social media bio. Turn a simple link into a microsite that connects directly to your store and your lookbook.
Create email marketing campaigns or social media posts to build anticipation for your upcoming collection or announce its official launch. Make sure all of these elements link to your digital catalog, rather than individual product pages.
Include custom inserts in your customers’ packages, such as postcards promoting your digital catalog. With a QR code , you can reuse these printed materials for multiple collections, simply by updating the link attached to the code with each new lookbook.
If you're opting for an automated lookbook via an app, use lifestyle photos on different pages of your site . This can give product pages a mini-lookbook feel, making it easier for customers to browse your collections while they're browsing your site.