If you run a local business, going online is no longer optional. Customers expect to see your products or services before they visit or message you.
The big question most small business owners face is:
Should I create a website or start with a digital catalog?
Let’s break it down in simple terms and help you choose what actually works for small businesses.
What Is a Website?
A website is a full online presence that usually includes:
- Multiple pages (home, about, contact, services)
- A custom domain
- Hosting and maintenance
- Design and technical setup
Websites are powerful, but they are often built for larger businesses or brands that need complex features.
What Is a Digital Catalog?
A digital catalog is a simple online listing of your:
- Products or services
- Images and descriptions
- Business details and contact information
It works like a mini-website, but without complexity.
For most local businesses, a digital catalog is the fastest way to get online and start engaging customers.
Digital Catalog vs Website: Key Differences
| Feature | Digital Catalog | Website |
| Setup time | Seconds | Days or weeks |
| Technical knowledge | Not required | Often required |
| Cost | Free to start | Paid (domain, hosting, design) |
| Mobile friendly | Yes | Depends on design |
| WhatsApp sharing | Very easy | Not always optimized |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Regular updates needed |
| Best for | Local businesses | Brands & large businesses |
Why Digital Catalogs Work Better for Small Businesses
Most small businesses don’t need a full website on day one. What they need is:
- A quick way to show offerings
- Something easy to share on WhatsApp
- A professional online presence without cost
Digital catalogs solve exactly this problem.
Ideal for businesses like:
- Kirana stores
- Restaurants and cafes
- Salons and beauty services
- Medical shops and clinics
- Meat, fish, and fresh food shops
- Tailors and service professionals
When Does a Website Make Sense?
A website can be useful if:
- You run a large brand
- You need blogs, payments, or complex integrations
- You have a dedicated team to manage it
Even in these cases, many businesses start with a digital catalog and move to a website later.
Start Small. Grow Smart.
For most small businesses, the smartest approach is:
- Start with a digital catalog
- Share it on WhatsApp and social media
- Get customers and visibility
- Upgrade or expand only when needed
That’s why platforms like chotu focus on
digital catalogs for every local business – simple, fast, and effective.
Final Verdict: Digital Catalog or Website?
If you are a small or local business owner:
- Choose a digital catalog first
- It’s faster, easier, and free to start
- It does everything most customers expect today
You can always build a website later. But you shouldn’t wait to go online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is chotu?
Namaste. I am chotu, your friendly shopboy. I make ordering from your shop simple on WhatsApp.
What does chotu do?
Customers can see your full product list online (like Zepto/Blinkit). They add to cart and order directly on WhatsApp.
Is chotu like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto or Blinkit?
No. Those are delivery apps made for buyers. They control prices, delivery, and own your customer data.
chotu is an ordering app made for you, the shopkeeper. You keep full control: prices, payments and your customer info.
Is chotu same as WhatsApp Business Catalog?
Almost, but one big difference:
With chotu, you get a ready-made catalog for your shop type. No need to type a single word. Just turn OFF items you don’t sell. Plus, you get a QR code and link to share anywhere.
Do customers order with me directly or with chotu?
Orders come straight to your WhatsApp. chotu does not know what is ordered or who your customer is.
Do customers need to download chotu?
No. They can order by:
- Scanning your QR code
- Clicking your shop link
So, there are two apps?
Yes, the red chotu app is for buyers, golden chotu Owner app is for you, the shopkeeper. You can install both if you want.
How will my shop look?
Like any online store (Amazon/Flipkart). Buyers can browse, search, and add to cart. Click on LIVE DEMO to see how your shop will look.
Do I need a laptop, Excel, or English?
No. Only a WhatsApp number is enough. Works in all Indian languages. chotu runs only on mobile.
How much does chotu cost?
Starts ₹999, one-time payment. No rent. No subscription. No commission. It’s your shop forever.
How do I get paid?
Customers pay you directly, not through chotu. They can give cash in hand or through UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.). No change in payments at all.
Will chotu deliver orders?
No. Delivery is your choice.
- Ask customer to pick up
- Send through your boy/helper
- Use Rapido, Dunzo, etc.
Can customers pay cash?
Yes. As always.
How will I know if I got an order?
You’ll hear a “ka-ching” on the chotu Owner app and get the order on WhatsApp.
Can customers order at night?
Yes. 24×7. You can deliver when you are open.
My customers have cousins in the USA, can they also order?
Yes. Your shop is now open to the whole world, 24X7.
How do I promote my shop?
When you buy a shop, you get a shop link and a QR.
- Share shop link on WhatsApp Status, Groups, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
- Print QR on your shopboard, visiting cards, no-parking boards.
Will I get new customers?
Yes, through your link/QR and local promotion. With VIP Pass, your shop ranks higher on chotu search.
What is VIP Pass?
VIP Pass is a value added service with extra benefits:
- Higher ranking in customer searches
- Ability to edit your shop details
- Priority customer support
How do I buy the VIP Pass?
All shops come with a built-in FREE VIP Pass. You do not need to purchase it right now. You can login to the chotu Owner app to buy the VIP Pass later.
Do I need GST or a physical shop?
No. Just a WhatsApp number is enough. Physical shop is optional.
What does owning a shop mean on chotu?
Like you buy a shop in the real world, you are buying a space in the digital world, which is yours forever.
What if I don’t get orders at first?
Share your shop link with existing customers. Once they try it, they will reorder and refer new buyers. If you have a Google My Business profile, you should update your shop link there too to get more orders.
Who is behind chotu? Can I trust it?
The team has decades of experience at Microsoft, Oracle, airtel and studied at IIT & IIM. They are building chotu with only one purpose: make ordering with local shops as easy as UPI made payments.