What Is a Digital Catalog and How It Boosts Sales in 2026

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In 2026, customers don’t ask if your business is online – they assume it is.

Before visiting a shop or placing an order, people want to see what you offer, instantly, on their phone.

That’s where a digital catalog comes in.

What Is a Digital Catalog?

A digital catalog is a simple online list of your products or services that customers can view on their mobile or desktop.

It usually includes:

  • Product or service names
  • Images
  • Short descriptions
  • Business details and contact information
  • A shareable link

Think of it as a modern alternative to a printed catalog or visiting a physical store just to ask questions.

For local businesses, a digital catalog acts like a mini-website, without the cost or complexity.

Why Digital Catalogs Matter More in 2026

Customer behavior has changed rapidly:

  • WhatsApp is the first point of contact
  • Mobile search dominates local discovery
  • People prefer browsing before talking

In 2026, businesses that rely only on walk-ins or phone calls lose customers to those who show their offerings online.

Digital catalogs match exactly how customers behave today.

How a Digital Catalog Boosts Sales in 2026

1. Customers Decide Faster

When customers can see products or services clearly, decision-making becomes easier.

Instead of:

“What all do you have?”

They already know – and message you ready to buy.

2. Works Perfectly with WhatsApp

In 2026, WhatsApp is the default sales channel for local businesses.

A digital catalog link can be:

  • Shared instantly
  • Forwarded by customers
  • Viewed without downloads or apps

This removes friction and increases conversions.

3. Increases Trust Before the First Visit

Photos, descriptions, and a clean layout make your business look professional.

Customers trust businesses that:

  • Look organised
  • Share information openly
  • Are easy to contact

More trust = more enquiries = more sales.

4. Available 24/7 (Even When Your Shop Isn’t)

Your shop may close, but your digital catalog never does.

Customers can browse:

  • Late at night
  • Early morning
  • Anytime they think of buying

This means sales opportunities even outside business hours.

5. Reduces Repetitive Questions

A digital catalog answers common questions automatically:

  • What services do you offer?
  • Do you have this item?
  • What kind of work do you do?

This saves time and lets you focus on closing sales instead of explaining basics.

6. Zero Pressure, Freemium-Friendly

In 2026, small businesses prefer tools that:

  • Are easy to start
  • Don’t demand upfront payment
  • Grow with the business

Digital catalogs fit perfectly into this mindset – start free, upgrade only if needed.

Which Businesses Benefit the Most?

Digital catalogs work especially well for:

  • Kirana and grocery stores
  • Restaurants, cafes, and food counters
  • Salons and beauty services
  • Medical shops and clinics
  • Meat, fish, and fresh food shops
  • Tailors and service professionals

In short: digital catalogs work for every local business.

Digital Catalog vs Traditional Online Presence

You don’t need a full website to start selling online in 2026.

A digital catalog:

  • Is faster to create
  • Is easier to maintain
  • Matches customer expectations
  • Delivers quicker results

Many businesses now start with a digital catalog and expand later – not the other way around.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, visibility equals opportunity.

A digital catalog helps small businesses:

  • Go online quickly
  • Reach more customers
  • Build trust
  • Boost sales without complexity

If you want a simple, effective way to grow your local business, a digital catalog is no longer optional – it’s essential.

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

(If they install chotu, it only makes reordering easier.)

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.
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