Catlog: The Ultimate Social Commerce Solution for Effortless Online Sales
Introduction
Catlog is an embracive platform, structured to assist small and large scale businesses market/sell products easily, through social media channels.
It is a Nigerian social commerce platform initiated in 2021 by Silas Adedoyin, Segun Oladiran, and Habeeb Bombata. It was created to solve a pressing challenge that many online merchants faced—managing and streamlining their sales processes, particularly on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp.
The Vision Behind Catlog
The idea for Catlog emerged from the realization that online shopping, especially on social media, was often inefficient. For example, when a buyer wanted to purchase a clothing product from an Instagram vendor, he/she had to engage in long conversations just to confirm availability, pricing, and other details. This process was time-consuming for both buyers and sellers. To address this issue, the founders designed the aforementioned system as a straightforward tool that allows merchants showcase their products, and receive orders directly through WhatsApp, which in return; eliminated unnecessary back-and-forth communication, and made transactions smoother.
Growth and Expansion
Initially, it started as a simple digital system where business owners could list their products and enable customers place orders conveniently. However, as the platform evolved, it introduced more advanced features such as:
Order management - to keep record of all orders and buyers information in one centralized dashboard, ensuring efficient order fulfillment.
Customer engagement tools - to maintain interactive customer service, which include features designed to help social media vendors communicate effectively with their customers, enhance shopping experiences, and drive sales. These tools include automated messaging, order tracking updates, personalized recommendations, feedback collection, and promotional features like discounts and coupons. They aim to build stronger relationships with customers, by making communication seamless and improving overall satisfaction.
Integrated payment options - to allow merchant receive payments or cash-out via multiple methods, including cards, transfers through banking apps and split payments. In addition, merchants can create professional invoices, and share payment links with customers.
Delivery services - to organize product dispatch with little or no stress, by accessing a network of courier services/partners, often at discounted rates, directly through the platform.
These add-on transformed it from a basic product listing service, into a full-fledged e-commerce management platform.
Core Values and Principles
Catlog operates with a set of core principles that guide its approach to business and customer service:
Making Processes Simple – The platform is designed to remove unnecessary hurdles, ensuring that business owners and their customers enjoy a seamless experience.
Human-Centered Approach – Every interaction, whether with customers or teammates, is handled with empathy and respect.
Clear Communication – The team prioritizes straightforward messaging to ensure smooth interactions.
Striving for Excellence – From product development to customer service, the company aims to deliver top-quality experiences.
Encouraging Curiosity – Team members are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and maintain a continuous learning mindset.
Work with a Sense of Fun – While working hard is essential, the company also values creating a positive and enjoyable work environment.
Intentionality in Decision-Making – Every action taken within the company is thoughtful and aligned with its long-term goals.
Subscription Plans and Current Standing
As of October 8, 2023, the system offered three subscription tiers designed to cater to businesses of different sizes
Starter Plan – A free plan with essential features, ideal for small businesses or those just getting started. At present, this plan is no longer available.
Basic Plan – Available at NGN 2,350 per month, NGN 6,695 quarterly, or NGN 12,970 bi-annually in Nigeria. In Ghana, the pricing is GHS 42 monthly, GHS 118 quarterly, or GHS 230 bi-annually. This plan includes advanced features such as custom store links and additional payment options.
Currently, Basic Plan is designed for small to growing businesses that want to better manage their sales operations. The plan costs NGN 4,750 in Nigeria and GHS 60 in Ghana per month. It also offers discounted rates if paid quarterly or bi-annually. The quarterly option (for 3 months) provides a 5% discount, bringing the cost to NGN 13,100 in Nigeria and GHS 165 in Ghana. The bi-annual payment (for 6 months) offers an 8% discount, with the cost being NGN 25,000 and GHS 316.
Features:
Order and Customer Management
Customizable Store Link
Upload up to 100 products
Product Options Management
Discount and Coupon Management
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Business+ Plan – Charged for NGN 6,750 per month, NGN 19,235 quarterly, or NGN 37,560 bi-annually in Nigeria. In Ghana, it costs GHS 120 monthly, GHS 342 quarterly, or GHS 662 bi-annually. This tier provides premium benefits, including enhanced customization options and priority support.
At current, the plan costs NGN 9,750 in Nigeria and GHS 150 in Ghana per month. Opting for the quarterly payment (every 3 months) gives a 5% discount, with a cost of NGN 26,900 in Nigeria and GHS 414 in Ghana. The bi-annual plan (for 6 months) offers an 8% discount, costing NGN 51,450 in Nigeria and GHS 792 in Ghana.
Features:
Unlimited product uploads
Multiple stores in one account
Ability to add multiple store managers
Facebook Pixel Tracking (Coming soon)
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| Catlog subscription plan chart |
Catlog remains a reliable platform that can be accessed via handheld gadgets/devices such as smart phones, laptops etc even till now, empowering small scale businesses create, optimize, and manage their digital storefronts. Merchants can easily upload their product inventory, improve their search visibility, and handle customer interactions efficiently. The platform is dedicated to enhance the e-commerce experience for both sellers and buyers. Notwithstanding, all paid plans come with a 14-day free trial, allowing businesses explore the features before making a commitment.
Getting Started and Essential Elements
Setting up your Catlog store is straightforward:
Sign Up: Click the button (logo) below to register or sign-up an account. Great news! You have the chance to receive a free ₦500 bonus!
Create Your Store: Upload your products, set prices, and customize your store's appearance to align with your brand.
The most interesting aspect of product upload is the Instagram Integration feauture, which allows vendor/merchant import Instagram posts—both images and videos—directly into their Catlog store. In other words, you can convert your social media content into shoppable products.
Payments & Invoices: Receive a free business bank account, allowing you (seller) to cashout and/or receive payments via multiple methods, including cards, transfers and split payments. Furthermore, you can create professional invoices, and share payment links with customers.
Custom Checkout Forms: Tailor the checkout experience by adding custom fields to capture specific data from customers, thereby reducing miscommunication and ensuring accurate orders.
Store Messages: Notify crucial announcements or updates to your customers by displaying messages prominently at the top of your storefront.
Deliveries: Arrange product deliveries with little or no stress, by accessing a network of courier services/partners, often at discounted rates, directly through the platform.
Store Links: Create a simple, shareable link that displays all your (vendor) products. Buyers can look over and place orders directly via this link, with their specified choices, and delivery details sent straight to your (vendor) WhatsApp.
How to Create Your Custom Store Link:
1. Log in to Your Account - Sign in to your store account.
2. Access Store Settings - Navigate to the side menu and select "Store Settings".
3. Edit Your Store Link - Click "Edit" under the "Store Link" section.
4. Customize Your Store URL - Enter your preferred store name in the provided field.
5. Save Your Changes - Click "Update Store Link" to apply the changes.
Once your link is customized or store is set up, the next crucial step is to share your store link. Add it (Catlog store link) to your Instagram bio and other social media platforms to make it easy for customers to access your store.
Adding Catlog to Your Gadget: While Catlog doesn’t have a dedicated app yet, you can quickly add it to your smart phone, tab etc in less than a minute, to enable quick access like every other app.
How to Add Catlog to Your Smart Phone:
Watch a quick Instagram clip to learn how to add it to your smart phone:
For iPhone users, click here.
For Android users, click here.
Note: Catlog can only be added to one's/your device (laptops, tab, smart phone etc) after sign-up.
Conclusion
Catlog is trusted by over 20,000 businesses, including Bernadines Bistro, QueenChic, Foodie24, Xubes Enterprise, Body Bang etc. It's evolution from a simple product listing tool, to an embracive commerce platform that reflects its dedication to meeting the needs of digital entrepreneurs. With its emphasis on simplicity, human connection, and continuous innovation, it has positioned itself as a go-to solution for small businesses looking to thrive in the social media online space.
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