When you start your business, a lot of things are kept in mind and considered. For example, you could design your products with a sleek website, a great marketing strategy and so on. But one aspect that often gets overlooked amidst all this is branded packaging. If you own an e-commerce business, you must know that packaging is a way of life.
Trust us when we tell you that branded packaging is not just slapping your logo in a box; it’s a blend of art and science. It’s an experience that connotes the beginning of your brand in the eyes of your clients. And it should be an experience that is memorable.
Let’s unbox the things that you must keep in mind when you start an ecommerce business when it comes to branded packaging.
1. Know your brand
First things first, you must know your brand inside out. Before you dive into designing your packaging, take a moment to understand and learn about your brand.
Ask yourself these: What makes your brand unique? What values do you hold dear? What is your brand’s message? What is it that you would see as a customer of your brand?
By asking these questions, you will understand your brand’s essence, which in turn will guide your packaging choices.
Your brand should have a clear identity that stands for itself and have values that resonate with the audience.
2. Tell a story through your packaging
Your packaging is a storybook that narrates your brand’s story. Customers love connecting with brands that have compelling stories. And an effective brand narrative cultivates an emotional connection with your customers.
Yours must be able to tell one through packaging. Whether it is the journey of your brand or the product creations, a well-crafted narrative elevates your packaging to a profound story.
Witty tip: Make your packaging so intriguing that customers think twice before recycling it. It’s a collector’s item!
3. Embrace a good appeal
Visual harmony is paramount in packaging; it’s like a friendly smile that welcomes your customers. Your packaging must make the customers go “wow.”
It doesn’t always have to be extravagant; it must be done well.
Think about appealing colors; typography and graphics should harmonize with your brand’s personality. You can make it simple yet classy or go extra with your design.
Keep the good aesthetics because the first impression is much more important.
Professional tip: Your packaging is the visual articulation of your brand’s character; ensure it speaks with coherence.
4. Eco-friendly packaging practices
In the era of rising environmental awareness, opting for sustainable packaging not only resonates with environmentally aware consumers but also demonstrates your corporate responsibility. It shows your commitment to a greener planet. In today’s eco-conscious world, sustainable packaging isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement.
Tip: Keep repeating “eco-friendly packaging” to emphasize its importance and relevance in your e-commerce journey.
5. Practicality is the key
While aesthetics matter, don’t forget about functionality; your packaging should be easy to open, it should keep the products safe during transit, and it should not make customers struggle while opening it.
Imagine an intricately wrapped package with an impenetrable seal. Not a good picture, right? As a brand, you should always opt for convenient packaging. It makes unboxing a seamless experience for your customers.
6. Size wisely
Optimize the size of your packaging to save on shipping costs and minimize environmental impact. People won’t appreciate receiving a huge package for a tiny product. Always be mindful about the package-to-product ratio. It doesn’t look professional and also shows the tardiness behind the packaging department.
Give the right size of packaging for the products ordered. It is not only the best way to package but also the most eco-friendly. It promotes sustainable packaging, making your brand more appreciated in the world of sustainability.
7. Personal touches go a long way
Personalize your packaging to make the customers feel more special. It will feel like a warm hug for your customers.
Think about how you can surprise and delight your customers when they open that box. Maybe add a quirky thank-you note or a surprise gift. Add a personal touch, like a thank-you note, a small gift, or an exclusive discount code. It creates a memorable experience that builds customer loyalty.
8. Evolving packages
Your packaging must evolve alongside your brand. Never stop improving your packaging. Conduct A/B testing to see what resonates with your customers. Always leave a space for learning, changing, and adapting to changes.
Be open to feedback and ready for a change.
Don’t treat packaging as a static entity; let it evolve like your brand does
Branded packaging comes in a lot of forms, shapes, and types. When talking about packaging, especially sustainable packaging, you must know what goes well with the product. There are many options to choose from when it comes to packaging. Choosing the right box or packaging for your product is a must. Some examples of sustainable packaging are as follows:
- Custom boxes
As we have said earlier, the first impression is the most crucial one, especially if you are an e-commerce business. Think of it like the front door for your online store. You wouldn’t want the door to be dull, uninviting, and creaky, would you?
Custom boxes play a very important role in this. Investing in custom boxes will speak volumes for your brand. They don’t just protect your products; they exclaim “We’re here; we mean business”. They enhance your brands image and deliver a memorable unboxing experience
Using eco-friendly packaging materials for the custom boxes is the key. - Paper bags and shopping bags
Imagine when a customer receives their beautifully crafted product in a flimsy, uninspiring bag. It doesn’t look good, does it? It’s like dressing up in a tuxedo with slippers. definite faux fashion.
Investing in high-quality and eco-friendly paper bags is a key to elevating the shopping and unboxing experience. Design it well and make it good so that your customers will hesitate to discard it.
Opting for paper bags over plastic ones sends a strong message about your commitment to sustainability. - Always go for rigid boxes.
Imagine a scenario where the customer receives their product in packages that are battered and bruised. It’s like a horror story for a brand, waiting to happen. It’s not the experience you, as a brand, want to provide for your consumers.
That’s where the unsung heroes of packaging—rigid boxes—step in. Rigid boxes are your trusted partners. They not only provide a look of sophistication but also provide complete protection for the cargo. They are crafted from sturdy and durable materials, helping them to shield your products very well.
These custom boxes, paper bags, and rigid boxes are a canvas for creative customization. They allow you to infuse your brand’s essence into them. There are many options to choose from for your branded packaging, along with custom boxes, paper bags, and rigid boxes. When you give your customers a great packaging experience infused with a dash of creativity, it boosts your brand image. They leave a lasting impression and also provide a value of purchase to your customers.
Not only that, but in this era of social media and unboxing, these elements of packaging play a vital role. If your customer receives their product in any of the packages, and when they unbox or open their packages and find visually pleasing interiors and well-structured boxes, they are greeted with excitement and anticipation. It also reinforces the value of their purchases. It will be a moment that they will want to capture and share, becoming your brand ambassador in the digital realm. It is indeed a secret weapon of marketing genius.
Let’s wrap up by keeping in mind that your branded packaging is not just a cardboard box; it is your first impression. They are the silent ambassadors of your brand. It encapsulates your brand’s identity, narrates your story, and extends a warm handshake to your customer. So, as you embark on your ecommerce journey, remember that your choice of packaging isn’t just a practical consideration; it’s a reflection of your brand’s dedication to delivering quality and style, one box at a time.