They say you can judge a book by its cover. So is the product by its packaging. 

This is how vital customised packaging is. With hundreds of thousands of retail businesses in Australia, it is not surprising that there is an increasing demand for unique packaging. 

You don’t have to ask why. The answer is simple. It can differentiate your brand from the rest. 

With the sheer number of competitors out there, how can your brand stand out? Surprisingly, customers pick up something off the shelf, even if they are not familiar with the brand because of its packaging alone. 

That means you don’t have to be a popular brand to grow your brand and become successful. All you need is packaging that can attract a client. 

The problem is, there are so many print designs that it is hard to decide on which design to choose. This article offers a comprehensive guide to customised packaging and how you can utilise it as a powerful tool for the success of your business.

Customised Packaging as Your Visible Secret Weapon

First impressions are important in retail as it represents your brand and product. Some call it the visible secret weapon. This idea makes sense because the packaging is visible. When it is designed with many layers, it adds an extra layer of mystery to the product.

Packaging provides additional protection to the product while in transit. It can also tell a funny and interesting brand-building story, provide valuable information about the product, help consumers in their decision-making process, and amplify the product’s unique selling quality.

If you are still not convinced how custom packaging is truly a win/win for your business, then read further to know its benefits.

1. It can make your product recognizable

Give your customers an idea of what they are getting with custom packaging. You can design a special packaging that reflects the product by using natural materials from artisanal goodies. For a high-end company, subtle and understated packaging says a lot about the product while colourful packaging attracts the younger crowd. 

Choosing the right packaging design will make your brand more recognizable.

2. It can attract new and old customers

If you want customers to notice your product, then you better start with your packaging. It should reflect your brand’s message. A successful packaging design is something that customers can easily recognize, even if nestled among the competitions. 

It needs to be attractive to new customers too. You cannot achieve this without designing your packaging materials to reflect your brand. 

3. It increases the value of a product

Admit yet, you also make assumptions about a product according to its packaging, Sometimes we are right, other times we are wrong. But it makes packaging, its salesperson. Customers easily associate the quality of the product with its packaging. If they are happy with what they see, they will gravitate towards it. A well-designed and customised packaging can help the customer to buy your product. 

4. Your customer’s experience will spread the word

Influencer marketing is the new norm in promoting a brand or product. You can position your product high in the minds of customers if it is recommended by someone they trust. They see them as reliable sources. If you frequent Insta or Facebook, you’ll find the products they recommended are all packaged well. To be on these influencers’ radar, you have to level up your products’ packaging.

5. Give your customers a great unboxing experience

Again, taking a cue from millennials who love to create unboxing videos, great packaging gives the best unboxing experience. Not everything is about the product. The market has plenty of good quality products. What will give it an advantage is unique packaging. It will make your customers fall in love with your brand even before trying your product. 

Steps in Designing Your Custom Packaging

Before taking the first step in packaging design, there are three important questions that you need to answer:

  • What is your product?
  • Who is buying your product?
  • How are they buying your product?

The first question will answer any logistical requirements for your packaging. The second is to identify who is using your product? It is critical because the packaging should appeal to its target customers. 

The last question answers a lot about the type of packaging and its design. The packaging for online items has different requirements compared to the custom gift packaging for a big-box store where it has to stand out against its competition.

The answers to these questions will guide you in making critical decisions during the design process.

Guide to Designing Custom Packaging

  1. Choose your packaging style: The first step in designing bespoke packaging is choosing the style that would be the best fit for your product. Here, the size and specifications are given much importance. Check the standard guide on packing styles.
  2. Decide on your overall packaging design: It is time to decide on the visual elements, fonts, wording, and colour palette that would reflect your brand. At this point, you have an idea of the image you want customers to see. 
  3. Add design elements that would make your packaging stand out: Think about what luxury packaging looks like. Add coating, embossing, or foiling to get them to notice your packaging. Adding subtle design elements will add oomph to your custom packaging.
  4. Check and check again: Before approving the design or sending the file to the printer, ensure that you have checked and rechecked it. Look for spelling errors and other details that you might have missed. It is better to see them now than after it is done. 

Conclusion

Deciding to customise your packaging can be a big decision for your brand. However, its benefits can outweigh the cost, especially if you get it right. Designing custom boxes for  packaging is literally “thinking out of the box.”

It is not merely deciding on the type of packaging your product needs, it has to tell a story and should communicate your message. You also need to choose the right material, shape and finish to elevate your final product. For more information about custom packaging, contact NuPash’s team of experts. They will gladly discuss your requirements and give you the best possible option.