Effective marketing through packaging for SMBs
Introduction
In today's age of live shopping, packaging is an essential component of unboxing marketing for SMBs and eCommerce companies. It is the first point of contact that a customer has with a product, and it can make or break their perception of the brand. Effective packaging can differentiate a product from competitors, create unique customer experiences, and drive sales.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how SMBs and eCommerce companies can use packaging to do effective marketing. We will cover various aspects of packaging, including different types of packaging, branding, creating unique customer experiences, common mistakes to avoid, future trends, sustainability, and more.
Types of Packaging
The type of packaging a business uses can have a significant impact on its marketing efforts. There are several types of packaging that SMBs and eCommerce companies can choose from, including shipping boxes, cardboard boxes, mailer boxes, and more.
Cardboard boxes are similar to shipping boxes, but they are typically used for products that do not require as much protection during shipping. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and can be customized with branding and messaging.
Mailer boxes are specifically designed for eCommerce businesses. They are smaller than shipping and cardboard boxes and are typically used for products that can fit in a standard mail slot. Mailer boxes are designed to be easy to assemble, lightweight, and customizable with branding and messaging.
Shipping boxes are sturdy and durable, and they come in different sizes to accommodate various types of products. Shipping boxes can be customized with branding and messaging to make them stand out from the competition.
Other types of packaging include blister packaging, clamshell packaging, shrink wrap, and more. Choosing the right type of packaging for a product depends on various factors such as the product’s size, weight, fragility, and more.
Branding
Branding is a critical aspect of effective packaging. A brand’s packaging should reflect its values, messaging, and overall brand identity. A well-designed package can help a product stand out on the shelf or in a sea of online products.
Consistency is essential in branding. The packaging should be consistent with the brand’s messaging and reflect its values. This means using consistent branding, colors, and messaging across all packaging materials.
For example, if a brand is known for its eco-friendliness, then using sustainable packaging materials such as cardboard boxes or recycled mailer boxes can reinforce that message. Similarly, if a brand is all about luxury, then using high-quality packaging materials and design can create a premium feel for the product.
Creating Unique Customer Experiences
Packaging can be used to create unique customer experiences. Customers today are looking for more than just a product – they want an experience. By using packaging creatively, SMBs and eCommerce companies can create a memorable experience for their customers.
For example, they can use shipping boxes or mailer boxes with a unique design that reflects the product inside. A subscription box service can use different themes and designs for each box to create anticipation and excitement for the next box. Custom printed boxes with a personalized message or the customer’s name can make the customer feel special and appreciated.
Unboxing videos are becoming increasingly popular on social media, and brands can leverage this trend by creating packaging that is visually appealing and exciting to open. The packaging can be designed in a way that encourages customers to share their unboxing experience on social media, which can lead to free advertising and increased brand awareness.
Common Mistakes
There are several common mistakes that SMBs and eCommerce companies make when it comes to packaging and marketing. Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure that the packaging is effective in marketing the brand.
One common mistake is using generic or inconsistent packaging. If the packaging looks like everyone else’s, then it will be challenging to differentiate the brand from others. It is essential to use packaging that reflects the brand and is consistent with its messaging. This means using consistent branding, colors, and messaging across all packaging materials.
Another mistake is using low-quality packaging materials. Customers can quickly tell when a package is cheaply made, and it can create a negative perception of the product and brand. It is crucial to use high-quality packaging materials that reflect the quality of the product.
Finally, many companies overlook the importance of sustainability in packaging. Customers today are more environmentally conscious than ever before, and using non-sustainable materials can turn them off from a brand. Using eco-friendly packaging materials such as cardboard boxes or recycled mailer boxes can show that the brand is committed to sustainability and social responsibility.
The unboxing experience is a critical component of the customer journey. It is the first physical interaction that a customer has with a product and can leave a lasting impression on them. By creating a memorable unboxing experience, businesses can differentiate their brand, increase customer loyalty, and drive sales. One way to do this is by using branded mailer boxes. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to create a memorable unboxing experience for your customers using branded mailer boxes.
Why Branded Mailer Boxes?
Branded mailer boxes are a great way to create a memorable unboxing experience. They are customizable, lightweight, and easy to assemble, making them an ideal choice for eCommerce businesses. Branded mailer boxes can be customized with branding, messaging, and other unique features that can make the unboxing experience exciting and memorable for the customer.
Additionally, branded mailer boxes can help businesses stand out in a crowded marketplace. When a customer receives a package in a branded mailer box, it immediately creates a sense of excitement and anticipation. The customer knows that they are receiving a product from a brand that takes pride in its packaging and cares about the customer experience.
Steps to Create a Memorable Unboxing Experience
Creating a memorable unboxing experience requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are the steps to follow when creating a memorable unboxing experience using branded mailer boxes.
Step 1: Choose the Right Box Size
The first step is to choose the right box size. The box should be large enough to accommodate the product but not so large that the product is bouncing around inside. The right box size can help protect the product during shipping and make the unboxing experience more enjoyable for the customer.
Step 2: Design the Box
The design of the box is essential for creating a memorable unboxing experience. The box should be customized with branding, messaging, and other unique features that reflect the brand’s identity and values.
For example, a skincare brand could use a branded mailer box with a design that reflects the ingredients used in their products. A subscription box service could use different designs for each box to create anticipation and excitement for the next box. Custom printed boxes with a personalized message or the customer’s name can make the customer feel special and appreciated.
Step 3: Choose the Right Packaging Material
The right packaging material can make all the difference in creating a memorable unboxing experience. Branded mailer boxes can be made from a variety of materials, including corrugated cardboard, kraft paper, and more.
Corrugated cardboard is a popular option for branded mailer boxes. It is durable, lightweight, and easy to print on. Kraft paper is another option that is eco-friendly and can give the box a more natural, organic look.
Step 4: Add Unique Features
Adding unique features to the branded mailer box can take the unboxing experience to the next level. Some unique features to consider include:
Custom tissue paper with branding or messaging
Custom stickers or labels with branding or messaging
Custom packing tape with branding or messaging
A personalized note from the brand
These unique features can make the unboxing experience more exciting and memorable for the customer.
Step 5: Think About the Unboxing Process
The unboxing process is just as important as the design of the box. The packaging should be easy to open and should make the customer feel excited and curious about what’s inside.
One way to do this is by using multiple layers of packaging. For example, a skincare brand could use a branded mailer box with tissue paper and a custom sticker to seal the box. Inside the box, the product could be wrapped in more tissue paper or placed in a custom branded pouch.
Step 6: Encourage Social Sharing
Encouraging social sharing is an excellent way to increase brand awareness and reach new customers. The branded mailer box can be designed in a way that encourages customers to share their unboxing experience on social media.
For example, the box could have a hashtag or social media handle printed on it. The customer could be encouraged to share a photo of the box or the product on social media and tag the brand.
Another way to encourage social sharing is by including a small gift or sample inside the box. This can make the customer feel appreciated and more likely to share their experience on social media.
Step 7: Evaluate and Improve
Creating a memorable unboxing experience is an ongoing process. Businesses should continually evaluate and improve their packaging to ensure that it is effective in creating a positive customer experience.
One way to evaluate the unboxing experience is by asking for customer feedback. Businesses can send a follow-up email after the customer receives the product, asking for their feedback on the packaging and overall experience.
Additionally, businesses should stay up to date on industry trends and innovations. As the packaging industry evolves, new ideas and techniques for creating a memorable unboxing experience will emerge.
Benefits of a Memorable Unboxing Experience
Creating a memorable unboxing experience using branded mailer boxes can have several benefits for businesses.
Increased Brand Awareness: A memorable unboxing experience can increase brand awareness as customers share their experience on social media and with friends and family.
Increased Customer Loyalty: A positive unboxing experience can increase customer loyalty and lead to repeat business.
Differentiation from Competitors: A memorable unboxing experience can differentiate a brand from competitors and make the brand more memorable in the customer’s mind.
Opportunity to Showcase Brand Identity: Branded mailer boxes provide an opportunity to showcase a brand’s identity and values to customers.
Conclusion
Creating a memorable unboxing experience using branded mailer boxes is an effective way for businesses to differentiate themselves from competitors, increase customer loyalty, and drive sales. By following the steps outlined in this article, businesses can create a packaging strategy that reflects their brand identity and values, is easy to open, and encourages social sharing. As the packaging industry continues to evolve, businesses should stay up to date on new trends and techniques to ensure that their packaging is effective in creating a positive customer experience.
The unboxing experience is an important part of the customer journey, and businesses should invest in creating a memorable experience that reflects their brand identity and values. By using branded mailer boxes, businesses can create a unique and exciting experience for customers that can increase brand awareness, customer loyalty, and differentiate their brand from competitors.
When designing a branded mailer box, businesses should consider the box size, packaging material, design, unique features, and the unboxing process. The box should be easy to open and make the customer feel excited and curious about what’s inside. Encouraging social sharing can also increase brand awareness and reach new customers.
Creating a memorable unboxing experience using branded mailer boxes can have several benefits for businesses, including increased brand awareness, increased customer loyalty, differentiation from competitors, and an opportunity to showcase brand identity.
In conclusion, the unboxing experience is an important aspect of the customer journey, and businesses should not overlook its importance. By investing in branded mailer boxes and following the steps outlined in this article, businesses can create a memorable and exciting experience for their customers that can increase brand loyalty and drive sales.
Future Trends
The packaging industry is constantly evolving, and there are several future trends that SMBs and eCommerce companies should be aware of. These trends can help businesses stay ahead of the curve and continue to use packaging effectively in marketing.
One trend is the use of smart packaging. Smart packaging uses technology such as sensors or QR codes to provide customers with additional information about the product or brand. For example, a QR code on a mailer box can lead customers to a landing page with more information about the product or the brand.
Another trend is the use of augmented reality (AR) in packaging. AR can be used to create an immersive experience for customers, where they can interact with the product and packaging in a virtual space. For example, an eCommerce company selling furniture can use AR to show customers how a piece of furniture would look in their home before they buy it.
Sustainability will continue to be a significant trend in packaging. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they will expect brands to use sustainable materials and reduce their carbon footprint. Businesses that prioritize sustainability in their packaging will have a competitive advantage.
A side note on role of packaging in sustainability
Sustainability is a growing concern for businesses and consumers alike. Packaging plays a significant role in sustainability, and SMBs and eCommerce companies can use sustainable packaging materials to reduce their environmental impact.
Cardboard boxes are a sustainable packaging option as they are recyclable and biodegradable. Using recycled cardboard boxes can reduce the carbon footprint of a business and show customers that the brand is committed to sustainability.
Mailer boxes made from recycled materials are also a sustainable option. These boxes are lightweight, which reduces the carbon footprint of shipping, and they can be customized with branding and messaging.
Another sustainable packaging option is biodegradable packing peanuts. These are made from cornstarch and dissolve in water, making them a sustainable alternative to traditional packing peanuts made from polystyrene.
In conclusion, packaging is a crucial component of marketing for SMBs and eCommerce companies. By using packaging creatively, businesses can differentiate their brand, create unique customer experiences, and effectively market their products. Avoiding common packaging mistakes and staying ahead of future trends can help businesses stay competitive in a crowded marketplace. Prioritizing sustainability in packaging can reduce a business’s environmental impact and show customers that the brand is committed to social responsibility.
Overall, effective packaging is about more than just protecting a product during shipping. It is an opportunity to showcase a brand’s identity, values, and messaging to customers. SMBs and eCommerce companies should take advantage of this opportunity to differentiate their brand, create unique customer experiences, and drive sales.
By using the right type of packaging, staying consistent with branding, creating unique customer experiences, avoiding common mistakes, and prioritizing sustainability, businesses can effectively use packaging to market their products and stand out in a crowded marketplace. As the packaging industry continues to evolve, staying up to date on future trends and innovations will be crucial for businesses to maintain a competitive edge and effectively market their products.
In the end, packaging should not be an afterthought for businesses but a crucial component of their marketing strategy. By investing in effective packaging, businesses can leave a lasting impression on customers, build brand loyalty, and drive sales.