Square gifts wrapped in minimalist ecofriendly packaging.

Estimated Reading Time

  • 4 Minutes

TLDR

Packaging isn’t just something to be thrown away any longer. With unboxing videos and social media expediting word of mouth, careful thought should be put into the pack and ship segment of your business. Think about the last time you ordered something on Etsy and it arrived with perfectly folded tissue paper and a quality thank you card in a mini envelope inside the box – did it make a lasting impression? It’s fascinating, really, how some simple packaging decisions can make a big difference in impressing your customers. In this article we will share nine tips for how to stand out from the crowd using just packaging.

INTRO

In business, many things are often overlooked that can make a world of difference. One of those things is your packaging. Gone are the days when it was only about protecting your products. In today’s world, packaging is a brand advocate that plays a big role in shaping the customer experience.  And with the increased focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, using sustainable packaging also allows you to demonstrate your sense of responsibility and consideration for our planet. So, how can you transform your packaging and shipping supplies from containers to brand advocates? Let’s look at some small business packaging ideas to help you!

Branded Packaging Solutions

Your packaging can do so much more than hold your product. Branded packaging-like personalized boxes for shipping or customized bags can make a statement, tell a story, and leave a lasting impression on your customer. With your logo, catchy slogan, and company name artistically displayed, every package you send out becomes a brand ambassador representing your company aesthetic and values. 

So, want to know how to make packaging social media shareable? Consider nine ways you can make your business stand out and impress.

1. Sustainable Inserts

Your packaging can be a powerful statement of eco-friendliness. Swapping out traditional inserts for recyclable and compostable options shows your care for the environment. You can use natural materials like seeded paper or bamboo fibers, which can be planted or composted. 

These thoughtful touches also enhance your brand image, making you stand out among the crowd and attract environmentally conscious customers. They’ll champion your brand and spread the word, which can lead to sustainable growth (literally).

2. Streamlined Minimalism

As Clare Boothe Luce so aptly stated, “The height of sophistication is simplicity.” Minimal packaging is an excellent way to elevate your brand with a look of elegance and cleanliness. It’s also sustainable and cost-efficient, saving you from wasting ink and printing materials. 

There are so many ways you can make your packaging minimal. Here are some examples:

  • Packaging cosmetics in reusable glass containers with no outer packaging.
  • Wrapping apparel in simple branded tissue paper.
  • Securing electronics with molded pulp instead of plastic.
  • Shipping your products in recycled materials, like shoeboxes.

3. Guided Customer Experience

Simplifying customer interactions with clear, step-by-step instructions can transform an ordinary unboxing into an enjoyable experience. Don’t make your customers go back to the product listing to find the how-to guide; include it in your box. Taking this approach builds user satisfaction by ensuring they use the product as intended, which will bring them the result they were looking for. 

And guess what? You can maintain this simplicity while shifting towards recyclable materials in your packaging. For example, you can add instructions on the inner flap of the compostable shipping box or print them on a kraft paper card. By combining straightforward instructions with eco-friendly packaging materials for shipping, you create a user-friendly and planet-loving experience.

4. Artistic Engagement

You can use your packaging as a canvas where artistic talent can create stunning designs that reflect your brand. One exciting way to do this is by hosting crowd-sourced art contests. Invite artists in your community to submit designs aligned with your brand’s aesthetics and values. Then use the winning entries on your packaging. 

You’ll get unique art that other brands can’t get anywhere else and deepen your connection with customers. They won’t just be consumers, but contributors to your brand’s visual story. And when they see your commitment to your community, they’re more likely to be drawn to you. In this way, you transform your packaging into pieces of art that tell a story and make your products unforgettable.

5. Exclusive Package Content

Exclusive package content adds an element of surprise and delight that makes the unboxing experience a memorable event. Consider the approach taken by Farewell Frances, a sustainable women’s clothing brand that uses upcycled or repurposed vintage quilt coats and masks to make their clothing. They add charming postcards and exclusive insider newsletters to their packages for a personal touch.

Whether you use those methods or a limited edition sample, these special touches make each unboxing an exclusive event that’ll get shared on social media in no time. Your customers will also feel special and more connected with your company, which turns them into loyal brand advocates that spread the word.

6. Tape as a Branding Element

Who knew that tape wasn’t just for sealing boxes? Packaging tape is a subtle yet powerful way to reinforce your brand identity. Its versatility allows it to align seamlessly with your other packaging supplies for a cohesive look and feel. You can do so with:

  • Custom-printed tapes with your logo or brand colors
  • Patterned tapes
  • Eco-friendly options like kraft or biodegradable tape
  • Water-activated tape

These creative tape options secure your packages and transform them into moving billboards that catch the eye and build brand recognition every time you ship.

7. Personalized Gestures

There’s nothing quite like getting a handwritten note when you’re used to getting generic typed thank-you cards and inserts. This personal touch creates a feeling of warmth and personal attention, which deepens your bond with your customers. 

Of course, maintaining this level of personalization can be challenging as your business grows. Scaling up often means automating processes, and handwritten notes may seem impractical with all the other fires you have to attend to. But finding ways to keep this personal touch can differentiate your brand and leave a lasting impression on your customers. 

So even if you just write handwritten notes for a random selection of orders or a special occasion, you can still maintain that individualized attention your customers know and love.

8. Artisanal Storytelling

Showcasing the stories of the artisans and creators behind your products humanizes your brand and makes it more authentic by showing the real people behind the scenes. You can narrate the journey of your product from conception to creation in your packaging by using:

  • Graphics
  • Photographs
  • Notes

This is an excellent way to engage customers and build an emotional connection, especially when you highlight your social and environmental responsibility. With these methods, you can tell a story that resonates with your audience’s values and aspirations, making them feel like a part of something meaningful.

9. Colorful Tissue Accents

Tissue wrapping and crinkle paper or shredded metallics may seem like a small detail, but it can play a big role in reinforcing your brand’s aesthetic. Customization is key here. Choose a color that aligns with your brand or even go for printed designs to elevate your unboxing experience. It’s even better to choose bold, vibrant colors that scream your brand’s personality to really catch the eye.

Want to take it even further? You can get custom tissue paper with your logo, slogan, or anything else you want with Digiwrap. This digital solution allows you to create custom, high-quality printed tissue paper to make your unboxing experience truly unforgettable.

Exploring Packaging Options

Whether you’re a small business or an established one, the right  packaging materials for shipping can be a game changer in catching attention and building anticipation for what’s inside. Now that we’ve covered what goes inside, let’s talk about your options for shipping.

Robust Corrugated Solutions

First up is corrugated boxes. These sturdy boxes feature a layered structure that acts like a cushion to protect your products from those bumps and shocks during shipping. Yet, they’re surprisingly light, which makes them easy to handle and saves money on shipping costs. Speaking of costs, these boxes are very affordable despite how robust they are. 

Worried about blending in with the crowd with plain brown and white boxes? Well, corrugated boxes are also customizable! So you can really go all out with branding and sizes to make them uniquely yours. 

And another big plus-most of these personalized box for shipping are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable themselves. You can shred them with a cardboard packaging machine shredder and take them straight to the recycling center.

Padded Mailers for Fragile Items

Padded mailers are the perfect solution for shipping delicate items that need a little TLC, like expensive jewelry or glass. The internal layers absorb shock and cushion your products from those dangerous jolts and bumps. The best part is that there are eco-friendly options.

Next are the all-rounders for smaller items, and they each have their own advantages:

  • Bags: Sleek, thin, and flexible; ideal for less fragile items.
  • Mailers: Stiffer lightweight envelopes with a little padding for lightweight items.
  • Padded and bubble envelopes: Larger envelopes with an extra layer of insulation or padding for more fragile items.

Despite their differences, all three are lightweight and water-resistant. Therefore, they’re ideal for various smaller, lighter products, from clothing to books to jewelry.

They also come in sustainable options.

The Significance of Packaging

Packaging is so much more than a container. It acts as your brand’s visual ambassador and first physical customer touchpoint. After all, they see the package before they ever see the product. It’s what creates anticipation for what’s inside, and can even make a first-time purchaser a lifelong customer.

How so? Well, your packaging speaks volumes about your brand’s identity and values. When your packaging aligns with your brand values, you get the chance to relate to the customer and start building connections with them from the first glance. 

So whether it’s through sustainable materials, thoughtful touches, or unique designs, your packaging should tell your brand’s story and match with your customers’ values. That way, your packaging doesn’t just deliver a product-it delivers an amazing experience that keeps them coming back for more.

Choosing the Right Packaging

As we wrap up (pun intended!) one thing is abundantly clear: choosing the right packaging is imperative for any business. In today’s world, you want to balance aesthetics and protection with sustainability, social responsibility, and cost-efficiency. Think sustainable materials, smaller packaging to reduce waste, and carbon offsetting to show that you're serious about reducing your ecological footprint. When you strike the right balance, your packaging will advocate your brand and capture the hearts of your customers.

Are you ready to make your packaging stand out and leave a lasting impression? MyBinding provides a wide variety of packaging and shipping styles to suit any need. Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly options or unique designs, we’ve got you covered. 

Have questions? Contact us at 1-800-944-4573.