There is more to product packaging than just the box your item arrives in. It defines you as a brand and helps customers recognize your business.
It’s a good idea to start curating style inspiration early. Making a Pinterest board or taking pictures of your preferred grocery shop cartons can be enough to do this.
What is it?
Consumers are greatly influenced by product packaging while making in-store and online purchases. It influences brand perception and leaves a lasting impression, whether for better or worse.
In today’s hyper-competitive market, standing out on crowded shelves and digital screens requires more than a great product. Custom product packaging has become a crucial element of success, influencing consumer perception and leaving a lasting impression that can make or break a purchase.
It’s not just about aesthetics, though beautiful packaging certainly catches the eye. Adequate custom product packaging is a strategic conversation between you and your audience. This will determine the final design for your packaging. Lastly, it would help if you created a plan and timeline for how you want to bring your new packaging ideas to life.
What do you want it to do?
Excellent product packaging can help you tell your brand story, showcase important information like barcodes, nutrition labels, and association marks, or even be a promotional tool. Having your design partner start the project with these goals in mind will help you create something that meets the needs of your ideal customer and the logistical requirements of your production process.
It’s also worth considering when you want the packaging to be ready. Your production partner can put together a timeline and quote for the project. The initial design usually charges a flat fee, while revisions generally add hourly fees.
What do you want it to look like?
You should put a lot of information in your package. Product photos, a witty tagline, or even association marks that demonstrate your membership in an industry organization.
Depending on your industry, you may also need to include barcodes (UPC or EAN) and nutrition information. Your designer can help you determine what is logistically possible.
Remember who your target audience is when it’s time to start curating style ideas. You’ll want to ask yourself questions like:
What do you want it to feel like?
A well-designed package can make your brand stand out from competitors, increase sales, and improve your customer’s experience with your company. But before you jump into design, take some time to think about the goals and purpose of your packaging.
Depending on your product and industry, there may be logistical requirements for your packaging. This includes barcodes, nutrition information, association marks, and more.
Remember to curate ideas for your ideal customers when looking for style inspiration. A shabby look might be charming for your aunt’s curtains, but it won’t work if you sell baby motorcycle jackets to badass biker moms. Ensure you get physical mock-ups of your flat and constructed designs to see how they look.
What do you want it to be?
Your product packaging isn’t just your book cover; it’s how you introduce yourself to people who might become your customers. It’s a fact that most people do judge books by their covers.
You may have a beautiful photo, a witty quote from a happy customer, or even a cartoon depicting your product’s use in action. Choose one thing that you want to stand out and make it the focus of your design. Depending on your production partner, they will generally produce a mock-up for you both flat and in 3-dimensions. By doing this, you may identify any possible problems with your design before the production process goes too far.
