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8 Small Business Advertising Tips for Drawing in New Customers

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There’s no doubt that starting a business is a lot harder today than it has been in the past. With a more competitive market and even more discerning consumers, it’s no surprise that a lot of businesses are struggling to draw in new customers, keep loyal ones and drive business growth.

But while there’s no magic recipe to success in business, there are certain smart advertising strategies that will help make your business more attractive to potential customers.

As you probably know, one of the keys to succeeding in the digital age is to take advantage of social media and all it has to offer. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can abandon all offline advertising strategies, as they can be invaluable as well.
This guide will talk you through eight small business advertising and marketing tips that will attract new potential customers, and encourage them to choose your company over a competitor.

1. Start with a Firm Game Plan

Like everything else in business, you need to start your marketing efforts with a good game plan. Who do you want to target for your campaigns? What do you want to achieve?
You’ll need to know and understand the demographics of your target market, as well as being extremely familiar with any competition you may have in that area. These factors can greatly influence the kinds of marketing and advertising that will work best for your company.

For example, if your target market is young people, you should focus your efforts on social media campaigns and online ad spaces. But if your business appeals to the older generations, this would be a waste of time and money – you’d be far better off going a more offline route.
Next, you’ll need to have a firm advertising and marketing fund. By being specific about your objectives, it will be easier for you to choose strategies that work for your business and within your budget.

2. Don’t be Afraid to Go Old School

Don’t make the mistake of focusing your entire marketing budget on online advertising. “Old school” techniques still reap a lot of benefits to smaller businesses, especially since most consumers are already overwhelmed with the amount of digital marketing that’s sent their way. It’s much easier to scroll past a Facebook ad than to ignore a flyer that’s put through your door.

As a small business, you may not have the budget to put into bigger advertising strategies yet, and that’s okay. Offline techniques can still go a long way – such as:

1) Advertising in newspapers and magazines
2) Word-of-mouth marketing
3) Handing out printed marketing materials, such as flyers and postcards (particularly if they contain discount codes and other special offers, designed to entice people in)
4) Letterbox marketing
5) Giving away freebies, e.g. personalised promotional products

Products printed with your company’s logo and branding, such as personalised mugs, pens, t-shirts and bags are particularly effective.
Market research has demonstrated that people are more likely to think positively about, and support, brands whose merchandise they own. They also have the potential to spread brand awareness far and wide, which is absolutely vital for new businesses looking to get their name out there.

3. Combine Both Online and Offline Techniques

Of course, offline marketing techniques – as useful as they are – can only take you so far in the digital era. No matter what kind of company you are, if you’re just starting out and you want to gain traction as a new brand, you will need to embrace more modern digital marketing methods.

Even when it comes to businesses targeting a more mature market, don’t forget that the older generations are becoming more and more tech-savvy – and their children and grandchildren are online every day.

If you want to maximise the result of your campaigns, you should combine both online and offline marketing techniques that can work together to help you achieve your goal.
For example, a great offline marketing technique is handing out business cards containing all of your company’s branding. Having a pocket-sized, physical reminder of your company will work wonders for keeping you fresh in your customers’ minds. But to bring your cards into the 21st century, you might include a discount code for online purchases, or a QR code that takes people directly to your web store.

4. Capitalise on the Power of Social Media

No one can deny the power that social media has on consumers these days. With people spending on average of two hours daily on social network platforms like Facebook and Twitter – and this figure being even higher for younger generations – being on the forefront means that you’re getting better exposure that could lead people to check out your business. For example:

1) Take advantage of Facebook’s targeted advertisements. You can pay to promote posts through Facebook, and tell the site who to show your ads to – for example, people living in a certain area, or people of a certain gender or age.
2) If you’re targeting a younger market, having your product sponsored by Instagram influencers can have a very real impact on spreading brand awareness.
3) The same goes for popular YouTubers. YouTube content creators often feature “sponsors” throughout their videos, which can work wonders for drawing in new customers.

Being present on social media doesn’t mean focusing all your efforts on these platforms. You just have to determine which sites work best for your business, and learn all about the types of content and promotional materials that you can put on these platforms in order to encourage new customers to see what you have to offer.

5. Invest in Ad Space

Although you can gain exposure organically through your content and social media profiles, paid advertisements are still essential in helping you gain more exposure and hopefully motivate new customers to see what you have in store for them.
You can go with Google ads or social media ads depending on your budget and your goals for your campaign. Buying ad space on websites is a great all-rounder, as pretty much everyone of every age uses the Internet to browse sites that interest them, even if they aren’t on social media.

Advertising is definitely a trial-and-error activity, so you’ll have to do a bit of experimentation first. Try out several different types of adverts and keep track of how many clicks you get. Once you know what works for your business, make sure to double down on those methods so you can gain the most benefits and enjoy positive results for a longer time.

6. Offer Value to New Customers

Here’s the truth: customers now are a lot smarter than they were 10 years ago. They don’t just look at advertisements to buy a product. They’re always looking for value in these campaigns.

Consumers want to find answers to their problems, solutions to their challenges and recommendations that will help them improve their quality of life in one way or another.
This means that you can’t just advertise for the sake of getting a sale. In fact, your revenue should be the last of your priorities when creating a marketing campaign. You want to build that trust with your customers first by making sure that you offer value to them – value that makes you stand out from your competitors.

One of the best ways to do that is through good content. Once you have a good understanding of the common pain points of your customers, you can create articles that offer solutions to those problems with the help of your products, of course.
Once you establish yourself as an authority in your niche, it will be easier to convince people to buy your products.

7. Bank on Imagery

According to scientific studies, the human brain can process images 60 times faster than words. So, it’s very important to make sure that images are part of your advertising efforts. It’s relatively easy to scroll past a large block of text without reading it, but it’s far harder to scroll past an image without at least glancing at it. That split-second glance will still make an impression in potential customer’s minds.
These days, consumers love to devour visual content like tutorials and how-to videos on YouTube, flat lay and artistic images, and even simple reels on Instagram or Facebook stories.

When you have good images, it’s easier to tell your story to people, stir the right emotions and motivate them to check out your business. Do some research into the effects of colour on the brain, for example, to use certain hues to influence what people will think about your company.

8. Respect your Loyal Customers

While the goal here is to draw new customers to your business, you should not forget the importance of retaining loyal customers.
Make sure that you implement strategies that also focus on existing consumers. For instance, you should take advantage of loyalty cards to encourage patrons to keep coming back to your business time and time again, rather than shopping around for competitors.
Don’t forget that loyal customers play an important role in attracting new customers through testimonials and reviews. These people already understand your brand and what you have to offer, and their opinions are highly valued by other consumers.

If they have a good experience with your brand, they can easily refer you to family and friends. Remember that word-of-mouth is still one of the most effective marketing strategies today, so capitalise on that.

Order Your Marketing Materials Today through 123Print

You can’t master effective marketing overnight. It’s a long process that involves a lot of trial and error, and you’ll need to make a huge investment to make things work.
But once you see the results of your efforts, and customers start pouring in, you’ll know that everything you did was worth your while. So, start by embracing these advertising tips into your system.

If you’re looking for marketing materials such as flyers, business cards and loyalty cards, 123Print is the place to go. With years of experience in the professional printing industry, we’re proud to produce some of the most affordable and highest-quality advertising materials around. All of our products can be customised online from the comfort of your own home (or office).

We also stock a range of promotional products including personalised mugs, postcards and vinyl magnets that are perfect for giving out as freebies to spread brand awareness. Why not have a browse through our range today?

Why Do You Need Personalised Office Equipment?

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Have you been wondering how to make your office a little more homey and friendly feeling, help your business appear more professional to your employees and clients, or tie in your office supplies with your brand for a more cohesive aesthetic? Personalised office equipment could be exactly what you need!

Personalised office equipment could be anything from a custom-printed mug for the breakroom bearing your company’s logo, to a personalised notepad with your branding and contact details printed at the top.

There are so many benefits to investing in personalised office supplies and business stationery – and, contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be expensive! In terms of budget, there are many low-cost sources of office supplies and equipment, so why pay the extra?

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of personalised office equipment to your business and where you can order yours today.

Can Personalised Office Equipment Improve Your Business Branding?

Read any book on business marketing or search online and brand marketing comes out on top of the list of marketing essentials. Establishing and building a brand is one of the fundamental ways of promoting and growing a business.

Develop your own corporate brand image and try to emulate the success of major corporations, whose brand images are closely associated with their products and services.
With brand marketing, the company should use their chosen brand image in every aspect of the business, and that includes areas such as office equipment.

The consistent use of the brand’s image:
1) Immediately makes your brand familiar to customers and the public. For instance, McDonald’s golden arches logo stands out on the high street and is instantly recognisable, without even seeing the company name.
2) Reinforces your brand among your own employees. As a business owner, you encourage your employees to be brand ambassadors and using branded office products internally is great for achieving this.

If your employees associate themselves with the brand, they will believe in and promote the company’s brand image to customers. It is a very important aspect of business marketing – which is why you need personalised equipment in the office.

Some companies, perhaps focusing on their customers only, forget that their own employees are part of the brand too. It makes an enormous difference to business promotion and company morale when employees see themselves as part of the brand.
How can a company be true to its own brand image if they don’t promote that image both internally and externally?

What Kinds of Office Equipment Can Be Personalised?

The list covers many items that a company uses on a day-to-day basis, including pens, notepads, personalised mugs and letter openers.
Cheap, non-branded versions of all these products are indeed available from any office stationery supplier. Some business owners, despite brand promotion being a prime marketing goal, automatically choose the cheaper option rather than using personalised products in their own office.

But for long-term marketing, this is a false economy. Even if you don’t see an immediate benefit, don’t underestimate the long-term effect of personalised office equipment.

Where Can I Use Personalised Office Supplies?

Aside from being useful for internal brand promotion within the office, most of the above products work very well as customer promotional gifts and can be distributed:

1) During trade shows and sales conferences
2) As part of promotional events, such as “spend £20 and get a free mug” when ordering online
3) In your customer-facing business premises, if you have one

As an example, if your business is in the hospitality sector, such as a hotel, branded personalised office equipment such as stationery and pens are great to leave around the hotel for guest use. For instance, most hotels provide pens and stationery in their rooms.
Personalise the pens and notebooks to match the hotel’s name and style. Guests will take the pens from the hotel rooms and use in their everyday life. From a quality point of view, make sure that the pens work well as it is a poor recommendation for the brand if they run out of ink, or break, after a short period.
Look around your home or working environment to see how many promotional items from other brands you own – it may surprise you!

How to Personalise Office Equipment

So, when it comes to ordering personalised business stationery, office equipment and promotional products with your branding, what kind of products are out there – and how might you use them? Here are some examples.

Personalised Mugs

Mugs are probably the most versatile item, as they are highly visible and used every day. You may choose full-colour designs that cover one side or a design wrapped around the entire mug.

Choose a design that matches the company’s brand image, is nice to look at and reflects its products and services. If its intended use is as a promotional gift, make sure that the design includes contact information, and use a good quality mug. As with other items in this category, cups offer long-term brand exposure.
A well-designed personalised mug looks great on social media. Perhaps offer them as prizes during social media campaigns.

Design personalised mugs for your employees complete with their names, or perhaps have a designer draw a caricature of each person and give them out as Christmas presents. This would be a fun way to engage with your employees!

Notepads

Personalised notepads are great all-rounders. They can be used:
1) In the office
2) In the shop, hotel, or other business premises (to be used by staff and guests alike)
3) As promotional gifts for customers
4) As gifts for your employees to take home

One particular advantage of promotional notepads is their size, which allows for extensive creative design and personalisation. Being a paper-based product, they are easy to print on and are less expensive than some other items.
If your business is in the legal sector, design custom branded yellow legal notepads for internal and promotional use. These can be used both internally and for customer engagement.

If aimed at important customers, combine the notepad with a high-quality pen in an attractive leather-style folder. Alongside mugs, pens and notepads are some of the most popular promotional items, because they also offer long-term brand exposure. In marketing budget terms, that’s great value for money.

Pens

There is not a lot of space on a standard pen, so when adding text, include essential information only. If branding is important, custom manufacture the pens using brand matching colours and use a unique shape or design.
The custom manufactured pen option is more expensive and perhaps more appropriate if used for important customer promotions.

As mentioned above, pens are great promotional items for hotels, whose guests may continue to use them after leaving the hotel. If the company hosts a sales conference, give away branded pens and notepads for note-taking. The recipient will hopefully carry on using the items after the event.

For the ultimate high-tech promotional gift, use pens with built-in USB storage and a laser pointer. Before a sales conference or customer meeting, load up the pen with company sales brochures before distribution. These items are also highly popular with employees. Before giving them to the customer, make your sales pitch presentation using the laser pointer. It is a novelty gift, but a highly useful one.

Letter Openers

There are several types of promotional letter openers available, including plastic and sliver knife styles. However, think carefully before giving away a knife-style opener.
Aside from the danger aspect, something that resembles a blade may get blocked by airline security, which would cause issues for a customer flying back to their home city. Unless you have a pressing reason to choose the former, the plastic-style opener is likely the safer option and features several unique benefits.

Because of the plastic material, they come in multiple colours and shapes and are convenient for adding promotional printing, compared to the silver knife style, which is only suitable for engraving.

Rubber Stamps

Unless there is some novelty value in them, rubber stamps are not as useful as promotional gifts. However, they are very versatile when used by a business, in an office or retail environment.

For instance, a coffee shop implementing a loyalty card scheme may use a coffee bean shaped logo stamp, for stamping their loyalty cards, each time a customer buys a cup of coffee. Typically, stamps with a company logo and address are the most popular for office use.

But stamps are versatile and may use any shape or design that fits! Often, these are used in the office to mark received documents or invoices—‘Received’ and ‘Paid’—being typical examples.

Where Can I Buy Personalised Office Equipment?

Personalised office equipment is a great way to liven up your desk at work, and spread your brand awareness among your employees, clients, customers, and the general public.
At 123Print, we provide a wide range of affordable personalised office equipment for you to choose from. You can make your own personalised mug or notebook featuring your business logo and tagline with our easy-to-use design editor. Our printing technology is the best available on the market, so you’ll end up with an extremely high-quality product that you can be proud to associate with your brand.

Start with a blank design, or choose from a range of templates that have already been created for you. We can also print flyers, postcards, business cards and even custom printed envelopes for your business at extremely affordable prices.

When your order is complete, our shipping process ensures that we’ll dispatch your order within two working days! We also offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, so you have absolutely nothing to lose by giving us a try – and we’ll replace or refund your order if you’re ever unsatisfied with the results.

What are you waiting for? Visit our website now to get started and transform your business into a true force to be reckoned with!

Should You Use Recycled Paper for Your Business Stationery?

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If your business requires the use of a lot of paper – for example, you regularly send paper invoices, receipts, or letters to your customers – you may have wondered whether it’s worth investing in recycled paper for your business stationery.

The short answer is yes! It’s time we all started thinking about our impact on the environment, and how small changes can make a big difference. We’ve all heard about the impact that natural resource overuse is having on our planet. These days, customers are explicitly looking to shop with businesses that are trying to reduce their impact on the environment.

There are many reasons to use recycled paper for your business stationery. Firstly, it is better for the environment because it reduces waste and saves trees. It also has many benefits that make it a worthwhile investment for any company, including being just as durable as normal paper and making your company more “green” in the eyes of consumers.

So, should you switch? In this blog post we will explore the benefits of using recycled paper and why you should use it for your business stationery.

What Is Recycled Paper?

Recycled paper is made by recycling old, used papers. This sounds like it would be a messy and difficult process but in reality it is actually quite simple.
First of all, waste paper is collected from the recycling bins of homes and businesses. When it arrives at the recycling plant, the paper is separated into different grades, including cardboard and different weights of paper. It’s then thoroughly washed, to remove things like glue and ink.

The washed paper is then fed through an industrial pulping machine that grinds everything up and mixes it with water, to create a slurry. At this stage, different materials can be added to the slurry depending on which type of paper product is being made.

Next, the paper slurry is spread into sheets using huge rollers. It’s then left to dry completely before it can be rolled up before being cut into the right size and shape.

The whole point of using recycled paper is that it uses much less energy and resources compared to the raw materials used for virgin paper. It also helps to reduce waste by collecting all the used paper products that would otherwise be thrown into landfill.

Why Is Recycled Paper Better for the Environment?

It makes sense to use recycled paper instead of new paper because it uses less energy and natural resources, which is better for the environment. Recycling just one tonne of old paper products saves, on average:

1) 7000 gallons of water
2) 4000 KW of energy
3) 17 trees
4) 380 gallons of oil
5) 3 cubic metres of landfill space

Let’s take a closer look at how much water, wood, energy, oil and space you can save by using recycled paper for your business stationery.

Recycled Paper Uses Less Water

The amount of water recycled paper uses during production is a lot less than new paper. This is because the manufacture of new paper requires huge amounts of water, including the use of tons of bleach during production.

This may not seem like it makes much difference, but when you think about the world’s population and how many things we need to produce then every little bit does count.
To create one tonne of recycled paper, around 35,000 fewer litres (approx. 7700 gallons) of water will be used in the process than it would take to produce the equivalent of virgin paper.

Recycled Paper Uses Less Energy

One of the most obvious benefits of recycled paper is that it uses much less energy. When you consider how much electricity a modern business will use, every little bit counts towards reducing our carbon footprint and saving more natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

On average, it takes around 31% less energy to create recycled paper vs virgin paper fibre. And an added bonus is that around 44% less greenhouse gases are emitted in the production of recycled paper.

Recycled Paper Uses Less Wood

Obviously, to produce brand new paper, you need to cut down trees. But this isn’t the case with recycled paper. The production of recycled paper only requires used materials, such as scrap paper, old documents and recycled newspaper.

In fact, it’s estimated that around 17 trees are saved for every tonne of paper made from 100% recycled content vs the same amount of virgin paper.
This means there are fewer forests being destroyed. Trees are one of the planet’s most valuable resources, so we should do our best to ensure they aren’t over-harvested.

Recycled Paper Uses Less Oil

The actual process of creating brand-new paper from wood is a lengthy one. It requires the use of a lot of heavy machinery at various different stages to cut down and transport trees, chop up the wood into useable lengths, and extract the cellulose fibres which will then be turned into paper pulp. And of course, all of this machinery and transport uses oil and other types of fuel.

Recycled paper doesn’t require anywhere near as much processing. This means there’s less oil used when recycled paper is printed, which makes it vastly more environmentally friendly. An average of 380 gallons of oil is spared when creating one tonne of recycled paper vs new paper. Oil is a valuable natural resource that’s already running low, so it’s vital to reduce our consumption of it in any way we can.

Recycled Paper Helps Reduce Waste

By creating recycled paper, we are also reducing the amount of paper rubbish that goes to landfill. Think about it – all those old paper products would just be thrown out if they weren’t recycled, and this does actually account for a lot more than most people realise!
Furthermore, the actual manufacture of paper creates waste that needs to be discarded. The manufacture of recycled paper results in 39% less solid waste and 53% less waste water than the production of brand new paper.

Is Recycled Paper Strong Enough for Business Stationery?

One thing people worry about when considering using recycled paper over normal printing is its durability and quality.
It’s true that paper recycling technology hasn’t always been the best, but it’s come a long way in the past few decades. Nowadays, good-quality recycled paper is virtually indistinguishable from normal paper. It’s exactly as strong and durable, and lasts just as long.

Our recycled paper is 100 gsm, so slightly thinner than our standard paper which is 120 gsm. However, this makes little difference. It’s perfect for business stationery like letterheads or envelopes. And, of course, your customers can recycle it again when they’re done with it!

Does Recycled Paper Look Different to Normal Paper?

The great thing about recycled paper is that, to the naked eye, you (and your customers) won’t be able to tell that it’s recycled. Recycled paper can come in both matte and gloss varieties, and looks and feels the same to normal paper.

If you held a non-recycled envelope next to a recycled one, you may be able to distinguish them – but if your customers aren’t looking for it, they won’t notice it. This means that no one will ever know your stationery came from recycled sources unless you want them to (for whatever reason).

Is Recycled Paper More Expensive Than Normal Paper?

Unfortunately, recycled paper does cost more to buy than normal paper. That’s because it’s more of a difficult, lengthy and costly process to make it, and it’s less abundant than new paper. On average, recycled paper costs about 25% more than normal printing paper.

But all in all, because paper is fairly cheap to begin with, recycled paper business stationery is still extremely affordable. It’s well worth it considering the environmental benefits, and the way that it will help your business stand out against your competitors.

Do Customers Prefer Businesses that Use Recycled Paper?

By using recycled paper instead of new pulp-made materials, you’re helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Customers are becoming more aware every day about how their choices can help or harm the environment – and this means they appreciate businesses that make green decisions by choosing recycled stationery over normal printing processes.

Many consumers are becoming wise to the impact that businesses, both large and small, are having on the world’s resources and energy use. By choosing recycled stationery you are making a strong statement about your business.

Customers who care about climate change will absolutely love working with a company that cares about the environment. Using recycled paper for letterheads or envelopes can be an excellent way of attracting new customers, as well as giving your established customer base a reason to continue shopping with you.

Where Can I Order Recycled Business Stationery?

At 123Print, we offer a variety of recycled paper letterheads and envelopes, perfect for any business or personal use. Head to our website to check out our huge range of recycled envelope and letterhead templates, to suit a wide range of styles, tastes and niches.

The recycled paper that we use is environmentally friendly and made of 100% recycled PCW (post-consumer waste). Its 100 gsm weight and professional quality is perfect for all of your business needs.

Simply use our easy editor to start customising your preferred envelope or letterhead template and add your personal details. We offer rapid 48-hour dispatch and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all orders. Join our thousands of satisfied customers today at 123Print!

Product Packaging Tips for Small Businesses

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When thinking about how to market your product, its packaging shouldn’t be the last thing that you consider. Even if you’re selling an online-only digital product, packing design is still relevant.

For instance, in the days when computer stores sold boxed software on DVD/CD, they needed a well-designed box to sit on the shelf. While that is no longer a reality, people still remember the packaging. Browse through computer software advertisements on the Internet, and you’ll be surprised at how many feature ‘virtual’ product packaging.

The packaging that you use will say a lot about your company – it’s one of the first impressions that customers will create about your business. Your packaging is also a great opportunity to further spread your branding and even turn customers into repeat customers!

Keep reading to discover plenty of handy tips on how to make the most out of your product packaging as a small business.

Invest in Eco-Friendly Packaging

Going back even just five years, how many vegan products would you expect to see in an average supermarket? Certainly not many, and very expensive at that compared to their non-vegan counterparts. But now every food category has a vegan/vegetarian or health-conscious alternative.

Given that this sector is more environmentally conscious than the average and consumers seem willing to pay a little more, it’s fair to assume that general consumer attitude is trending towards the environment. In today’s environmentally conscious world, this is probably one of the most relevant product packaging design tips.

How to Make Your Packaging More Environmentally Friendly

Look carefully at the materials that you’re using. Most urban houses have recycling bins—make sure that most of the product’s packing is recyclable and prominently display a recycling logo on the packaging.

Show your company’s green credentials by using recycled materials in product packaging—it’s true to say that recycled materials tend not to look and feel as pristine as non-recycled. However, being able to print ‘Made from 100% recycled material’ on the packaging is a big plus point.

Don’t forget to use recycled paper for your paper mailings, too – otherwise eco-friendly packaging may come across as a token gesture or gimmick, rather than a sign that your business is serious about the environment. At 123Print, you can purchase both letterheads and envelopes made of 100% recycled paper.

Consider the Unboxing Experience

Over the past several years, the phenomenon of the ‘unboxing video’ has become popular on social media sites such as YouTube and TikTok. Simply put, they feature a customer unboxing a new product (opening it and taking it out of its packaging), and reviewing the experience.

You might wonder why anyone would sit through a video about unboxing a product, but they have become insanely popular. Steve Jobs at Apple revolutionised this experience, designing packaging with the same care and attention to detail lavished on the product itself. This approach sets and enhances the customer’s expectations for the product.

Now consumers, especially of high-end electronic devices and luxury cosmetic products, crave this experience. When choosing between different products, in the same category, many people search for unboxing videos on YouTube. A flattering unboxing review might make the difference when choosing between similar products.

Tips for Successful Unboxings

Here are some general tips to enhance your customers’ general unboxing experience.

1) Consider the cost of packaging. The material cost of packaging, especially high-end, can reach up to 10% of the total manufacturing cost. If your product is in a price-sensitive market, would this extra cost hurt your bottom line?
2) Know your customers. What is your target consumer’s attitude to the environment? To some, the cost of high-end packaging may seem an unnecessary expense and detract from the product.
3) Be creative. YouTube is a visual medium, so your packaging material should look good under lighting, not be too reflective and feature attractive colours with a well-designed logo and font.
4) Use easy-to-open packaging such as a cardboard box. The opening process should be smooth and easy – having to hack plastic packaging open with a pair of kitchen scissors isn’t very appealing.
5) Ensure the product is secure. You don’t want it falling from the packaging upon opening. If your product features multiple parts, use packing foam inside the box and make sure that each part is visible and secure. If your product is a foodstuff, package it in a resealable bag—it looks good, is easy to open and enhances the freshness of your product.

Imagine yourself as a YouTuber, unboxing your product: what comment would you make—if the experience feels good to you, then you’re on the right track.

Theme Your Packaging

The theme is an important element of packaging design. A product’s packaging may comprise multiple items, not just a single bag or a box. It’s good to employ a consistent design with each element.

Maybe you use matching colour schemes or design elements, such as tying packages with twine. Whatever it is, remember that people like the personal touch. If your product is presented in plain packaging, it’s unlikely that your customer would choose to feature it on their Instagram feed or other social media channel.

Your product, perhaps a manual coffee grinder, might come in a well-constructed, attractive box, but also include a matching bag for travel. These small touches of design flair make a difference when trying to stand out against the competition. This might not be so important in an online marketplace, such as Amazon, where advertisers focus on the product image, rather than packaging. However, for an online marketplace, such as Etsy, which focuses on artisan products, cute and thematic product packaging, helps products to stand out from the crowd.

Make Use of Seasons and Holidays

If your product is aimed at (or sold during) a particular holiday, design the packaging with that in mind—the obvious example is Christmas, with bold red, gold and green festive designs.

But it’s not only holidays that you should think about. There are seasonal products that would benefit from appropriate design. For instance, a consumer in a DIY store, looking for, say, a garden product, would subconsciously look for green packaging.

Use Clear and Attractive Language

If you’re lucky enough that a customer has picked up your product from the shelf, make sure that all the information they need to make the choice is included on the packaging.
For instance, if it’s a health food product, make sure that it includes details of its benefits.

Otherwise, the customer might put it back and choose another brand. If you’re selling clothing, you should have a clear label stating what materials it’s made from, and the percentage of the overall product.

Like all marketing, think like a customer. While your product packaging might include a detailed instruction leaflet inside, print enough instructions on the packaging to convince the customer that it’s what they need.

Is It Legal?

While the most important aspect of packaging design is to enhance the product’s desirability, you should always consider the legal aspect. Depending on product type, certain things that appear on the packaging, such as medicinal claims, may be legally restricted.

Also, make sure that any product claims that appear on the packaging are accurate and truthful. Lying to customers for the sake of selling more units isn’t a good look.

Encourage Brand Awareness and Recognition

While your company may have a varied product line, you always want people to know from whom they’re buying. Brand awareness requires a consistent design strategy across product lines.

For instance, consider supermarkets—they offer a range of products. There is never just one brand of soup or sunblock on the shelf and, of course, you want the consumer to pick up your product first, rather than the store’s own brand, or a competitor’s.

A consistent brand identity can help with this—something familiar in the packaging, perhaps a particular font or colour scheme to grab their attention and make them reflexively reach for your product first.

While your small business might not have the research budget of a national supermarket chain, it’s valuable, when planning product packaging, to put yourself in the mind of your customer. Think about what they might look for when searching for your type of product.

And of course, always prominently display your business’s logo and any taglines or slogans you may use on the outer packaging. That way, even if the customer doesn’t end up buying it, they’ll still be more likely to remember and recognise your brand in the future.

Include Extra Promotional Materials

In order to upsell to your customers, add some additional promotional material in the product packaging. For example, you might include a flyer with a special discount code for 10% off future purchases – this will encourage your customers to place another order.

You could also consider including a loyalty card inside the packaging, with one stamp already on it. People love to collect things, and loyalty stamps are no exception. The mere presence of a loyalty card will inspire them to shop with you again, and work towards the reward (whatever it may be).

Always make sure any promotional materials you include in your packaging are professionally designed and printed, to create the most favourable impression possible with your customers. 123Print carry a full range of professional-quality flyers, business cards and other promotional materials.

 

Our thousands of designs are fully customisable with your own wording and font choices, and will be shipped to you within 2 working days of your order. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have confidence in us to provide for all of your marketing needs.