It's In The Details
As a marketing professional, I fully understand the impact that the right packaging can have. Whether you sell a product or a service (yes, even services can be 'packaged' to increase impact), the manner in which it is delivered can help you stand out and make a lasting impression.
It doesn't have to be fancy. It doesn't have to cost a lot. In fact, it can be quite simple.
If you put the right components together, something can be quite memorable without a huge amount of work or expense, and can even be DIY- simple paper, made special with a stamp like the above from bobo chooses.
You might consider using labels instead of a stamp to add a personal touch to what you deliver to your customers (though this was featured on 100 layer cake as part of a wedding favors, I believe).
Bellybands are another way to customize your packaging. I use them when I package my stationery and they're something simple enough like the labels, that you can print and cut them yourself. I love the simplicity and unexpected use by on baked goods {via the ginger scone diaries} making them an extra special treat.
I had prints to ship today. There is LOVE flying out of the studio and now on its way to customers. I use plain white card stock for extra support of my archival prints, a plastic sleeve to protect the print, good old paper clips to hold everything in place during shipping and a pop of color thanks to washi tape.
I also attach a Bates Mercantile Co. notecard to the front, with a handwritten note of thanks inside.
To finish it all off, I draw flowers on the outside of the brown kraft rigid envelopes I use for shipping, just for one last personal touch.
I've received a good few notes back from customers saying they loved the packaging and that's exactly the response you should be looking for too.
I have ordered things from other etsy shop owners, and for the most part, there is usually something in the packaging that makes it stand out. The few times I've received something without, that has also made an impression on me, and I doubt it's the one shop owners are really wanting to put out to the world.
So, the next time you have to package something for a customer or even a gift, remember that sometimes it's the little touches that make all the difference.
Did you notice what was being shipped out today? It's all about LOVE. Valentine's Day must be in the air!
Do you ship items to customers and if you do, is your packaging making the impression you want? What things do you incorporate in your packaging to stand out?
As I said, even if you have a service, you can still 'package what you do for clients' in a way that adds extra value. When I send branding designs to clients, I don't just send a file with the design. I send it as part of a branding board which can include colors, patterns, and fonts as well as how their logo incorporated into collateral samples like business cards. This has made a huge difference for myself and my clients because it helps illustrate what I envision for their brand and how it will work for them.
If you're not packaging things in a way that makes it a little more special, how can you change that?
Want more inspiration? Follow my packaging board on pinterest, it runs the full gamut from easy and handmade, to professionally designed. Tons to draw from as you consider your own packaging.
**If there are some images that aren't centered, I apologize. Funky stuff going on in blogger today. Sometimes you just have to throw your hands up in the air and go with it.
Lots of design work today. I may be juggling, but I'm still focused on simplicity and one task at a time. Hhhmmmm, where I'd hear that before?
Have a fantastic day!
Ciao for now,
