Branding your packaging on a budget

Branding is unique to every business; it represents your image and ethos in one snapshot, so does a plain brown piece of card with some clear plastic really represent you? With unboxing videos of products becoming the norm, the packaging you use is a huge part of the customer experience and might be viewed thousands of times by others that haven't yet purchased from you.
 
 As a small business, it is vital to gather as much momentum in sales as early as possible, so getting your branding ‘out there’ is integral for consumers to identify yours as a brand of quality they can trust…However, this is the time when money is usually tight, and budgets are minimal.
 
 Branding products can be daunting, but if you have your logo/colour scheme and your budget (no matter how small), we can help with the rest…
 
 There is an abundance of options available for branding that won’t break the bank. Here are some things you may want to consider.
  

Define your brand identity.

Consider the look and feel you want to convey with your packaging and ensure it aligns.
 
 For example: Are you moving towards being and being perceived as carbon neutral and want to ensure your packaging is fully recyclable?
 
  

 Choosing your outer packaging will play an essential role in this. You may look more towards paper packaging with a kraft look…A cardboard box with a kraft outer has a nice smooth finish that generally gives off a more luxurious feel; kraft paper has never been recycled before. However, it is fully recyclable and so is an excellent option for your brand image without compromising on quality.

 
Keep packaging simple.

 
 Simple and minimalist packaging is often the most effective and can be done on a budget. Whilst a fully branded box is ideal for high-end brands, they often come with a large minimum order quantity, which for many small businesses searching for packaging options, is a significant outlay and commitment.
  

 An alternative option would be to use branded tape.
 

With the minimum order being as little as two boxes (in most cases) and the option of using only one colour or full colour, there is enough variation to choose the right product for your brand and, more importantly, your budget.
  
 
Printed paper tape can be effective if you opt for brown outer packaging. There is the option to choose paper tape with print on it should you wish to go down the environmental route – although slightly more expensive than the general-purpose option, it will complete the overall image if environmental is your ethos.
  
 
If you're hoping to use a white box for postage, then printed white tape will really help your logo and your slogan stand out. The bold colours contrasting against the white will create a striking effect even if you choose to use one colour.
  

 

Ensuring that your logo is prominently displayed.

 Logo placement is vital to help to increase brand recognition upon receipt of your parcel. A one-colour print logo placed on the most extensive panel of the box will effectively use branding and won’t cost the earth.
  

 If you haven’t got the budget, print your logo on both sides of the box. A die-cut box (think pizza box style) is ideal for your logo on the top of the box. This also means that no tape is required to seal the package.

Utilise colour effectively.

Choose colours that align with your brand identity and stand out. There is a lot of research to suggest that colours evoke emotions ranging from warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility, so choose your colour schemes carefully.

  
 
It can be pricey to go for a full-colour print box or even a full-colour logo but consider the products you are sending and how they are packaged internally too.Shredded paper can help nestle products safely into your box, and there are a wide range of colour options.
 

 
If you need to wrap the product, you may wish to consider HoneyFlo and PaperFlo over the traditional bubble or foam. Although they are limited in their colours (kraft), this would be an excellent addition to your overall brand, and both negate any need for tape.
 
 

Consistency is key.

 
Ensure your packaging design is consistent with your overall brand identity and messaging to build customer recognition and trust. Once you have decided on a brand, you can use this on any platform that your customer sees or interacts with.
 
More than anything, you should invest in the best quality packaging you can afford and test this out to ensure that your product travels well and reaches the end user in one piece. This will be the fastest and easiest way to build your brand up as one you can trust.
 
 

 
You may be surprised at how little bringing your brand to life in one of the most seen parts of your product can be. 
 
Get in touch today if you’d like to experience a personalised assessment of your branding needs, our email reply time is less than 35 minutes and we'll answer the phone under 10 seconds. Give us a call today to see how we can help,  0151 486 4800.