Custom Packaging Guide: Tips and Tactics Every Business Should Know

The Strategic Importance of Custom Packaging for Businesses

Packaging is often the first impression target audiences or new customers have with a business. However, it’s important to note that the strategic importance of custom printed packaging isn’t limited to businesses in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and e-commerce sector; it’s equally important for B2B and service-based businesses. 

Print marketing collateral, sales tools, promotional items, event invitations, loyalty program cards, gift boxes, and hotel key card pouches all involve packaging.

Given that a person can form an opinion about a business in as little as 0.1 seconds after their first impression, it’s clear that the importance of custom packaging applies to businesses across all sectors.

Consider the following:

• > In the CPG sector, where choices are abundant and competition is fierce, packaging is the first physical interaction consumers have with a product, heavily impacting purchasing decisions.
• > For B2B, the manner in which marketing collateral is packaged and presented directly reflects the professionalism and quality of the business. 
• > In e-commerce, where online purchasing delays the physical interaction with the product, packaging is the first tangible experience a customer has with the brand. 
• > Service-based businesses often operate in highly saturated local markets, and first impressions are critical to stand out from the crowd.
  

Fortunately, making a fabulous first impression is easier, faster, and more effective than ever before.

3 Ways Digital Printing Technology Makes Custom Packaging More Effective  

Optimize Package Prototyping with Digital Die-Cutting Technology

Customized packaging isn’t just about printing logos on a box. The size and shape of the box can be customized, too. This ensures the contents inside are better protected during transit and can substantially reduce shipping costs. Prototyping is a key part of creating custom packaging, and digital printing technologies such as digital die-cutting have drastically expedited the prototyping process. Digital die-cutting allows for faster, more precise, and more cost-efficient package prototyping and printing. The prototyping process used to take weeks to accomplish but with digital die-cutting, faster turnaround times enable businesses to create or modify custom packaging in record time. 

Personalize Packaging with Variable Data Printing Technology

Another digital printing technology, known as variable data printing, allows businesses to personalize packaging based on individual recipients’ preferences, demographics, and purchase history. Everything from boxes, labels, stickers, and packaging inserts can be personalized. For example, tutorial cards for beauty products can be personalized with information based on the customer’s skin type. 

Enhance Engagement with QR Codes

QR codes are one of the top print marketing trends due to their ability to provide an immersive, multi-channel experience. The biggest benefit of QR codes is the ability to link to nearly any type of digital content, including landing pages, video tutorials, warranty registrations, instruction guides, and more.

For example, Gregory Rozdeba, CEO of Dundas Life, uses QR codes in marketing collateral packaging to maximize engagement. “Dundas Life leverages QR codes to provide access to exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes videos, special discounts, or interactive experiences. This engages our customers and drives them to take action, whether it’s visiting our website, participating in a survey, or exploring new offerings.”

Adding QR codes to custom packaging offers another major benefit to businesses: flexibility. Since the content a QR code links to can be changed anytime, businesses can ensure their custom packaging is always aligned with current trends and customer preferences.