Three Expert Ways to Design Your Packaging This Year: A Guide for E-Commerce Brands
With 2024 well underway, small e-commerce brands are increasingly recognizing the pivotal role of packaging design in creating a lasting impression. In this upcoming year, the focus isn't just on aesthetics but also on sustainability and functionality. This shift reflects a deep understanding that eco-friendly and sustainable packaging can significantly enhance brand identity and customer experience. This guide will explore three expert strategies to revolutionize product packaging, ensuring it's not just recyclable but also a powerful tool in a marketing arsenal.
1. Utilize Sales Data to Streamline Packaging Options
One of the most overlooked aspects of packaging design is its direct correlation with sales data. As a small e-commerce brand, it's crucial to use this data to consolidate the number of sizes and packaging types on offer. This approach not only streamlines the supply chain but also minimizes environmental impact, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.
How does this work? By analyzing up to date sales data, it’s easy to identify the most frequently purchased items and optimize packaging solutions to fit these products perfectly. This strategy not only reduces waste but also enhances the unboxing experience by ensuring products arrive in tailor-made packaging. Plus, by minimizing excess material, it helps contribute to an eco-friendlier packaging system.
2. Design Double-Sided Packaging to Enhance User Experience
The unboxing experience is a critical moment that can bolster customer loyalty. Interactive and informative packaging is a trend that's gaining momentum, and one way to leverage this is by designing double-sided packaging. This method serves a dual purpose: it's not only an aesthetic choice but also a functional one.
What does this entail? Imagine a customer opening a box and finding not just their purchase but also a beautifully designed interior that could contain QR codes for easy reordering, information about sustainability efforts, or even social media prompts. This approach turns any box into a smart packaging solution, driving referrals and educating customers about the brand's commitment to eco-friendly practices.
3. Partner with Experts in Custom Design
The third strategy involves finding a partner, such as Arka, experienced in custom packaging. This step is crucial for brands aiming to create a unique unboxing experience. Custom designed packaging isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a memorable interaction between a product and the customer. Why is this important? A custom package can include elements like tactile finishes, innovative graphic design, or even augmented reality (AR) features. These elements can significantly enhance the user experience, making any product stand out in a crowded ecommerce market. Additionally, working with a partner who understands packaging design trends, including the use of sustainable materials, minimalist designs, and digital printing techniques, ensures that packaging is both modern and environmentally friendly.
Practical Implementation and Additional Tips
After understanding the three key strategies, it's essential to delve into the practical side of implementing these innovative packaging ideas.
Choosing the Right Materials: When it comes to packaging materials, consider recyclable, compostable, or eco-friendly options like bamboo, mushroom packaging, or recycled plastics. This choice not only reduces the environmental impact but also resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.
Incorporating Technology: The use of QR codes, NFC (Near Field Communication), and AR in packaging can transform the customer experience. These technologies can lead to interactive content, such as product usage guides, brand storytelling, or even virtual try-on features, enhancing the overall user experience.
Design Elements: Pay attention to fonts, typography, and logo design. These are not just aesthetic choices; they form a crucial part of the brand design. The use of unique graphic design elements can make all packaging more memorable and shareable, especially on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Staying Ahead with Trends: Keep an eye on packaging design trends in the coming year. Whether it's minimalist designs, bold colors, or eco-conscious messaging, staying updated can help a brand remain relevant and appealing to their target audience.
Collaborating for Innovation: Don’t hesitate to collaborate with designers or agencies specializing in sustainable packaging and brand identity. Their expertise can bring fresh perspectives to a packaging strategy and help navigate the complexities of the packaging industry.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward into 2024, the packaging industry is evolving to meet the changing consumer preferences and the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. By focusing on these three strategies - leveraging sales data for efficient packaging options, creating interactive double-sided designs, and partnering with experts for custom packouts, your e-commerce brand can not only keep up with the latest packaging design trends but also make a positive environmental impact. Remember, the right packaging doesn't just protect a product; it communicates a brand's values and commitment to sustainability, leaving a lasting impression on consumers. As we look ahead, let's embrace these changes and innovations in the packaging industry to create experiences that customers love and remember, all while being kind to our planet.
Written By: Phillip Akhzar, Founder + CEO of Arka
Phillip Akhzar is the Founder and CEO of Arka with 16 years experience in packaging and supply chain logistics. Phil is a San Francisco native, attending Cal Poly SLO as an Industrial Engineer before graduating from both Y Combinator W15 and 500 Startups (Batch 16).
From Boeing Aerospace to Silicon Valley startups like iCracked, Phil has brought his core competencies at the biggest of companies to businesses just getting their start. He’s also the host of Shopify’s course on packaging and shipping your product sustainably.