# Small Business Packaging Ideas: How to Set Your Brand Apart
In today’s market, where competition is fierce, advertising and branding have become paramount for small businesses to achieve growth and success. However, branding is not just about what you sell or what service you’re offering. Branding is how you sell it.
To create that necessary distinction between you and others in your industry, you need to come up with effective small business packaging ideas. Creative packaging can give you the edge you need to stand out and attract more customers.
In this beginners guide, we’ll explore five ideas that small businesses can use in their packaging to set their brand apart.
## Branded Box
The first interaction your customer has with your brand is when they receive your product. That’s why a branded box is essential for creating a lasting first impression.
Technically, a branded box can be as simple as a logo stamped on its side. This “the box” offers a formal introduction to your brand and captures the pedigree, notes your product experience, and sets expectations for the total product experience.
By getting the branded box right, you are taking one last chance to affect the customer’s expectations before the final point of product acquisition. This is a powerful strategy that helps your brand become recognizable and memorable in the eyes of your customers.
## Thank You Note / Custom Internal Packaging
Personalize your brand experience by adding a thank you note and branded internal packaging. The inside of your packaging is the routine of the purchase, and by branding the internal packaging/tissue, you’re given another opportunity to differentiate your brand from others.
A thank you note sent with a product offers emotional bonding between your brand and the customer, creating stronger brand loyalty and repeat business. By presenting your product as offering more significant value, you create a perception of higher quality, improving the perceived price.
## How the Box is Packed
The packing process of your products and packaging can leave the customers with an impressive experience. This is low-cost and experiential, and it provides an edge to the meticulous side of the growing small business.
Show your customers how much you care your product, and you will give them a real-life product reveal experience. By being meticulous about how you organize the box around your products, you can create an experiential moment for your customers that leaves a lasting impression.
Consider how anticipation and excitement can work together to turn an impressionable moment into a lifetime of support. Play off your buyers’ excitement and turn the mandatory waiting period from shipping to unboxing into a weapon at your disposal.
## Freebies
Giving away branded freebies is an excellent opportunity to build your brand and reputation. By providing a value-add or add-on promotion, you reward customers and incentivize them to repeat purchases and sign up to your marketing.
Consider giving things like stickers, magnets, tote bags, or customized shirts. These freebies should be creatively branded to tie them to your brand and remind the customer about their experience with your product.
Giving away something free is more likely to attract customers, and if your freebie is something that the customer will actually use or cherish, you increase the likelihood of brand loyalty.
## Fully Custom Packaging
The ultimate small business packaging idea is to create entirely custom packaging. Not just how the box is organized but the whole packaging experience can make an impact on the customers’ experience with your brand.
By customizing every aspect of the packaging process, you create a seamless and unique experience for the customer. From the packaging’s materials to notes, add-ons, and even how the box opens, your brand can create branded experiences that captivate your customer.
Custom packaging can raise your brand’s standing and set it apart from your competition. When your custom packaging is tied to your brand’s colors, packaging materials, packaging shape, product layout, and more, you can tailor the entire unboxing experience to suit your brand.
In conclusion, these small business packaging ideas can help create an experience for your customer and brand your company. A branded box, a thank you note, customized packaging, interesting packaging, and freebies can leave lasting impressions and add value to your customer’s purchase experience. By making your branding more personalized and unique, you’ll maintain your customer’s trust and can foster long-term relationships.