4 ways to create a memorable packaging ‘Unboxing Experience’
‘Unboxing’ is where consumers unpack a product and show the process through photos or videos. The ‘unboxing experience’ was originally born on YouTube, where consumers would share videos of their experiences when opening a product for the first time.
The ‘unboxing videos’ made on YouTube often went more viral than the product inside, just to show how important the unboxing experience truly is! Therefore, this kind of content became a goldmine for businesses and marketing professionals, as when customers share their experiences with a brand online, it creates a lot of free publicity and helps build recognition.
But in order for consumers to want to share a package online, the packaging has to be compelling and exciting to open. In this article, we will be sharing the 5 ways to create a memorable packaging unboxing experience.
1. Choosing the right sized packaging for the product
Before you think about adding your brand logo and colours to a package, the first thing you need to do is to make sure you have the right packaging for the product.
If the package is too small for the item inside, it can cause the goods inside to become bent or damaged leading to a very disappointing unboxing experience and a very unhappy customer. Equally, if the packaging is too large, this could not only lead to damage due to the item moving around in the empty space, but it also could lead to you being overcharged for the size of the box and not the product itself which would not be ideal for your business either. Plus, there is nothing more frustrating for the customer then to open a gigantic box with only one tiny item inside.
To avoid these issues, it’s best to ensure the right packaging is chosen so that it fits the product perfectly and limits the chance of any damage or customer unsatisfaction. Just take a look at the ‘Apple’ box for some inspiration, everything fits in perfectly to size and it has a sleek and memorable design that is easily recognisable.
2. Create a memorable packaging design that stands out
Just like the classic Apple product above, it’s incredibly beneficial if your packaging design is memorable. By showing your business puts thought and effort into the packaging design will help to attract customers as it signifies to them that you are invested in delivering a premium level of experience.
According to Dotcom Distribution, 45% of customers say that ‘gift-like’ packaging makes a brand appear more ‘upscale’. This means creating a packaging design that is more than just a cardboard box. After all, the packaging is the first touch point customers have with your brand, so you want to ‘wow’ them from the start, make them feel like a kid at Christmas when they see a wrapped present. If the packaging makes a good impression, they may even show it off to others too just like people do on Christmas morning when they receive a great gift.
But how do you make a memorable packaging design?
- Make your packaging eye-catching and attractive, ensuring that it reflects your brand.
- Choose a visually appealing colour palette that goes hand in hand with your brand.
- Limit the number of fonts you use, sticking with one or two is recommended.
- Don’t clutter the packaging with too much text, make use of white space.
- Using sustainable/eco-friendly packaging is a great move to attract eco-conscious customers and will show that your business cares about its environmental impact.
Just as an example, take a look at the image above, if you saw a product that came in a box like the example on the left, then saw a similar, if not the same, product packaged in a box like the one on the right, which one would you choose?
A package can really make a difference in ensuring your product stands out so that a consumer chooses yours over a competitor, so it should never be overlooked.
3. Add a personal touch to your packaging
Adding a personal touch to your packaging can really upscale the product further. This can be done by including a handwritten note to say thank you, custom tissue paper or packing materials to not only protect the product, but make it more visually appealing when unboxing, or even an insert encouraging customers to share their experience on social media.
By including a personal touch to the packaging, you will make customers feel more appreciated and this can increase their emotional investment in your brand. The extra thought put into the packaging can really go a long way in making the unboxing experience extra special.
4. Product presentation is key to creating a memorable package
The way products are arranged within the package can make a big impact on how aesthetically pleasing the unboxing experience is. Nobody wants to open a package where the item looks like it has been rushed into the box with no extra thought.
If the product is carefully arranged and looks great in the box, then customers are more likely to take pictures of their new purchase, or even create an unboxing video to share online, which will help to increase your brand recognition further.
Die-cut cardboard inserts are a good way to make your box feel more structured. Tissue paper can also be used to hold products together and give the packaging a gift-like premium feel.
Adding a neatly arranged free sample in the package along with the product is also effective, I mean who doesn’t love free stuff? It shows the customer you are willing to go that extra mile in giving them a great unboxing experience.
A memorable unboxing experience by Swiftpak
The unboxing experience is certainly a trend that is here to stay so it’s more important than ever to ensure that your product and its packaging will be equally loved by the consumer.
At Swiftpak, with the help of our trusted in-house packaging designer, we can make sure that you deliver an unforgettable unboxing experience to your valued customers.
If this sounds like something your business would be interested in, please don’t hesitate in contacting us today.