8 Branding and Design Tips for Your Subscription Box Packaging

In recent years, subscription boxes have experienced a boom as consumers desire new ways of buying products and connecting with their favorite brands. In the past, brand experience was limited to shopping online or in-store—with shoppers using or consuming the products after purchase. With subscription boxes, customers can now have a unique and more sustained relationship with their favorite brands on a continuing basis.

By signing up to a subscribers list, customers are treated to a monthly delivery of their favorite items from a brand’s product catalog. If the subscription box packaging is designed with care and creativity, customers will know that the brand has committed considerable  effort not only into the contents of the box, but the box itself. This makes for an exciting product unboxing experience.

Enhancing your subscription box packaging through effective design and branding communicates that you are dedicated to creating a delightful total customer experience. To achieve this goal, here are some design and branding tips you may consider adopting.

Subscription Box Packaging: 8 Branding and Design Tips for Success

1. Choose the best packaging type

Selecting the best packaging type depends on the products you are sending. For instance, smaller packages are suited to mailer boxes, which are typically rectangular and are small enough to fit in a standard mailbox. 

If you want your product to have more flexibility in its design and format, folding cartons can be the ideal choice. Folding cartons are well suited for custom food packaging and a variety of consumer packaged goods. For products requiring sturdier packaging, single-wall or double-wall corrugated shipping boxes may provide  an ideal structure.

2. Incorporate your brand colors

Utilize brand colors that align with your brand identity. For instance, monochromatic colors can add to a packaging’s minimalist look or luxurious feel. If you want to exude warmth, colors such as pink, red, and orange can serve as attractive signature hues.

Appropriate color choices should factor into your product packaging design to aid in goals such as brand recall. Color helps your consumers recognize your brand even when standing several feet away from the aisle or without reading the brand name. 

3. Use custom labels, inserts, and tape

Take custom packaging up a notch by maximizing everything in your product packaging that can be considered marketing real estate. 

Use custom labels and incorporate branding on inserts. Avoid using generic tape as these consume space that you can otherwise use to convey custom messages to your customers. The use of custom labels helps make every step in the unboxing experience uniquely informative and pleasing. 

4. Merge the design with your branding, messaging, and style

Establish brand familiarity by aligning your product packaging with your branding. For instance, if you want to evoke a contemporary and sophisticated image, yet your product packaging is unattractive, your customers will be underwhelmed. 

Furthermore, as much as you want to use the best packaging colors, try not to depart from your color palette as you may compromise your brand identity.

5. Consider sustainable packaging design

More consumers are becoming conscious of the environmental impact of the products they purchase. As consumers turn partial to more sustainable brands, sustainable packaging is another branding layer you could adopt. You can start by checking if there are materials in your packaging design to find sustainable or recyclable alternatives. 

6. Try various materials and print styles

A plethora of choices are available when it comes to packaging material and print styles. For instance, consider a more standout finish for standard cardboard boxes—such as gloss, matte, or kraft. 

Depending on your design vision and branding, you can explore different packaging materials and print styles to find the end product that echoes your brand. You can try asking your subscribers for feedback or reviews regarding their preferences to help you create a subscription box they will definitely like. 

7. Get interactive

Build better relationships and connections with your customers by engaging them in an activity they will find fun and rewarding. Consider including interactive puzzles in your subscription box packaging or incorporate QR codes that will lead customers to a digital treasure hunt where they can win prizes or discounts for their next purchase.

8. Mind the printing process

Consider various types of printing such as flexography, digital, or lithography. Flexography is one of the most widely used methods due to its design flexibility. Digital printing is ideal for low quantity orders, while lithography offers high-quality graphics at a higher cost.

Unravel the Power of Product Packaging

Product packaging has come a long way, seeing as it has become more than just a means to protect your products. It has become an effective marketing tool that businesses should maximize. When it comes to subscription boxes, in particular, customers want something unique enough to get them to subscribe and compel them to keep their subscription active.

Aim for compelling subscription box packaging designs for your brand. This will guarantee your customers are greeted with a unique unboxing experience every time they open the box you sent. For effective and well-designed packaging solutions, you may reach out to us at Meyers Printing. We can help you bring your creative and functional packaging vision to life.