Custom Packaging Design Tips: How to Create Packaging That Sells

When your business is your product, every detail counts. With so many options out there, your brand is what sets you apart—and packaging is often the first impression. In fact, 72% of American consumers say packaging design influences their buying decisions.

Want your packaging to actually work harder for your brand?

Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you get the most out of your product packaging—before you even hand it off to a designer..

Understand Your Brand Identity & Target Audience

Before diving into design, take a step back. Ask yourself:

• What are your brand’s mission and core values?
• What sets you apart from your competitors?
• How do you want your customers to feel when they interact with your product?

Now, think about your audience. What do they care about? What don’t they like? How do they shop? When you align your packaging with your audience’s preferences, you build trust and stand out..

Incorporate Strong Visual Elements

Great packaging isn’t just pretty—it communicates. Colors, fonts, textures, illustrations—they all say something.

Want to dive deeper into design basics? Look up the “11 principles of design”—things like contrast, hierarchy, and balance. These fundamentals help you create packaging that’s not just eye-catching but functional, too.

Choose the Right Packaging Materials

Not all packaging is created equal. Choose what fits your product, your shipping method, and your brand vibe:

Embrace Sustainable Packaging

Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s an expectation. Even if your customers aren’t asking for it directly, they’re noticing.

Eco-conscious packaging can:

• Reduce waste (and costs!) through print-on-demand options
• Support your brand story with recycled materials
• Improve customer satisfaction and loyalty

Look for vendors with net-zero operations or low minimum orders to keep things lean and green.

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Balance Looks with Function

A beautiful box is great—but it needs to work in the real world. Ask yourself:

• Will this be opened multiple times?
• Does it need to protect delicate items?
• Will it stay fresh if it’s food or cannabis?

Packaging Design Tips:

• Prioritize durability during shipping
• Use inserts or dividers to protect products
• Print key info clearly and accessibly
• Carry your brand across everything, from box to sticker

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Listen to Your Customers

Packaging isn’t static—it evolves. Use on-demand printing to stay flexible and adapt based on real feedback.

How to gather feedback:

• Send short surveys (Google Forms, Typeform, etc.)
• Include feedback cards in your packaging
• Ask directly via social media or email
• Offer incentives for honest responses

Sometimes your best design advice comes straight from the people buying your product.mers! Whether at the store, an open-air market, or via the phone, listen to your customers suggestions and concerns.

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How Packaging Benefits Customers

Good design isn’t just for show. It makes life easier (and more delightful) for your customers. Here’s how:

1. Better Product Experience
   Easy-open, resealable, or visually exciting packaging creates a positive first impression and keeps customers satisfied.
2. Increased Perceived Value
   High-quality design and materials communicate that the product itself is valuable, helping justify premium pricing and fostering customer loyalty.
3. Improved Brand Recognition
   Cohesive branding—including consistent colors, logos, and messaging—builds emotional connections and reinforces brand recall.
4. Deeper Customer Engagement
   Incorporating QR codes, personalized thank-you notes, or unexpected extras transforms packaging into a powerful storytelling and customer-engagement tool.
5. Enhanced Business Results
   Strategic packaging directly impacts your bottom line. Many businesses experience improved retention, more referrals, and increased positive reviews following a packaging refresh.

Packaging Design Trends to Watch

Personalization at Scale

Digital printing lets you create unique versions of each package—without massive costs.

Interactive Packaging

Add scannable codes, AR experiences, or sensory elements (like scent or texture) for an immersive feel.

Tech-Enhanced Unboxing

Use QR codes for how-tos, content, or upsells—turning packaging into a launchpad for deeper engagement.

Sustainability

Recycled, compostable, or minimal packaging will only become more important in the years ahead.

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Nail the Details: Design Tips for Print

When it’s time to prep your files for print, here’s what to watch:

Color

• Use CMYK (not RGB) for accurate print colors
• Rich black (60-40-40-100) for large fills
• Plain black (0-0-0-100) for text
• For gray areas, use black only (0-0-0-20) to avoid color tint

Images & Graphics

• Use 300 DPI images to avoid pixelation
• Embed all images in final files
• Outline all text to avoid font issues

File Formats

• Submit as PDF, AI, or EPS
• Include 1/8″ bleed and safe zones to avoid trimming errors

Fonts

• Stick to at least 10pt for boxes, 6pt for labels
• Use bolder weights for knockout or small text

Proof Everything

Before hitting print, always request a proof. Mistakes are much easier to catch early.

Final Thoughts on Packaging Design

Packaging isn’t just a box—it’s your brand’s handshake. It tells your story, shows your values, and creates moments your customers remember.

If you’re ready to turn great design into real-world impact, the PackStudio team is here to help. Whether it’s your first run or your fiftieth, we’ll make sure your packaging does more than look good—it’ll work hard for your brand.