{"id":21817,"date":"2026-03-27T15:47:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T22:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avery.com\/blog\/?p=21817"},"modified":"2026-04-07T11:51:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T18:51:19","slug":"packaging-ideas-for-small-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avery.com\/blog\/packaging-ideas-for-small-business\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Packaging Ideas to Keep Customers Coming Back for More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Give yourself permission to have more fun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For live performers, they say \u201cIf you\u2019re having fun, the audience will too.\u201d And honestly, that\u2019s exactly the same with packaging. When you\u2019re having fun with it\u2014trying something a little different, leaning into a creative idea\u2014your customers can feel it. Those are the packaging ideas that keep them coming back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, creating a consistent experience for your customers is one of the best ways to increase customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. But that doesn\u2019t mean everything has to feel so serious. I\u2019ve learned that this goes far beyond your product. Your messaging, branding, and overall vibe should be the same no matter where customers (or potential customers) encounter your business. This includes everything from your social media, website, and shopping platforms like Etsy to physical shops, vendor booth displays<\/a>, and, yes, product packaging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s what I’ve learned about adding personality to product packaging:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Distinct packaging increases brand awareness<\/strong>. When you let yourself have a little fun with it, those small creative details are often the things people remember most.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Creative packaging adds value. <\/strong>Giving customers a little more than what they were expecting makes them feel like they\u2019re getting more for their money. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re ready to have a little more fun with your small business packaging, here are 9 creative ideas to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    9 packaging ideas to keep customers coming back<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    1) Coupon code scratcher packaging insert for promotions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"A<\/figure>
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    A scratch-off coupon is one of those things that feels way more fun than a standard discount code. I\u2019ve found that people are much more likely to actually use it, which makes it a great way to drive repeat orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Customize This Template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Pro tip:<\/strong>
    Making your own scratch-off cards is easier than it sounds. You can buy scratch-off stickers online and apply them to literally any printed design. I love this because it’s a unique interactive element that doesn’t require any special equipment to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And here’s my secret for making scratch off cards with unique codes on each card: use the Mail Merge tool in Avery Design & Print Online<\/a>. Just upload your codes in a spreadsheet, and you can automatically generate multiple versions of the same design with different offers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    2) Promotional packaging insert to bring customers back<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Packaging<\/figure>
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    If you want customers to come back, you have to give them a reason to. A simple promo insert\u2014like a discount, freebie offer, or next-purchase incentive\u2014does exactly that without overcomplicating your packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Customize This Template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    3) “Achievement unlocked” packaging seal for branded boxes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"A<\/figure>
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    This is one of those small details that packs a lot of personality at a glance. A custom seal can turn a plain box into something that feels branded and a little more special right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Customize This Template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    4) \u201cHappy mail\u201d packaging sticker for customer experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"A<\/figure>
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    I love anything that makes packaging feel more like an experience. A \u201chappy mail\u201d sticker sets the tone before the customer even opens the box, which is a nice way to build excitement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Customize This Template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    5) Thank-you labels for product packaging (\u201cThanks a bunch!\u201d idea)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"An<\/figure>
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    This is one of those easy ways to add a little personality without overthinking it. A fun \u201cThanks a bunch!\u201d label doesn\u2019t take itself too seriously\u2014and that\u2019s kind of the point. If you\u2019re selling something creative, your packaging should feel that way too. Little moments like this are what people remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Customize This Template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    6) Pen pal packaging insert for customer feedback<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Two<\/figure>
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    If you\u2019re not asking for feedback, you\u2019re probably missing out on useful insights. A simple postcard gives customers a low-effort way to share their thoughts\u2014and it can lead to better reviews over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Customize This Template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pro tip:<\/strong> Keep it simple. A short prompt or a couple of questions is usually enough. You\u2019re more likely to get responses if it feels quick and easy to fill out.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    7) Thank-you card packaging insert for small businesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"A<\/figure>
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    A cute thank-you card is a great start\u2014but what really makes it land is a handwritten note inside. That extra moment of effort feels personal in a way printed packaging just can\u2019t. Even a quick message with their name turns a nice idea into something memorable\u2014and that\u2019s what brings people back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Customize This Template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    8) QR code packaging idea to grow social media and repeat customers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"A<\/figure>
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    A QR code is one of the easiest ways to connect your packaging to everything else you\u2019re doing. Whether it links to your shop, social media, or a special offer, it puts that next step right in front of your customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Customize This Template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pro tip:<\/strong>
    Think about where you want people to go before you generate the code. A direct link to a specific page (not just your homepage) usually works better.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    9) Creative packaging idea to encourage social sharing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"A<\/figure>
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    This is your permission to be a little weird. The things that feel playful or unexpected are often the most memorable. A \u201cTag, you\u2019re it\u201d label is simple, a little funny, and it invites customers to engage without overthinking it. That kind of personality is what gets people to share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Customize This Template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Here\u2019s something interesting:<\/strong>
    Americans spend an estimated<\/strong> $7 million per day on TikTok shopping<\/strong> (based on     research by Capital One<\/a>). So if you want to be part of that, don\u2019t make customers search for you. A QR code puts everything right in front of them\u2014one quick scan and they\u2019re back in your world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Inspired by these packaging ideas? Here’s how to try them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You don\u2019t have to do all of these at once\u2014start with one or two ideas that feel like a natural fit for your brand and build from there. Once you\u2019ve picked a couple, it’s time to pull everything together with your core brand elements. This part doesn\u2019t have to be complicated. In fact, I’ve found that it\u2019s usually better when it\u2019s not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start with a design you actually like<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    You don\u2019t need to start from scratch to make any of these ideas work. The easiest way to get going is to pick a design or template you like and build from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Add one thing that makes it yours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes it\u2019s as simple as adding your logo. When I started my own small business, the first time I really felt it click was when I finally had a unique, scalable logo. Once I had it, I could add it to everything, and it made a huge difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Just that one step can instantly make something feel more like your brand. Even if you’re taking a little bit of a creative swing with the overall design.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    How to Design a Logo for Your Business: A Beginner’s Guide<\/a><\/blockquote>