How to Elevate Your Small Business with Custom Packaging Design

When you're running a small business, every customer interaction counts – and packaging is often one of the most overlooked ways to make a lasting impression. Whether you're selling handmade candles, artisan food, or bespoke skincare, custom packaging design can help you stand out, tell your brand story, and even boost your sales.

Let’s be honest – we all judge a book by its cover sometimes. That’s exactly what your customers are doing when they receive your product. A well-designed package doesn’t just look pretty; it builds trust and adds value. It says, “I care about quality” before they’ve even opened the box.

Why Packaging Design Matters (Even for Small Brands)

Custom packaging is more than putting a logo on a cardboard box. It’s an opportunity to reinforce your brand identity, communicate your values, and create a memorable unboxing experience.

Imagine getting a package that’s thoughtfully designed – maybe with a pop of colour, elegant typography, or a clever message inside. You’re more likely to remember the brand, recommend it, and even share it on social media. That’s free marketing, right there.

From a design perspective, it’s all about graphic design and consistency. Your fonts, colours, icons, and layout should work together across every touchpoint – website, packaging, social media – to tell one cohesive story.

A Real Example: How Custom Packaging Boosted Sales

Take skincare brand Bybi, for instance. Based in the UK, Bybi started with a minimal budget but invested early in eco-conscious, bold packaging design. Their packaging stood out on crowded shelves with its millennial pink tones and clean typography.

As co-founder Elsie Rutterford shared in an interview with Forbes, their packaging helped them get into major retailers like Boots and Target – and their customer base grew exponentially once they hit shelves looking like a premium brand.

In fact, Bybi saw a 150% increase in online orders after launching their redesigned packaging – all without changing their product formula. Just the visual identity and customer experience.

How You Can Use Packaging to Elevate Your Brand

You don’t need a huge budget, but to make packaging work for you, you do want an experienced designer who can help you think strategically and create a design that is going to hit the right spot with your targeted audience. The points you really want to be considering when looking at packaging are:

1. Being Clear on Your Brand

Before designing anything, get clear on your brand values, audience, and tone. Are you fun and quirky? Sleek and professional? Sustainable and earthy? Your packaging should reflect that. (Consider linking to your brand strategy services here)

2. Investing in Professional Design

It’s tempting to DIY it all, but investing in a professional packaging design service can save you time and give you a more polished result.Good designers will create not just the artwork, but also guide you on layout, dielines, and how it all looks in print.

3. Thinking About Materials

Are you going for recyclable, luxury feel, or cost-effective? Your design should pair well with the materials you’re using. A kraft box with minimal black print gives a totally different vibe than a glossy foil mailer.

4. Creating a Brand Experience

Add thoughtful touches – a thank you card, branded tissue paper, or a QR code linking to your story. These details help create a personal connection, which is especially powerful for small businesses.

In a competitive world, custom packaging design isn’t a luxury – it’s a strategic move. It helps build trust, strengthens your branding, and yes, can even drive more sales.

If you're ready to take your packaging up a notch, I’d love to help you bring your brand to life. At Next Chapter Creative, we work with businesses across the UK to create standout packaging that reflects your values and captures attention.