Stuck in the Past? How to Tell When Your Packaging Needs a Reboot
Packaging isn’t just a box, bottle, or wrapper—it’s the wingman for your product, the unsung hero of the shelf. But even the best wingman can lose its charm. If your packaging is starting to feel a little... uninspired, it might be time for a change. Here are the top five signs your packaging needs a makeover, with a closer look at each one.
1. Your Branding Has Moved On, but Your Packaging Hasn’t
So, you’ve given your brand a facelift—new logo, fresh colours, maybe even a sassy new tagline. But your packaging? It’s still rocking its old look like a band that refuses to update their greatest hits album. Customers crave consistency, and if your packaging doesn’t match your brand’s shiny new identity, it’s like showing up to a party in the wrong costume. Your packaging should be an extension of your brand’s personality—current, cohesive, and unmistakably you.
Make the fix: Start with a brand audit. Ensure your packaging aligns with every other element of your brand identity, from colour schemes to messaging, so your product feels unmistakably “you.”
2. It’s More Outdated Than Retro-Chic
Some designs are timeless—and then there’s your packaging, which might have looked trendy five years ago but now just screams “past its prime.” If your product is being overlooked because it blends into the background or looks old-fashioned in a not-so-cute way, it’s time for a refresh. Modern packaging doesn’t have to chase every trend, but it should feel relevant and appealing to today’s consumers.
Make the fix: Study current design trends and consider how they might suit your brand. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—sometimes subtle updates like cleaner typography or bolder colours can make all the difference.
3. Your Sales Are Taking a Nap
If your sales graph looks more like a straight line than a thrilling rollercoaster, it’s worth taking a hard look at your packaging. Remember, packaging is your product’s silent salesperson, working 24/7 to grab attention and win customers over. If it’s not doing its job, it’s time to give it a makeover that can reignite interest and drive those numbers back up.
Make the fix: Dive into consumer feedback and sales data. Identify what your audience finds appealing and design packaging that taps into their preferences while highlighting your product’s key benefits.
4. Your Competitors Are Outclassing You
We’re all for friendly competition, but if your rivals’ packaging looks like a Michelin-starred dish and yours is giving fast-food wrapper vibes, it’s time to step up. Strong packaging not only attracts new customers but also makes sure they remember your product, not someone else’s.
Make the fix: Scope out the competition. Find the gaps in their designs and fill them with your unique flair. Whether it’s an unconventional shape, bold graphics, or clever messaging, make your product unforgettable.
5. Your Packaging Doesn’t Convey Your Brand Story
Your packaging is like your brand’s personal hype squad. It should be shouting your story from the rooftops—or at least from the store shelf. If your current design is mumbling something vague instead of declaring who you are and why you’re awesome, it’s time for a change. Customers love a brand with personality, and your packaging is the perfect place to show off yours. Whether it’s quirky, heartfelt, or just plain bold, let your story shine!
Make the fix: Start with your story. What makes your brand tick? Translate that into visuals, colours, and copy that scream authenticity. Think of your packaging as the friend who always knows how to make an entrance—memorable, irresistible, and full of charm.
The Bottom Line
Packaging isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a powerhouse tool that can make or break your product’s success. If any of these five signs are hitting a little too close to home, it’s time to stop procrastinating and start redesigning. Let’s create packaging that’s bold, beautiful, and impossible to ignore!