Developing your BRAND and PACKAGING!!!
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Original Post
Well first it should be said that I have been full time with my jewelry for 2 years now. And let me tell you, it has been a struggle! It's all about trial and error and lately I feel like I'm really beginning to get a handle on what it is exatcly that works for me and my business. I cannot stress enough the importance of a strong logo and packaging!
To me, I think branding and packaging is a big deal. If your serious about your business (and I think most of us are!), you NEED to build a brand that is identifiable. Branding with your logo or tag line is one of the things that a customer will remember and recognize in the future. Branding isnt just for the big guys, its for us little guys too! In the past year I have changed my logo to something that can easily be broken down into the following...
-The full logo with text
-The full logo with text and web address
-Logo Symbol only (which is probobly the most important in my opinion)
Having a logo that I can easily break down into parts, really helps when it comes to branding. On something small, like a small necklace tag, all I need to do is have my Logo Symbol on there and already I am looking much more together, and much more like a legit business. If you don't have a logo with a seperate emblem in it that you can easily use , think about incorporating one! You can do alot with them! Such as...
-Use for small tags
-Make it into a stamp
-Use for fun giveaway stickers
-T-shirt designs to advertise your shop
-Working your logo into some of your designs for more branding (think Chanel with the double C's)
Now, on to packaging... I love the idea of recycled packaging but for me, it's just not an option. I definately will use kraft boxes made of recyled goods etc, but I can reuse packaging I recieve from others. I respect those who do, but in my honest opinion (and Im wearing my business hat right now), it just makes things look sloppy! Packaging is a big chance to hook your customer, or catch the attention of someone who might not nessicarily know about your product. Developing your style of packaging, and a theme for your packaging is mucho important! It goes right along with branding, again, your packaging starts to develop more brand identifiablity! As a consumer, I am ALWAYS drawn to great packaging, in fact, as a consumer, it is my great weakness! If I love a product/item and then it has great packaging, that totally seals the deal for me! If Im teetering on the line of walking away and purchasing, great packaging will always push me over the edge to purchase!
Packaging can inject color, personality, importance and wow factor to your already wonderful item! Everyone would rather recieve or open, an elegantly packaged necklace or stationary set than to just recieve it in a paper bag.Know someone with awesome packaging? Post a link here so we can all see what is working so well!
There is TONS of competition on Etsy, on the land of internet selling and in the market at large. What are you doing to build your brand? What are you doing to set your packaging apart from the rest?
Let's discuss this!
Posted at 10:30am Aug 21, 2008 EDT
Responses
I think you are so right about this..but have you found that developing the logo and such was expensive? Did you design it or have someone else do it--I also love the simplicity of color you use on your website...
Posted at 10:33am Aug 21, 2008 EDT
UncommonBeads...
You bring up a great point! Developing my logo and packaging was quite a bit of trial and error! At first, I had a designer do my logo for me and it didnt work for anything I needed it for! At that point I decided to redesign my logo myself, because I would know best how I want to be represented. If you go with a web designer (which is still a great option), go to them with a clear idea of what you want, maybe even a sketch. It CAN be expensive to develope your logo and packaging however you have to look at it as making an investment in your business, your branding and packaging will continue to work for you in the future!
Think about Tiffany & Co.- half the fun of getting a piece from there is the packaging! If they just handed you a white box, it would be far less exciting!
Developing a STRONG logo is worth its weight in gold in my opinion!
oh yes and if anyone would like to see how I have pulled my branding through to my website you can check it out here:
www.anoriginaljewelry.com
Posted at 10:39am Aug 21, 2008 EDT
I use the flowers in my banner as a logo with teepetals in it. I got www.colorfiestagraphics.etsy.com to do my shop banner.
Posted at 10:39am Aug 21, 2008 EDT
teepetals,
Thats a great way to make many things you do, including packaging, websites, business cards, print material, and ad's, very cohesive and identifiable!
Posted at 10:40am Aug 21, 2008 EDT
I also love trying to make my packaging the best it can be. My designs and logo are fun and colorful so I tie my packages with coordinating raffia. I have a picture here...
alaynascloset.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-handy-helper.html
Posted at 10:47am Aug 21, 2008 EDT
ANOriginalJewelry is absolutely right! Branding is what separates the little guys into "hobbyists" and "small business owners" because it gives your brand that identifiable, put together, professional look. That tells the customer that you are professional, have integrity, and can be trusted. I do agree and admit that setting up a brand can be expensive, but it is well worth the money. Your brand identity visually defines your business for years to come. There are many great, professional designers (such as myself) who offer design services for well under the going rate to help out our fellow Etsy small business owners. It really is worth the investment because it will follow your business in the years to come.
Posted at 10:48am Aug 21, 2008 EDT
I forgot to say that the hangtag on the package has care instructions and a couple of other things... I will try to get a clear picture of it..
Posted at 10:50am Aug 21, 2008 EDT
I use one of my block prints on everything, and I had my friend, who just opened her shop, help me make some new tags, avatar, etc...
If you need help,she's very talented and affordable:)
www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5957659
You can see the tags she designed for me on my blog today..
www.inklore.blogspot.com
Posted at 10:50am Aug 21, 2008 EDT