Invisible Branding for Covert Customization

Did you know that you don’t have to spell your brand out to everyone? A more low-key approach is something that brands are starting to take advantage of, and let unfold for a variety of reasons.

Some of these include privacy, because being a little more private allows you to keep up an energy and façade, improving your product on the sidelines. 

It also might be good for a more luxurious appeal, since for a lot of brands, they want to show that they are high-end without revealing the monetary value of what’s inside. 

It also prevents theft, and also counterfeiting during the transit process. That is common, especially with high-ticket and tech items. That’s because a lot of brands try to hide what they’re really selling. Invisible branding prevents this from becoming a real problem, and keeps the thieves away. 

Techniques for Hidden Branding 

There are a few unique techniques for hidden branding that are worth mentioning.

UV ink, which will only show under a backlight or something that shows UV rays, is one example.

Embossing is another. Embossed packaging is something that will help show the texture, and you will code it, in order to ensure that you’ve got the right textures in place.

Scent markers are another one. While not as common, some companies will add a scent, marking that it’s theirs without telling what’s inside. common for a luxury brand that has a signature scent attached to it. 

Discreet Vs. Customer Experience 

So, you want to keep things on the down low, but you don’t want to alienate your customers. However, what’s cool about this is the subtlety of such items. 

There is an exclusivity, such as knowing what’s inside and being the only one to know, that comes with this. creating such exclusivity can be a fun way to bolster the customer experience, simply because, through such creations, it bolsters the excitement of being exclusive, and really heightens what customers might like about the brand.

So no, it doesn’t completely take away from this, it can be a good way to make the subtle shine.

Logistics of the Low-Profile Design 

There's some logistical benefits that come with being low-profile. Think about it, you’re not putting out a giant sign that is telling everyone what you have. Instead, you are casually, calmly, and in secret building a product that won’t be the target of theft.

Again, with the reduction of theft comes customers more sure of the brand and their ability to protect such items. With this type of packaging, you’re crafting not only the ultimate in branding, but a means for your packaging to enhance its exclusivity, all through the act of being as subtle as possible. 

It also means a faster customs clearance, which is something that a lot of brands like. If they want their items to get to the customer even faster, then they can do this through invisible branding.

Most of the time, you see this with a lot of high-end phones and computers. Lots of tech brands like to do this.

Tiffany is an example of a non-tech company taking advantage of this. That's because the blue Tiffany box tells you what the item is, without even directly showing the interior contents. A lot of companies that use less is more as a design approach benefit from this type of packaging.

So yes, consider invisible branding for your packaging, and watch it shine, for covert customization can be the key to success, and the key to making your brand really stand out for customers, without directly standing out.

QR Code Driven Packaging for Retail and Shipping

QR codes are evolving, and  many of them are being used for different means to give customers a heightened, better brand experience. The means to use them have evolved.   While originally this was used for racking the items, it’s now changing, offering you brand incentives to try. Storytelling is one of them, as it will offer you a chance to tell stories, and build awareness across all fronts. Again, these QR codes are unique, incentivizing, and can ultimately have a great effect on your packaging. 

Smart Packaging and Real-Time Info 

A lot of smart packaging is changing because not only will it tell you about the item that you have, but now, you get real-time information. 

Delivery status is one of them. if There’s an item you’re waiting on, getting a reread on the delivery status is so important, and it can offer you that chance to deliver such items in a manner that will help. 

Another is reordering.   You’ll be able to order the items again this time without much trouble.   Again, with reordering, you’ll be able to, through all of this, order more items once again. 

Finally, how-to guides and information about the product. With such guides, a customer is able to learn more about the brand. This build a deeper connection between the customer and company, enticing them to continue to offer their support to you. 

Linking this to Augmented Reality 

Augmented Reality or AR is also a part of the QR revolution.   This is because AR can give more tools that people will enjoy. 

First, you have unboxing games, where you can gamify the unboxing experience, which is fun for customers. 

There's also virtual instructions, which will tell the customer exactly what they need to do. 

Then, you have brand portals, which are of course, portals that will bring you to the brand. Again, all of these come together and move forward toward better, more enhanced experiences that your customers will love and enjoy. 

The Placement Strategy 

You need to make sure that placement of your code is also considered. Though the code is a nice addition for customers, many need to realize that this is not something that should be cumbersome or a flaw, but instead a feature that people want to use. 

Make sure the code is in a conspicuous, but not really tacky location. Don’t just shove it in the middle of the box and call it a day. Make sure it’s been tested, and can be scanned by devices. 

Other than that, you can also design your packaging and box around it, to make sure the aesthetic fits the brand. 

Metrics for consumer Engagement 

You can also use the QR code to measure consumer metrics and engagement of the items. 

Click-through rates are an example. This type of metric is good for clicking through and seeing the item that is three. 

The same goes for retention, where you can measure the overall retention of such items, and the customers that are involved.   

Finally, there is upselling, which will tell you whether or not the items that need to be sold are being purchased.   It can also tell you a little bit about what you need to do to improve the sales of your items. 

QR codes are the future, and they’re something that most packaging uses and enjoys. With this, you will be able to improve your packaging experience, and give customers something that they will totally enjoy, and use again and again to improve their packaging experience.