Have you ever bought something simply because a celebrity endorsed the product? Or how about lusting after a product because of an Instagram photo, or YouTube video? At the very least, I’m sure we’ve all made a purchase based on a friend’s recommendation.
These are all examples of the effectiveness of social proof. There is undeniable power in numbers. We may all like to think of ourselves as trailblazers, but in all honesty, most of us don’t want to be the first to try something. No matter what products or services you’re offering, as a company, your bottom line will benefit from social proof.
Just consider these stats:
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88% of consumers trust user reviews as much as personal recommendations.
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The average consumer reads 10 online reviews before deciding on a purchase.
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80% of 18-34-year-olds have written an online review.
People want to hear what others have to say before pulling the trigger and making that purchase. It can be a crowded field out there. As a business, you want to stand out from the competition.
One way to get noticed and pump up your social proof is by effectively using custom boxes. You can use custom boxes to build and reinforce trust in your brand.
Here are three ways to leverage this powerful marketing tool:
1. Amplify Your Brand
You want your business to be memorable. What better way than to emblazon your logo on your custom box and infuse your packaging with your distinct brand colors. A custom box will give you a professional look and help create buzz. By investing in custom boxes you’re showing your customers that you’re legit and plan on sticking around for the long haul.
2. Encourage Your Customers to Share
Being social means sharing, so make it easy. With a custom box, you can encourage your customers to promote your brand on their own social media channels. Add a relevant hashtag to your box or include your social media URLs to get the conversation started.
The beauty product company, Bliss, added the hashtag #thisisbliss to the inside of their custom boxes to encourage customers to put their own pictures on Instagram, Pinterest, and other channels.
As the old saying goes, a picture’s worth a thousand words. Well, it’s a no brainer that people will be more inclined to share photos or videos of a beautifully packaged product – rather than a drab, generic cardboard box. A beautiful custom box is a great way to get your customers to share unboxing videos and product photos.
3. Get Reviews
Customer reviews can make or break a product. One study found that 58% of people believe the “star rating” is the most important metric to them. Ever buy a product with a one-star rating? Probably not.
Keep in mind that reviews are often about more than the actual product. Beautiful retail packaging is an important component of the overall customer experience. You can make your customers feel pampered by giving them a personalized experience and it doesn’t have to be something big. A hand-written thank you note is enough to make your customer feel appreciated. That may be just the added touch to inspire someone to write a review praising your product.
Nail Your Brand’s First Impression
A custom box can enhance the overall customer experience. Packaging is often the first impression so it’s important to get it right. Custom boxes may be just the edge you need. Companies including T-Mobile, Adidas, MetLife, Pandora, Marriott Hotels, and small businesses nationwide choose Refine Packaging for their custom packaging needs. Visit Refine Packaging online to learn more.