3 Simple Steps To Perfect Packaging

When it comes to branding, product packaging plays an integral role by giving each item a personality and exclusive image. A well-designed package helps customers form a positive opinion about a product before trying it out. For this reason, packaging forms part of the marketing mix for both small and large business enterprises. It adds an attractive dimension to the brand and its complete range of products.

A good design entices customers to buy the product because it promises quality and value for their money. Many small business owners struggle to develop high quality packaging that tell a compelling story about the product and standard of workmanship. This is particularly true for startups trying to create an aesthetically appealing and effective packaging for their first product.

Some of the key factors that compromise the ability to develop the ideal packaging include budget constraints. Product launch is a crucial step that makes or breaks a product’s market potential. An appropriate design has the capacity to capture the attention of the target audience. This enables the product range to stand out in a competitive marketplace. Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs) are a good example of items that require elaborate designs that steal the spotlight from the rival products.

Key steps

1. Planning phase

Managing costs is a vital part of the planning and implementation phase. The most attractive design does not have to break the bank. To achieve the objective, there is need for creativity. Simple designs can be more when it comes to product packaging. This provides a practical way to keep the cost-per-unit low without undermining quality standards. Opting for custom boxes can be expensive, especially for small businesses.

It is best to opt for a packaging design that is not only efficient but cost-effective. This can be achieved by using a packaging template that requires a minimal amount of material. Purchasing the materials in bulk helps reduce the overall cost of packaging. Bulk orders are cheaper because the manufacturing process saves ink, other inputs and any additional delivery costs.

2. Formulate and integrate brand story

Small businesses may feel overwhelmed by the visibility of the larger brands, but it is possible to outshine the big name players by thinking outside the box. When done correctly, packaging boosts product sales and the company’s bottom line. It can act as a silent salesperson by telling an engaging story about the quality of the product and reliability of the brand. Consumers can be subconsciously drawn to products that are aesthetically pleasing.

3. Design, development and testing

Choosing a unique design for a business’ products is a surefire way to stand out on the market. The packaging should clearly display a variety of visual elements, including the company logo, product name and other relevant details that makes it easier for customers to make a favorable purchasing decision. The design has the capacity to communicate the brand’s visual identity. In addition, it reflects an entity’s market positioning.

On the other hand, selecting the ideal box ensures secure packaging and easier shipping. This means business owners should look beyond aesthetics and consider factors like shipping and relevance of the design in relation to the target audience, among other factors.

Own branded products with Onoxa

Onoxa offers small business owners like salon owners the opportunity to produce their own private labeled products. The opportunity is undoubtedly a game changer that helps budding business people a chance to boost product visibility through their own branded skin care products. Onoxa makes it easier to compete with established brands by offering high-quality packaging solutions that are affordable.

The entity offers a wider inventory that can be produced in custom designs that reflect a business’ visual identity and gives the product range a personality. The opportunity represents a stress-free solution to build a skin care brand.

Benefits of Utilizing Video to Sell Your Products

The driving force behind Onoxa has always been to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. Allowing small businesses to sell custom-branded merchandise like the large players helps accomplish this goal, but it’s not enough on its own.

Expanding your marketing approach to include video may seem too complicated at first, but you may accomplish it without investing in too much time or money. Basic video equipment and personality are all you need to get the two benefits below:

Improve Your SEO

Every business wants to generate leads, and a strong Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy is a great way to do just that. Most prospective customers never look at a page of search results beyond the first, eliminating many companies from their consideration early in the decision-making process. Keywords, backlinks, and quality content are all great ways to improve your SEO, but video helps a lot too.

Google is the largest search engine right now, and their SEO algorithm loves videos. Sites with video are prioritized because of the competitive search terms. Results may also be sorted by medium, meaning there is an entire listing of video content for customers interested in videos. Most companies who Onoxa serves are not focusing on this area of SEO. This gives you the golden opportunity to get in on a marketing trend that may be more challenging in the future.

Video is also more shareable than text and encourages customers to share with their friends and family. It’s best to minimize the narration and length of your video because prospective customers are less likely to watch a long, confusing video.

Prospective Customers Like Videos

Research suggests that consumers prefer watching videos over reading in a text format. Animoto’s Online and Social Marketing Study found that four out of five consumers prefer video content and 75 percent found video demonstrations helpful in informing their purchasing process.

As a result, sites with video content generally have higher conversion rates than companies relying exclusively on text product descriptions. For instance, LiveClicker’s 2014 Video Commerce Report found that video on product pages increased both conversion rates and the average order sizes relative to pages lacking such content. One reason for this is that consumers are more likely to connect with (and purchase from) a company they feel a personal connection with. Nobody wants to shop at “Generic Mart,” after all!

Video also presents a great opportunity to show off why your products are superior to others. Many product descriptions in the cosmetics field include a lot of scientific mumbo jumbo, like how collagen works or the specific compounds used to hydrate the skin. This is valuable information to an industry insider, but the average person may be turned off by something they cannot understand. A video can teach these scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way, helping potential consumers realize why you are better than your competition.

Instead of saying that your custom-branded Onoxa Hydrating Face Moisturizer is easy-to-use, make a video demonstrating how easy it is. This eliminates any confusion in the consumer’s mind while simultaneously reducing your return rate, and in turn boosting your revenue.

Videos help in every stage of the conversion cycle, helping establish your brand identity to new customers and explaining the benefits of your Onoxa products to existing ones. Incorporate it into your marketing strategy today to take your business to the next level!

Partner with Onoxa to build your brand and make videos explaining your private labeled products!

3 E-Commerce Platforms To Utilize In 2018

We figured out the best websites you should choose from as an entrepreneur.

Entrepreneurs and new business owners often look for ways to expand their reach, so they can sell more products or services. Using an ecommerce platform is the best way to do this, as it can provide the tools for reaching a larger audience.

Ecommerce platforms offer benefits like payment processing, secure shopping carts, SEO optimization, email accounts for users, inventory management, and customization of the site. Many platforms don’t require any technical knowledge or skills to set up the site.

Entrepreneurs launching a product or service brand in 2018 should consider these three platforms:

Big Commerce

Big Commerce offers several templates for online storefront selling. It works well with eBay and Amazon, and other popular sites for selling products. The platform boasts minimal downtime and easy to use selling tools. It also has secure hosting, unlimited storage, unlimited bandwidth, and no transaction fees. Users can choose from several themes for storefront templates. Also, users with web development expertise can custom design their own store fronts.

Big Commerce offers payment processing provider choices and data analytics at no extra charge. Users can easily add their favorite apps from over 320 options, with a single click.

Volusion

Volusion offers several storefront plans and attractive storefront templates. An in-page content editor makes it easier to customize storefront to meet the needs of the business. Payment processing is offered through Paypal and Stripe.

Volution users can add unlimited product categories. The platform provides advanced SEO tools, automated shipping, tax calculators, and inventory management. Adding social media applications is simple. Users develop and send online marketing through the platform for streamlined marketing efforts. Plans start at $15 for the mini and goes up to $135. Secure check-out is provided at all levels with no payment processing fees. They also offer a free trial for businesses.

Wix

Wix is another e-commerce platform offering attractive templates for store fronts and businesses. Users can even customize the site from one of the 100+ templates provided. They also get their own domain, but can pay a small fee for a personalized domain. Users choose the product and layout designs and customize the pages to suit their needs.

Wix offers inventory management, tracking, and free payment processing. You can customize tax and shipping options and create coupons and promotional materials. Entrepreneurs can take advantage of the free website building tools. Or there are more advanced options for online business that require a low monthly fee.

An online storefront business can get started with as little as $8.50 per month. For only $25 a month, the VIP package offers unlimited bandwidth and storage. Customer support and site review services are also offered with the VIP package.

Review the top three e-commerce platform services to determine which one suits you. Consider your store front needs based on your budget. They all offer storefront, inventory tracking, payment processing, and secure shopping. Besides, all platforms offer free templates to make storefront development easy.

BUILD A WEBSITE AND PARTNER WITH THE SKINCARE EXPERTS AT ONOXA!

As an entrepreneur, start making your hobby into a business. Onoxa has clinical-grade, industry-leading, private-label skincare products for you to start customizing today.

LEARN MORE HERE

How to Make Six Figures in the Beauty Industry

The beauty industry is an exciting, fast-paced, innovative field to be working in during 2020. From esthetics and skincare to hairstyling and barbering, beauty industry jobs are rapidly growing as more and more people flock toward creative professions.

But a love of beauty and a talented eye does not immediately make a successful career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average hairstylist salary is $24,850 per year, while the average esthetician makes slightly more with an average annual wage of $30,090.

But with some savvy, talent, and hard work, you can make more money than you ever have previously and work your way toward a six figure income in the salon and spa industry.

Here are our tips to increase your income in the beauty industry:

1. Find your niche

When you first start out in your field, it’s likely you’ll be tempted (or required) to offer a little bit of everything to everyone. It’s normal to start out offering a wide range of services. But a jack of all trades can make a master of none, and while it might seem counter-intuitive to offer fewer services, you’ll eventually be able to charge more per service once you find what you truly excel at and make that your specialty.

Take for example, aesthetician and microblading artist Kathryne Dare Chatelain. After many years in the industry doing a wide range of face and body waxing as well as brow design services, Chatelain found she truly loved and excelled at microblading. After narrowing her services to brow design, she gave herself the time to become an expert in her craft, attract more clients interested in her niche services, and earned more income overall.

Once you figure out what you love and do well and narrow your focus, clients will begin to come to you for your specific talents, and as you hone those skills, you’ll be in higher demand while also charging more overall for your services.

2. Be a marketer

Too often, people in creative fields forget that they are also running a business. While pure talent, creativity, and love of your craft are major cornerstones for success, you also need to market yourself if you wish to generate a six-figure income.

If you aren’t yet on social media, make sure you have an Instagram and Facebook page for your business. Post as often as you possibly can and ENGAGE with other accounts. You can use social media to find new clients as well as to entice current clients to book again and take advantage of promotions.

Social media is just the start: You’ll also want to make sure your website is up-to-date (and that it’s immediately clear what you do and where you work) and posted on as many local directories as possible.

Sitting around for your salon or spa to generate new clientele for you isn’t enough if you want to bring in a six-figure income.

3. Build relationships (and trust)

The best thing you can do for your business is become someone your clients trust with their lives! When you put forth the effort to not just be a friend to them, but an expert who knows exactly what their skin, hair, or body needs, you’ll build a roster of repeat clients who feel they can’t live without you.

You can also build trust by consistently providing exceptional service to your clients, time and time again. No matter what service you’re performing, do everything in your power to make each and every client that walks into your salon or spa feel like a queen or king.

Your clients will trust you as you suggest different services or add-ons they need, increasing the overall price of their visit and boosting your bottom line. And because your service is so exemplary, they’ll become total advocates of your services, giving word-of-mouth referrals to all their friends.

4. Give yourself regular pay raises

If you don’t regularly increase your prices, you risk having your salary become stagnant (but remember, you need to build strong relationships and provide service so amazing that your clients are willing to pay more!)

“Kick them up 6 to 10 percent at a minimum,” salon owner and author Eric Fisher tells Behind The Chair. Eric recommends raising your prices annually, preferably in November, just before the surge in holiday clientele. “People are used to spending more and they’re in a buying mode,” Fisher explains.

5. Highly encourage rebooking

You want your calendar to be filled up well in advance — and one of the most reliable ways to do this is with repeat clientele. At the end of your appointment, encourage your client to book their next appointment right there with you. You can position it as being less work for them, a way for them not to forget, and also a way for them to guarantee a spot in your extremely busy schedule.

6. Sell retail, and sell it well

Too many salon and spa artists simply bid their clients goodbye at the end of an appointment without putting an effort into selling retail. Commissions on retail sales (or straight profit, if you’re selling your own product line) can stack up to be a major boost in income that can continue to grow exponentially.

Don’t just recommend a product and hope for the best. During an appointment, you have the opportunity to get a client excited about the products you’re using on them during treatment. Explain what the products are doing and why you love them so much, adding why you recommend regular use.

Make surging your retail sales a major focus of your business strategy, and you’ll see a near-immediate boost in your income.

7. Sell your own products

If you’re working in the beauty industry independently or have your own beauty business, you have the opportunity to profit directly off of your own line of beauty products. Selling a line of high-quality, luxury-grade products branded to your business is actually easier than you might think: You can use an easy online platform to select products, order samples, and create custom labels.

8. When you’re ready, break out on your own

Opening your own spa, salon, barbershop, or launching your own beauty product line takes work, but should ultimately be the goal if you’re looking to make a six figure income. The beauty industry is entrepreneurial in nature: You as a beauty professional have the opportunity to pay your dues and learn as much as you can in the early stages of your career, then take what you’ve learned to build something bigger.

As a salon, spa, or brand owner, you have the chance to build something of value that extends beyond your individual services, meaning you can work less and earn more.

*Onoxa empowers entrepreneurs in the beauty industry to create, launch, and sell their own lines of beauty products. Learn more about what we do and why we do it, and order your first Sample Kit.

10 Ways to Add a Personal Touch to Packaging

Why is the packaging surrounding your custom Onoxa skincare so vitally important to success? Once you make your amazing custom skincare line, the packaging is the other half of the presentation that speaks to who you are as a business. Use these 10 tips to come up with a custom packaging design that will match your skin care in personality and character.

1. Decide on the Overall Branding and Logo of Your Custom Product

Will it be soft, handwritten, airy, or will it be bold, striking, and adventurous? Once you have decided on your logo and your branding personality, you can begin to add details that will enhance that image.

2. Use Patterns

Polka dots, stripes, plaids, flowers, paisley–all are ways to draw the eye in and give an interesting focal point for your customer’s viewing.

3. Use Real-Life Pictures

Use real-life pictures of real-life items to add personality and individuality that will make your brand and label stand out.

4. Consider Using Your Own Handwriting Instead of a Generic Computer Font

Using your own handwriting helps your customers feel appreciated and loved and gives it a personal touch. If you don’t like your handwriting, consider finding a calligrapher who can beautify the text for you.

5. Use Illustrations to Get Basic Points Across

Whereas a paragraph of text could do the job, a simple illustration on your Onoxa skincare instructions could be just the thing to spice up your packaging. If you doodle yourself, all the better–you will be sharing a piece of yourself with your customers! Personal details such as a hand-drawn illustration is what will bring your customers back for more.

6. Provide Free Skin Care Samples of Other Onoxa Products You Create

This is not only an excellent marketing ploy but another way to reach out to customers and let them know you are thinking of themt. Including free samples in packages is a great bonus for customers.

7. Choose Your Box Carefully

It should present the experience you are looking for, sturdy enough to support your product, and visually appealing.

8. Include Sales Promos or Coupons with Your Packaging Experience

Not only will this be seen as a generous act, but it will also give them a reason to come back for more!

9. Utilize Trinkets, Artificial Feathers, Lace, or Other Such Materials

This will take customers beyond the paper experience and into real life. Is your custom skin care meant to create luxurious and pearly skin? Add a string of pearls to reinforce this idea. Are you creating a line of Onoxa skin care products specifically for a particular ethnic group? Incorporate aspects of that culture into your packaging experience.

10. Remember, it is About the Customer–Not About You

When customers feel important, they will continue to come back for more and will tell others about the fantastic products they receive from your company. So spend the money making the experience of receiving your product a memorable one.

The customer’s experience is the vital piece to any business, but especially in the world of skin care. How will your packaging help your Onoxa product stand out? How can you draw the customer in so that before they ever open that jar of lotion into their hands, they can enter the experience just by opening the box? These are simple questions but they will make a big impact on the success of your company. The packaging surrounding your product is an extension of you and the company you build, so what is it saying?

7 Expert Sales Tips for Selling Products in Your Salon

Selling retail in your salon gives you the potential to boost profits and keep clients coming back. A client is 30% more likely to return after buying a product. Retail also provides high profit margins, which makes it easier for your salon to grow and succeed.

As a beauty expert, it’s your job to inform clients about the wonderful Onoxa products you have and how they can help. This means selling is an important part of a successful salon. There are several simple ways to boost your sales without sounding pushy. Here are 7 tips to use to make selling easier and your salon more profitable.

1. Communicate With The Front Desk

The front desk is an essential component in the communication between you and your customer. Create a clear process so you can inform your client about any promotions prior to their appointment. This gives them the opportunity to check out your product specials as soon as they come in.

Find out which products to pull and make them visible to the customer. Give them the opportunity to buy by revealing your recommendations at the end of their visit. Be sure to list products used during the visit on their receipt so they remember for next time. The front desk should also jot down any special notes for future references.

2. Consult Your Customer

Great client consultation is key. This starts at the shampoo bowl. Ask questions to discover their wants, needs, and lifestyle. Perhaps they are looking to lighten their hair, brighten their face, or moisturize their scalp. Listen closely to your client so you can translate their thoughts and ideas into a look that radiates their beauty.

Dig into their routine, what kind of style they are looking for, and what challenges they face. And listen closely so you can translate their thoughts and ideas into a look that radiates their beauty. This way, you not only gain their trust, but also will know exactly which products to use.

3. Educate Rather Than Sell

The goal behind selling a product is to answer this question: How will it solve your client’s problems? For example, if your client has dry hair, choose a shampoo and conditioner that gives instant shine. Comment on how nice their hair or face looks after using the product. Allow them to touch, smell and use it themselves. Recommend or offer advice, and then your client won’t be pressured into buying something they may not want.

4. Offer Samples

People love trying products, especially before making a purchase. It’s an easy way to make your clients happy and get them to try something new. Product samples often lead to sales, and then some.

If they like a product after trying a sample they are more likely to try other products. Ask the product company if they can offer sample sizes or extra product for you to create in-house samples yourself.

5. Merchandise Decor

Shopping and browsing for products should be an experience. Keep shelves clean, organized and well stocked. Don’t display your products on bookshelves or behind locked doors. Make products readily available and within reach. Proven heights of accessibility are between 22 and 66 inches.

Make your retail space an inviting area by offering tea or coffee as an incentive for them to look at the products. Arrange complimentary salon products next to each other and display testers in front of them.

6. Choose a Product You Stand Behind

It’s a lot easier to educate customers on a product you really believe in. Make sure to stock your shelves and use products on clients that you feel coincide with your values. If you choose products you absolutely love, they will sell themselves.

Educate yourself on the brand before purchasing and ask yourself if the products set your salon apart and if the brand is providing education and support. You’ll know then how to solve your clients problems.

7. Brand Your Own Products in just a Few Clicks

Onoxa makes it easy for you to sell your own private labeled products. We create high-end products with natural ingredients that will set your salon apart. Customers will build trust when you have your name on them.

Start off with a Sample Kit, with your logo on it. You’ll have 24 products to display in your salon, featuring 3 different industry-leading formulas. It’s a great way to see what piques your clients’ interests and understand which products sell. Get started today, and receive your products at your doorstep in a week.

For additional tips on selling your own skincare products at your salon, check out this previous blog post for tips on how to improve your retail sales with your own product.

Four Skincare Ingredients That Should Be In Your Products

Skin care ingredients often determine the efficacy of skin care products. So make sure you include the right ones because it may determine your success in the marketplace. This is easier said than done. It’s challenging to decide which ingredients are best for the skin, but Onoxa has the winning ingredients. The four quality skin care ingredients below are safe to use in all your product lines.

1. Retinol

Retinol is the purest possible form of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant clinically proven to stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen and increases the rate of cellular metabolism. These two factors allow your body’s damaged and/or dying skin cells to be efficiently replaced with healthy, vibrant ones. This causes unwanted brown spots to naturally fade away while improving skin’s firmness.

Retinol is one of the most well-studied anti-aging skin care ingredients available, so you can always count on its effectiveness. It is also suitable for all skin types, allowing you to use it without narrowing your potential client base.

2. Hyaluronic Acid

This compound is naturally found in the dermis layer of your skin. It helps skin cells retain moisture that would otherwise be lost from environmental factors. Well-moisturized skin appears more youthful and toned compared to skin that is dried out. Every prospective client will be interested in this powerful moisturizer.

Adequate hydration helps skin appear plumper, which mitigates the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and skin blemishes. It’s suitable for all skin types since water is the primary ingredient. This includes oily skin even though it has the highest risk for developing acne.

3. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a pure form of Vitamin C. It blocks the production of blackheads, brightens dark sun spots, evens skin tone, and reduces scar-related discoloration. It stimulates collagen production to help smooth out wrinkles and acts as a natural sunscreen. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV radiation, which is one of the leading causes of free radical damage to facial tissues.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is less acidic than other forms of Vitamin C, eliminating the stinging, irritation, and redness commonly associated with Vitamin C-infused beauty products. This makes it suitable for all skin types, giving it the broad appeal that any product designer is searching for.

4. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s)

This broad category includes fruit, lactic, and glycolic acids. They offer a broad range of benefits when used as skin care ingredients. They mitigate wrinkles, facial discolorations, age spots, and fine lines. The results are achieved through exfoliation.

An AHA formula is available for every skin type, but individual needs vary. It is best to consult an expert to determine the precise mixture that will help you achieve your ideal look.

Beauty product development can be hard, but these four powerful skin care ingredients are an excellent starting point for your personal line!

Partner with Onoxa to create your own skincare line with these 4 highly effective ingredients!

5 Strategies for Growing Your Skin Care Business Using Amazon

Walt Disney once said that if you want customers to fall in love with your business, you should do what you do so well that your customers will want to come back again and bring their friends. A customer-centered approach will grow your Amazon skin care business.

Amazon offers you with an opportunity to grow your business. When you sell on Amazon, you have the opportunity to reach billions of customers all over the world. Selling on Amazon also has low overheads compared to having a brick and mortar store. Here are our five strategies to growing a successful skin care business using Amazon as your marketplace.

1. A Satisfied Customer is Your Best Amazon Growth Strategy

A satisfied customer will become a return customer. Business growth on Amazon involves attracting new customers and retaining existing customers. You need to satisfy your Amazon customers. You should sell to them high-quality products that are well packaged. All products should arrive on time. You should always listen to the complaints of customers and act on them.

2. Price Your Products Competitively

According to Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon, there are two kinds of businesses: those that work to raise prices and those that work to lower them. On Amazon, most businesses usually work to lower prices.

To grow your skin care business on Amazon, you need to have competitive prices. You should find out the prices of your competitors and price your products at lower prices. For that to be the case, you must source your products affordably. Onoxa offers an affordable way to create your own custom-branded products, with low minimums and little overhead costs.

3. Offer Specials, Discounts, and Giveaways

Many people who shop on Amazon are searching for deals. You need to have promotions to attract customers. You can offer free shipping on goods above a certain value. You can have a promotion such as buy one and get one free. In addition, there should be lucrative discounts, especially at peak selling times like the holiday season.

4. Consider Using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)

Handling fulfillment issues is a big hassle. If you want to grow an Amazon business, you should handle only the necessary tasks and outsource the rest. A third party can handle fulfillment issues.

Amazon offers a fulfillment service (FBA). If you choose FBA, Amazon will receive your goods on your behalf, package them, label them, and ship them to your customers.

5. Brand and Optimize Your Products

On Amazon, people buy brands. You need to work on building your brand. A good product name and great packaging will help in branding.

You should optimize your product details for search. Details to optimize include product title and description. You need to use keywords in these details. You should also have professional product images.

The Bottom-Line

Many people are frequent Amazon shoppers, especially as their “Prime” business continues to flourish. Therefore, if you want to grow your skin care enterprise, your business should be where most of your potential customers are: Amazon. Online presence is vital. Your business requires an effective internet presence.

Learn how you can start your online skincare business with Onoxa here.