Brand Awareness

How Inflation Is Reshaping The Future Of Wellness Product Packaging

Rising production costs are pushing wellness brands to rethink how they design and source packaging materials. Inflation has driven up prices for plastics, paper, adhesives, and transportation, forcing companies to evaluate what is essential and what can be simplified. Many wellness brands are adjusting container sizes, reducing excess materials, and choosing more cost-stable substrates. These shifts are happening quietly, but they are influencing everything from daily supplements to premium skincare.

Manufacturers are analyzing packaging through the lens of efficiency rather than aesthetics alone. Lighter materials reduce shipping expenses, while streamlined shapes lower production costs and improve pallet density. Some brands are reducing decorative components to focus on containers that are easier to recycle and cheaper to source. Rising inflation has also increased scrutiny of formats such as pumps, droppers, and multilayer cartons, which require more raw materials and complex manufacturing. Even OTC packaging has seen changes as brands search for ways to maintain quality while avoiding wasteful layers or oversized designs. These decisions help stabilize costs without sacrificing the functionality consumers expect.

Consumers may notice smaller package footprints or simpler designs, but these adaptations reflect an industry working to balance affordability with sustainability. As inflation continues to influence material availability and logistics, wellness brands will keep exploring strategies that preserve product integrity while easing financial pressure. The long-term result may be a market where packaging becomes more practical, more efficient, and more supportive of environmental goals, even as economic challenges persist. Look over the infographic below to learn more.

Brand Growth: 10 Signs It’s Time for a Publicist Investment

How the public perceives your brand can distinguish between a loyal, ever-growing customer base and a business that stagnates or declines. Publicists bridge brands and the broader public, using their specialized skills to mold perceptions, amplify brand growth stories, and foster meaningful connections. Yet, many businesses grapple with the decision: When is the right moment to hire a publicist? 

By understanding the clear signs, brands can make informed decisions that can transform their trajectory. In this post, we’re diving deep into ten characters that spotlight the need for a professional touch in public relations.

1. Your Brand Growth Story Isn’t Getting Told

A compelling story is at the heart of every brand’s growth. If your brand’s unique narrative needs to reach the right audiences or be told in a way that resonates, it might be time to hire a professional. A compelling brand story differentiates you from competitors and builds a strong emotional connection with your audience. A publicist can ensure that your narrative resonates with the media and potential customers, giving your brand growth the recognition it deserves.

2. You’re Missing Out on Media Opportunities

Has your brand growth been overlooked for interviews, features, or other media opportunities that your competitors are nabbing? A publicist has the connections and expertise to ensure your brand gets the spotlight it deserves. Media coverage provides credibility that paid advertising simply can’t. With the proper media exposure, you can quickly elevate your brand’s authority and public trust.

3. Crisis Management

In the age of instant communication and social media, a slight misstep can quickly turn into a PR nightmare. If you find yourself unprepared or overwhelmed when faced with negative press, a publicist can help navigate and mitigate these situations, ensuring your brand’s reputation remains intact. Beyond immediate damage control, a skilled publicist can strategize post-crisis communication, rebuilding and strengthening your brand’s image.

4. You Don’t Understand the Media Landscape 

The media world is complex and ever-changing. If you need help understanding where your brand growth fits in or how to leverage different media platforms effectively, it’s a sign that professional service could be beneficial. A publicist stays abreast of media trends, knows the influential players, and can strategically place your brand growth in the right spots at the right times.

5. Your Events Aren’t Making Waves

Are you unveiling a new product or launching a service? Publicists can orchestrate product launches, press events, and other promotional activities to ensure they create the desired impact. Events are crucial touchpoints with your audience; their success can offer significant ROI. A publicist ensures that these events are well-publicized and memorable.

6. Inconsistent Brand Messaging

Consistency is key in branding. If your brand’s voice, message, or image is inconsistent across platforms, you risk confusing potential customers. A publicist can help streamline and unify your brand’s messaging across various channels. A cohesive brand message fosters trust and reinforces brand identity. Ensuring consistent communication safeguards your brand’s image and value proposition.

7. Lack of Time

As your brand grows, so do the demands on your time. If you find yourself too busy managing other aspects of your business and neglecting public relations, it’s a telltale sign that delegating this role might be beneficial. Public relations is more than just a task but a strategic function demanding attention and expertise. A publicist can free you to focus on your core business operations.

8. Need for a Network

Building a brand is not just about marketing and products but also about the relationships you nurture. Publicists have a vast network of media contacts, influencers, and industry insiders who can open doors for your brand growth. Leveraging a publicist’s network can expedite your brand growth, giving you access to opportunities and collaborations that might have otherwise been out of reach.

9. Stagnant Growth

If you find your brand hitting a plateau in terms of sales, customer engagement, or market reach, a fresh PR strategy can provide the momentum you need. Publicists bring new perspectives and ideas to reinvigorate your brand’s public image. With fresh eyes and a pulse on market trends, a publicist can introduce innovative strategies to reignite brand growth and engagement.

10. Preparation for Scaling

Planning to expand to new markets, launch a significant product, or take any other big step? Having a publicist on board ensures that your brand’s image and message align with your growth goals and that the transitions are smooth and well-received. Expansion phases are rife with challenges. A publicist can help ensure your brand’s message remains consistent, culturally relevant, and positively received in new territories or markets.

In Summary 

The decision to hire a publicist is nuanced and requires careful consideration. But when the signs point to the need, this investment can be a game-changer, propelling your brand in ways you might not have imagined. Always remember: In the ever-evolving realm of branding and PR, staying proactive and well-positioned can make all the difference.

 

Keetria is an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and brand growth strategy coach for creatives & entrepreneurs with 16 years of public relations expertise working with some of the world’s leading brands, startups, media personalities, and entertainers. If you want to work together, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Great Brand Awareness Compels Consumer Spending

What we saw today with Apple’s iPhone 5 launch is proof that brand awareness is the key component to a successful brand. Noticed I mentioned great in this blog title due to the simple fact that all brands are not created equal and some brands are miles away from connecting with a consumer who is interested in their product.

Can you name at least five other brands that have had people camped outside their stores awaiting their product days in advance? I’d have to think a minute but I’m willing to bet, aside from the retail stores which really don’t count there’s not many to name.

Great brand awareness starts with introducing a product or service that invokes thought or feeling. It puts the consumer in a certain mood. And when their happy about what they’ve purchased it avails the opportunity to further sell other products and services. I believe it’s easier to upsell an existing customer than it is to sell to a new customer. Mainly due to the existing relationship you have which favors a more inviting opportunity to babble about other things you’re able to offer.

It’s not like anyone is surprised at Apple’s success with the iPhone 5 when you take into account their track record. However, there’s always something to take away from their Launch events.

The biggest branding lessons I’ve captured from Apple are:

1. Make a personal connection with the consumer. Identify how you can make their experiences better in your industry/field. It’s better to make a personal connection than treating them as receipt numbers. By the way, did you notice how happy those people were when they finally got their iPhone 5?

2. Forget the competition. As Apple continues to dominate Samsung it’s evident Samsung’s market share doesn’t effect Apple. They still have the upper hand. They follow their own blueprint. They run their own playbook. Sure, competition will come out of the woodwork but without your execution, they can forget it!

3. Go with what you know. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone stick with what works or has worked for you. Wearing too many hats confuses people and distracts from what you’re truly best at. Apple’s focus is technology-based and they’ve proved its what they’re best out. Not sure how I’d feel about Apple Clothing!? Naahh.