How to Get People to Actually Buy From Your Brand in 2026

6 ways to elevate your brand experience and make your customers care

As a design studio and e-commerce brand, we’ve worked behind the scenes helping dozens of founders launch beautiful, intentional brands. And now that we’ve launched our own — Marlo’s Matcha — we’ve felt firsthand what it means to build something from the ground up. 

From designing packaging to writing thank-you cards, we’ve obsessed over every detail. Because here’s the truth. In 2026, people don’t just buy products. They buy experiences. They buy stories. They buy how something makes them feel.

Here are six things we truly believe in. Whether you’re just starting out or want to breathe new life into your brand, these ideas can make a difference.

1. Personalization Matters

We handwrite a thank you card in every single Marlo’s Matcha order. It’s a small touch, but it leaves a lasting impression. Especially for small brands, this reminds customers that there are real people behind the product. It creates a human connection that builds trust and makes people want to come back.

Even just a few kind words can make someone feel seen and appreciated.

2. Design Assets That Feel Like Gifts

We include a custom sticker sheet inside every Marlo’s Matcha box. It’s not just for decoration. It’s something people want to keep, use, and share. It becomes part of the brand experience.

We’ve done something similar for our client Ryden Rue, a skincare brand. Their stickers look like pimple patches, which fits their audience perfectly. But people love sticking them on laptops, water bottles, or journals. It turns your packaging into something that lives on long after the box is opened.

3. Make It Collectible

We love nostalgia. So we created collectible recipe cards for every Marlo’s Matcha order. They are fun, functional, and tap into that childhood joy of collecting little things.

You don’t need a huge budget. Just create something that feels thoughtful and a little bit special. These cards are a great way to invite people back to try more and collect the full set.

4. Launch with Little Samples

Giving your current customers a sneak peek or small sample of a new product is a great way to build excitement. It feels like a gift, and people love feeling like they are in the inner circle.

It’s also a low-pressure way to try something new. Rhode does this so well. Their community feels seen and included before anything officially launches.

5. Make Every Touchpoint Count

Even if you don’t have the budget for custom packaging, you can still create a thoughtful experience. For Ryden Rue, we couldn’t change the product bottle, so we focused on the box. We filled it with soft colors, illustrations, and personal notes. Every surface became part of the brand story.

Design with purpose. Even the smallest details matter.

6. Upgrade the Unboxing Experience

When you're ready to invest a little more, a beautiful box can change everything. It turns the moment someone opens your product into something memorable. Something worth photographing.

A great unboxing experience gives people something to share. It becomes free content and free marketing. And it makes your customer feel special.

Final Thoughts

People remember how your brand made them feel. Every small detail — from the stickers to the thank you card — can be a reason someone falls in love with your brand.

Whether you're building your first product or launching your fifth, start with intention. Design with care. Make every part of the experience feel like a gift.

That’s how you build real connection and real loyalty.