SEO
Sep 4, 2025
5 mins

SEO for Packaging Companies: Get More Customers in 90 Days

By
Batul Beawarwala

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Want buyers calling you, not the other way around?

As a packaging manufacturer, you work tirelessly to meet exacting standards, deliver reliability, and stay ahead of demand. Yet when someone searches “custom packaging supplier” or “corrugated box manufacturers,” your website may not even register on page one, letting competitors corner the most promising leads. Personalized SEO changes that. 

By targeting high-intent keywords like “packaging manufacturers,” optimizing your site for speed, local search, and technical clarity, and crafting content that answers the questions your buyers are asking, you turn passive clicks into qualified inquiries.

TL;DR

  • Focus on high-intent keywords buyers actually search for (e.g., “custom mailer boxes” or “FDA approved food packaging”).
  • Fix technical issues like slow load speed, mobile usability, and messy URLs; these kill rankings fast.
  • Build industry-specific pages and local landing pages to convert visitors into quote requests.
  • Get authoritative links from industry sites, directories, and local associations (skip cheap spam links).
  • Track only what matters: organic leads, form submissions, phone calls, and local rankings.

Target These Keywords That Convert (Not Just Get Traffic)

Showing up for keywords that sound good but don’t bring buyers is one of the biggest mistakes packaging manufacturers make. Terms like “packaging industry” might generate a few hundred searches, but they attract students, job seekers, and researchers, not the customers you want. 

What drives actual quotes and purchase orders are high-intent keywords: searches that signal someone is ready to buy, compare vendors, or request samples.

Here’s where you should focus:

High-Intent Keywords Competitors Often Miss

  1. “packaging suppliers [city name]” - You can verify the search volume for this keyword using tools like Google Keyword Planner, Semrush, or Mangools KWFinder.
  2. “custom [material] packaging manufacturer” - Market research reports indicate a growing demand for customized packaging solutions. For instance, the customized packaging market is expected to rise from USD 43.14 billion in 2024 to USD 70.47 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.03%.
  3. “[industry] packaging solutions” - The U.S. personalized packaging market is accelerating, with forecasts predicting significant revenue growth between 2025 and 2034, driven by rising e-commerce and increasing demand for customization.
  4. “packaging company near me” - Local keyword research is crucial for businesses targeting customers in specific geographic locations.
  5. “bulk packaging supplies” - The bulk packaging market is significant, offering a variety of bulk shipping supplies, including corrugated boxes, plastic bags, and sealing tapes.

Industry-Specific “Money Keywords”

Different industries have different compliance and branding needs. These terms capture serious buyers with purchase power:

  • Food: “FDA-approved food packaging” (480 searches), “food-grade plastic containers” (320).
  • Pharma: “USP class VI packaging” (170), “pharmaceutical blister packs” (260).
  • E-commerce: “branded shipping boxes” (590), “custom mailer boxes” (1,300).
  • Industrial: “hazmat packaging suppliers” (210), “OSHA compliant containers” (140).

Local Modifiers That Work

Never underestimate local SEO. Adding phrases like:

  • “near me”
  • “in [state]”
  • “[city] area”
  • “local [service]”

This turns a general keyword into one that’s immediately actionable, often with much less competition.

Keywords to Stop Wasting Time On

  • “packaging industry” (320 searches): vague, attracts researchers, not buyers.
  • “types of packaging” (450 searches): informational, low buyer intent.
  • “packaging definition” (1,000+ searches): purely educational, zero sales value.
Keywords to Stop Wasting Time On

Fix These 3 Technical Issues Killing Your Rankings

Even the best keywords won’t matter if your site isn’t built to perform. Google’s algorithm rewards packaging manufacturers whose websites are fast, mobile-friendly, and structured properly, and penalizes those that aren’t. The good news? These are fixable issues that don’t require a massive budget, just some smart tweaks.

1. Site Speed Under 3 Seconds

Buyers won’t wait for your site to load, especially if they’re comparing multiple packaging vendors. Studies show that if a page takes longer than 3 seconds, over 50% of users bounce. Google factors this into rankings, too.

  • How to test: Run your homepage and key product pages through GTmetrix.com. Aim for a Grade A (fully loaded under 3 seconds).
  • How to fix:
    • Compress large images before uploading using TinyPNG.com.
    • Enable gzip compression (your developer or hosting provider can help).
    • Use a content delivery network (CDN) if your customers are spread across the U.S.

2. Mobile-Friendly Product Pages

Mobile-Friendly Product Pages
  • How to test: Run your product pages through Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
  • Best practices for manufacturers:
    • Buttons and links should be at least 44px so they’re easy to tap.
    • Product images should load quickly and resize properly on mobile.
    • Keep text readable without pinching or zooming.

3. Product Page URLs That Make Sense

Your URLs should tell both Google and your buyers exactly what the page is about. Long strings of numbers and random IDs hurt your SEO and look unprofessional.

Product Page URLs That Make Sense

Tip: Always include your main keyword in the URL (e.g., “custom corrugated boxes” or “pharmaceutical blister packs”).

Quick Technical Wins (Don’t Skip These)

  • Add your company name, address, and phone number (NAP) in the footer of every page, critical for local SEO.
  • Create and submit an XML sitemap (use a plugin like Yoast if your site runs on WordPress).
  • Set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console, both free, both essential for tracking performance.
  • Make sure every page has a unique title tag that includes your primary keyword. Example: “Custom Food Packaging Solutions | [Your Company Name]”.

When your site is fast, mobile-optimized, and structured properly, you’ll not only climb the rankings but also make it effortless for buyers to explore your products and request quotes.

Create This Content (Copy These Exact Page Types)

Create This Content (Copy These Exact Page Types)

Most packaging manufacturers miss out on sales because their websites only have a generic homepage, an “About Us” page, and a products page. That setup doesn’t rank well on Google, and it doesn’t convince buyers to request a quote. 

What works are specific, conversion-driven pages, built around industries, local markets, and buyer decisions. These pages consistently rank higher and generate qualified leads.

Here’s exactly what to create:

Industry Landing Pages

Buyers want to see packaging solutions tailored to their industry. One page per vertical (food, pharma, e-commerce, industrial) gives you the SEO footprint to capture those searches while showing credibility.

  • Title: “[Industry] Packaging Solutions | [Your Company]”
  • Layout that converts:
    • Headline: “[Industry] Packaging Solutions – Get Quote in 24 Hours”
    • 3 benefit bullets with icons (e.g., FDA-approved, eco-friendly, fast turnaround)
    • Contact form above the fold (Name, Email, Phone, Project Details)
    • Client logos (6–8 recognizable brands)
    • 2–3 case studies with photos and outcomes
    • FAQ section (5 questions buyers always ask)
    • Pricing clarity: “Starting at $X” or “Typical orders: $X–Y”

Why it works: Industry landing pages rank for high-intent terms like “food packaging supplier” or “pharmaceutical blister packs”, and they prove expertise with case studies.

Local Pages

When someone searches “packaging suppliers near me” or “packaging company in Chicago”, Google prioritizes local results. By creating a dedicated page for every major city you serve, you grab those leads before competitors do.

  • Title: “Packaging Suppliers in [City] | Same-Day Quotes”
  • Layout that converts:
    • Headline: “Packaging Suppliers in [City] – Same Day Service”
    • Local address and phone number displayed prominently
    • “Serving [City] since [Year]” credibility statement
    • Embedded Google Map for easy directions
    • Local client testimonials with real company names
    • Service area list (surrounding cities/counties you cover)

Why it works: Buyers trust local suppliers and want quick service. Even if you ship nationwide, showing a presence in their city makes you more credible.

Request Pricing Page

The “Request a Quote” form is often buried or overly complicated. Instead, build a dedicated Request Pricing page that’s streamlined and persuasive.

  • Title: “Request Custom Packaging Pricing | Get Free Quote”
  • Form fields: Quantity, Material, Size, Industry (keep it simple)
  • Supporting content:
    • 2–3 specific case studies with numbers (e.g., “Client X reduced costs by 23% with [solution]”)
    • Before/after photos showing packaging improvements
    • Clear call-to-action: “Get Similar Results – Request Pricing Today”

Why it works: Buyers comparing suppliers want fast, transparent pricing. A clean request form captures leads at the moment of purchase intent.

Product Comparison Pages

Decision makers often Google “Corrugated vs Plastic Packaging” or “Paper vs Plastic Packaging.” Instead of sending them to a competitor’s article, own the comparison content.

  • Examples:
    • “Corrugated vs Plastic Packaging: Cost Analysis”
    • “Paper vs Plastic Packaging: Environmental Impact Comparison”
  • What to include:
    • Side-by-side pricing tables
    • Decision flowcharts (help them choose based on volume, durability, compliance)
    • Pros/cons with real data (cost, sustainability, speed to market)

Why it works: These pages capture research-stage buyers and guide them toward requesting a quote with your company.

What NOT to Waste Time On

Avoid generic blogs like “Packaging Trends in 2024.” These don’t rank, don’t convert, and attract the wrong audience. Instead, focus only on pages that bring buyers closer to a decision.

Get Links from These 15 Industry Sites (what to do + why it matters)

Easy wins you can submit today

  1. Google Business Profile (free): Foundational for Local Pack visibility and a high-trust citation. Create/claim your profile if you haven’t already. 
  2. Yelp for Business (free account): Claim your page; it’s a common data source for local search. 
  3. BBB Business Profile (free; accreditation is paid/optional): Get a trusted citation; accreditation fees are separate. 
  4. Your local Chamber of Commerce (paid membership, usually modest): Membership directories typically link to members; sponsorships often include a website mention. Use your city/region chamber, and consider event sponsorships for an extra link/citation. 

Industry directories where buyers actually look

  1. Thomasnet, free company profile: Claim and fill out your supplier profile; buyers use Thomas to source US manufacturers.
  2. PMMI ProSource: PMMI’s supplier directory for packaging & processing; if you’re a member/supplier, make sure you’re listed and optimized. 
  3. Packaging Digest (publisher site): Secure a company profile mention or contributor bio page by pitching real, technical content (case studies, QA/regulatory, line integration). Editor contact details are public.
  4. Packaging World (PMMI Media Group): Pitch plant-floor wins or automation/cost-out stories; they feature case studies from OEMs and converters.
  5. Packaging Strategies: Accepts contributed articles; use their “Contribute” page to pitch.
  6. MFR/partner directories you’re already in: Ask machinery OEMs, material suppliers, and integrators you partner with to list you on their “Partners/Suppliers” pages (reciprocal case-study links perform well). (General best practice; pair with Google’s link guidelines to keep it compliant. 

Additional credible citations that most packaging buyers check

  1. Better listings on Thomasnet (beyond free): If ROI justifies it, premium placements can increase discovery, but start with the free profile first.
  2. Regional manufacturing associations: Many publish member directories online (citation + referral traffic). Example structure via PMMI ecosystem. 
  3. Local industrial news/business journals: Contribute ops expansions or sustainability wins; many include do-follow company links in coverage. (Use each outlet’s contributor or news tips page.)
  4. Customer “Suppliers We Use” pages: Offer a short write-up and logo in exchange for a link when you complete a project; pair it with a permissioned case study on their site. (Compliant if it’s editorial and not a paid link).
  5. Event listings (PACK EXPO, regional shows): Exhibitor pages often link to your site; make sure your profile is complete pre-show.

What works vs. what to skip

  • Works: Credible citations where buyers actually search (GBP, Thomasnet, PMMI/ProSource), editorial placements (real case studies), and local authority listings (Chamber, associations). These help Local Pack visibility and organic rankings. GBP optimization is repeatedly highlighted in local ranking research. 

Doesn’t work: Paying for random directory links or Fiverr-style link packages. Google treats manipulative link schemes as spam and can discount or penalize them. If a link is paid/sponsored, it should be tagged appropriately.

Track These 4 Metrics Only (how to measure, not vanity)

Track These 4 Metrics Only

1. Organic traffic from target commercial keywords

  • Why: Shows if the right buyers (not students/blog readers) are reaching product/industry pages.
  • How to measure: In GA4, report conversions/traffic by source/medium and landing page; build an exploration filtered to organic and your industry/product pages.

2. Form submissions from organic search

  • Why: Direct lead indicator tied to SEO; tells you if pages and CTAs are working.
  • How to measure: Define a GA4 conversion event for your RFQ/“Get Quote” form and segment by “Session default channel group = Organic Search.” Better Business Bureau

3. Rankings for your top 10 commercial keywords (e.g., “custom corrugated boxes Ohio,” “FDA-approved food packaging supplier”)

  • Why: Leading indicator for pipeline pages; track movement after you publish new landing pages.
  • How to measure: Use Google Search Console’s Performance report to monitor queries and specific page rankings/CTR; export weekly.

4. Local Pack rankings for “packaging suppliers [city]”

  • Why: Most buyers run local/vendor searches; showing in the 3-Pack drives calls and quote requests.
  • How to measure: Use a local rank tracker that emulates search from target ZIPs to see true Local Pack positions (e.g., BrightLocal). 

Quick action checklist (do these this week)

90-Day SEO Implementation Plan (Week by Week)

90-Day SEO Implementation Plan

This plan is designed for packaging manufacturers who need more qualified leads without wasting time. Each week builds on the last, so you see progress quickly.

Month 1: Foundation (Get the Basics Right)

Week 1: Fix Technical Issues (2–3 hours)

  • Run your site through GTmetrix → compress slow-loading images.
  • Test mobile-friendliness using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
  • Add your phone number to the header/footer of every page (boosts local SEO + conversions).

Week 2: Optimize Google Business Profile (1 hour)

  • Claim at business.google.com.
  • Upload 5 recent photos (facility, packaging lines, sample products).
  • Ask 2–3 happy customers to leave reviews (start with long-term clients).

Why it matters: Google Business Profile is the #1 factor in Local Pack rankings (the top 3 map results).

Week 3: Build One “Money Page” (3–4 hours)

  • Create “[Your Industry] Packaging Solutions” page (e.g., Food Packaging Solutions).
  • Include:
    • Contact form above the fold
    • “Starting at $X” pricing info
    • 1–2 customer testimonials

Why it matters: These pages target buyer-intent keywords like “custom food packaging supplier”, the kind of searches that drive RFQs.

Week 4: Create a Local Page (2 hours)

  • Example: “Packaging Suppliers in Chicago”.
  • Reuse structure from Week 3, but add:
    • Local address + phone number
    • Service area list (surrounding cities/counties)
    • Google Map embed

Why it matters: 76% of people who search “near me” visit a business within 24 hours 

Month 2: Content + Local (Easier Wins)

Week 1: Write One Case Study (2 hours)

  • Pick your strongest client success story.
  • Add specific results (e.g., “Reduced packaging costs 20%”).
  • Include before/after photos.

Why it matters: Case studies = social proof. 92% of B2B buyers are more likely to purchase after reading a trusted review/case study.

Week 2: Submit to Directories (1–2 hours)

  • Add listings to:
    • Google Business Profile
    • Yelp
    • Better Business Bureau (BBB)
  • Ensure NAP (name, address, phone) matches exactly everywhere.

Why it matters: Consistent citations improve local rankings.

Week 3: Create a Simple Lead Magnet (1 hour)

  • Example: “Packaging Cost Comparison: Corrugated vs. Plastic.”
  • Gate it behind an email signup.
  • Share with existing customers and prospects.

Why it matters: Helps capture leads earlier in the buying process.

Week 4: Test with Google Ads ($200 budget)

  • Run ads on your top keyword (e.g., “custom packaging supplier [city]”).
  • Track calls and form fills.
  • Pause any ads that don’t convert.

Why it matters: Ads give fast feedback on which keywords actually drive calls, useful for refining SEO targeting.

Month 3: Build on What Works

Week 1: Easy Outreach (1 hour)

  • Email 3 industry newsletters (Packaging Digest, Packaging World, local manufacturing groups) offering a short tip/article.
  • Ask happy customers if they can mention you on their website.
  • Join a local business/manufacturing association.

Week 2: Create a Second Case Study (1 hour)

  • Same format as Month 2, Week 1.
  • Use a different industry (e.g., pharma if the first was food).
  • Post on LinkedIn + add to your site.

Week 3: Double Down (time varies)

  • If ads worked, increase spend.
  • If industry/local pages worked, create 1–2 more.
  • If case studies got traction, publish another.

Week 4: Review Results (30 minutes)

  • In Google Analytics: check leads from organic search.
  • In Google Search Console: check keyword rankings for your top 10 commercial terms.
  • For local SEO: search “packaging suppliers [your city]” and note your Local Pack ranking.

At the end of 90 days, you’ll have:

  • A technically sound, mobile-ready site
  • At least 2 industry landing pages + 1 local page
  • Case studies with measurable results
  • Directory listings + Google Business Profile generating trust
  • Data from ads + analytics showing what drives real leads

Tools You Actually Need (Free vs. Paid)

One of the biggest mistakes manufacturers make is either buying expensive SEO tools they never use or relying only on guesswork. Here’s the truth: you don’t need dozens of subscriptions to win in search, you just need the right mix of free must-haves and a few paid tools (if budget allows).

Free Tools (Start Here)

These should be your non-negotiables. They’re powerful, and they cost nothing.

  • Google Search Console → Shows which keywords your site ranks for, click-through rates, and technical issues.
  • Google Business Profile → Absolutely critical for showing up in the Local Pack (map results).
  • Google Analytics → Tracks which pages actually drive leads, not just traffic.
  • GTmetrix → Tests your website speed and gives specific improvement tips.
  • Google's Mobile-Friendly Test → Quickly checks if your product pages work well on phones (where most buyers first research).

With just these five, you can already measure traffic, leads, rankings, and site health.

Paid Tools Worth Considering

You don’t need all of these; pick one or two based on your biggest SEO priority.

  • Gushwork→ Highly useful if you want to build a complete marketing infrastructure: optimized website, content systems, SEO dominance, lead management, and targeted ads that work together as one unified growth engine. Instead of hiring extra admin staff, you can automate these workflows at scale.
  • SEMrush ($99/month) → Excellent for keyword research, competitor analysis, and tracking how your rankings move over time.
  • Ahrefs ($99/month) → Best for link building, competitor backlinks, and finding content opportunities.
  • LocalFalcon ($20/month) → Lets you track your exact rankings in the Google Maps 3-Pack across different ZIP codes, perfect if you serve multiple U.S. cities.

Get started with Gushwork if you want to speed up execution without adding overhead.

Free Templates and Checklists

To save you hours of trial and error, here are practical resources manufacturers can use immediately:

With these in place, you’ll know exactly what to work on each month instead of chasing shiny objects.

What Stops Working in 2025?

Not every SEO tactic holds up year after year. In fact, a lot of what used to work is now actively hurting manufacturers’ rankings. If you’re still doing any of the following, it’s time to pivot before Google leaves you behind.

  • Keyword stuffing → Google’s algorithms are too advanced to fall for “custom packaging manufacturer” repeated 20 times on a page. Content now needs to read naturally while targeting high-intent keywords.
  • Buying cheap directory links from overseas → Google can detect irrelevant, spammy links. Instead, invest in industry-relevant links (ThomasNet, Packaging Digest, PMMI).
  • Generic “About Us” pages → If your company page could fit any other manufacturer, it won’t build trust. Share certifications (FDA, ISO, OSHA), client industries, and a real story about your facility.
  • Ignoring mobile users → If your product pages don’t load fast and function well on phones, you’re losing buyers before they ever call.
  • Not tracking phone calls from organic search → If you only track form fills, you’re missing most of your SEO ROI.
  • Slow websites → If your site takes longer than 3 seconds, more than half of users leave. Manufacturers with heavy product catalogs are especially at risk.
  • Not ranking in the top 10 for your company name → If a prospect Googles you and finds competitors, directories, or worse, nothing, you’re losing deals you should have closed.
  • No organic growth in 6+ months → SEO is not static. If you haven’t seen steady gains, it means competitors are outranking you with fresher content, better links, or a stronger local presence.

The Bottom Line

Most packaging companies fail at SEO for the same simple reasons:

  • They target keywords nobody searches for (wasting time on terms with zero buying intent).
  • They write content nobody wants to read (generic blogs instead of case studies, industry pages, or local service pages).
  • They ignore local search completely (even though buyers almost always start with “packaging suppliers near me”).
  • They never measure what actually drives sales (calls, form fills, and quotes, not just clicks).

Fix just these four things, and you’ll already be ahead of 80% of your competitors, and many manufacturers see results in as little as six months.

If your team struggles with keyword research, content outlines, or outreach lists, Gushwork can automate these SEO tasks, letting you focus on winning new accounts and growing your packaging business.

Book A 15-Minute SEO Strategy Call

Book A 15-Minute SEO Strategy Call

FAQs

Q1. How long does SEO take for a packaging company to show results?
A1.
Most U.S. packaging manufacturers see early improvements within 3-4 months, with stronger lead growth typically appearing around the 6-month mark. Local SEO and technical fixes often deliver faster wins compared to content and link-building.

Q2. Should packaging manufacturers invest in local SEO if we already serve clients nationwide?
A2.
Yes. Even if you operate nationally, local searches bring highly qualified leads (“packaging suppliers near me” gets 1,600+ searches/month). Ranking locally builds trust and supports your broader reach.

Q3. What kind of content works best for packaging SEO?
A3.
Content that solves real buyer problems converts best: industry landing pages, case studies with measurable results, and product comparison pages (e.g., “Paper vs. Plastic Packaging: Cost Analysis”). Generic “trends” blogs rarely generate leads.

Q4. Do manufacturers really need to track phone calls from SEO?
A4.
Yes. Over 65% of B2B leads come in by phone (BIA/Kelsey, 2024). If you only measure form submissions, you’re missing most of your SEO-driven sales opportunities.

Q5. What’s the biggest SEO mistake packaging companies make?
A5.
Targeting broad, low-intent keywords like “packaging industry.” These bring clicks but no revenue. Instead, prioritize high-intent keywords buyers use when ready to order, like “FDA-approved food packaging” or “custom corrugated boxes supplier.”

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