In the corrugated packaging industry, competition is tight and lead times are everything. If you’re relying solely on word of mouth or hoping someone stumbles across your website, you’re missing opportunities. Proactive outreach is one of the most effective ways to consistently bring new business into your pipeline.
Here are five outreach strategies that corrugated manufacturers can use to connect with buyers and generate real conversations that lead to RFQs.
1. Focus Your Outreach on the Right Customers
The first step to better outreach is knowing exactly who you’re trying to reach. For corrugated manufacturers, that might mean:
- Mid-size CPG brands in food or beverage
- E-commerce companies with recurring packaging needs
- Contract manufacturers looking for local or sustainable suppliers
The more focused your list is, the better your chances of getting a response. Avoid general outreach to everyone and instead target the industries and companies where you know you can add value.
2. Personalize Your Message
If your email looks like it was copied and pasted to 200 other people, it’s going straight to the trash. Buyers respond to messages that feel relevant to them.
Mention something specific about their business. For example:
“I saw your brand just launched a new frozen food line. We work with several companies in that space who needed help speeding up their packaging supply chain.”
Even small details show that you’ve done your homework and aren’t just blasting out spam.
3. Talk About the Problems You Solve
Don’t lead with your equipment list or certifications. Lead with the problems your customers deal with every day.
Some examples:
- Late or inconsistent deliveries from large national suppliers
- Overpaying for short-run packaging needs
- Shipping damage due to poor box design
When you position your outreach around solving problems instead of selling features, you open the door to a real business conversation.
4. Use More Than One Channel
Email is great, but it’s just one tool. Outreach works best when you’re visible across multiple touchpoints.
Try combining:
- Email with a follow-up call
- A LinkedIn connection request
- Direct mail with a sample box or short case study
Showing up in more than one place helps build trust and increases your chances of being remembered.
5. Don’t Give Up After One Try
Most deals don’t come from the first message. In fact, it often takes 5 to 8 touches before a buyer is ready to engage.
The key is to follow up with a purpose. Don’t just say “checking in.” Instead, offer value in each message. Share a relevant article, ask a smart question, or provide a short example of how you helped a similar customer.
Consistency is what separates successful outreach from wasted effort.
Need Help Starting or Scaling Your Outreach?
At MP Market Presence, we help corrugated packaging manufacturers get in front of the right buyers. Whether you’re just starting to explore outbound sales or need a system that runs without hiring a full team, we can help.
Our programs combine:
- Inbound SEO to get found online
- Outbound outreach to start meaningful conversations
- Sales consulting based on your actual process and conversion rates
- ROI tracking tied to real metrics, not marketing fluff
If you’re ready to grow smarter and stop relying solely on referrals, let’s talk.
📩 Schedule your free discovery call today.