Getting to the point where you’re ready to create your product’s label is an exciting place to be. It’s also a very important stage in the process of launching a product. After all, a product’s label is one of the most valuable pieces of marketing collateral you have. It’s the first thing a consumer sees when they’re shopping, either in person or online. Getting this right can mean the difference between a product that sells well and one that languishes on the store shelves.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the basics of making your own product labels. We’ll cover the most important topics like evaluating the competition, selecting a quality printing partner, and knowing what types of labeling materials are the right fit for your product.
What is a product label?
A product label is what informs customers about what’s inside a product’s packaging. Labels often include other advertising information beyond just the name of the product. They can include things like key features and information about flavors, scents, or other product details. If you’re selling food or a supplement, the label must also contain nutritional information in a very specific format.
Why labeling your product correctly matters
Creating a product label that contains accurate information matters for two reasons. First, a label that makes claims the product can’t live up to will deliver a major blow to consumer confidence. Second, many products like food items and supplements must be labeled in a very specific way in order to comply with strict FDA regulations. Accurate labels make for happy customers and help keep you out of trouble.
The importance of good design for product labels
When it comes to retail sales, what’s on the outside matters. Having a solid product is certainly important, but presenting it in a way that draws your target audience in is even more important. When making your own product label, begin by considering who you’re trying to sell to. What do they value? What visuals do they find interesting and attractive? For example, buyers looking for an organic supplement may pass up a product label sporting bright colors and a shiny finish in favor of one using a matte finish with soothing greens and blues.
Second, recognize the importance of simplicity. The strategic use of blank space can be a very effective way of drawing the viewer’s attention to the information you want them to focus on — whereas a label that’s cluttered with text and images is likely to turn an information-overloaded consumer away.
Varying the size of your fonts is also an effective design technique. A blend of large and small font sizes creates visual interest and helps to emphasize important information.
Evaluating the competition
Chances are, your product isn’t the only one of its kind. As you’re thinking about how to design your label, look at what’s already out there. Take some pointers from the labels of competing products. Notice what works well, and spend some time brainstorming ways that you can do it better. Designing your own labels isn’t nearly as intimidating when you know what you’re up against.
Label design resources
Creating label designs can be tricky, especially if you don’t have any formal graphic design experience. There are two ways to work around inexperience. The first is to hire a graphic designer. Professional designers have the skills to create a product label that can truly stand out. But if that’s not possible, don’t worry. We’ll show you how to design your own product labels. Label templates offer an easy and cost-effective way to create product labels on your own. Services like Canva and other design software services offer a broad range of label templates to choose from.
Choosing the best label material and finish for your product
The type of label material you use will largely depend on how your product will be used. Begin by thinking about what your product label will need to endure once it’s put into daily use by consumers. If it’s going to be exposed to heat, condensation, or other liquids on a regular basis, a label material like vinyl or polyester (PET) is a solid choice. If not, you’ll have the option of looking at a variety of different types of paper labels.
Next, consider the overall look you’d like to convey. If it’s a modern, edgy vibe, a label made of a slick, shiny material like BOPP could fit the bill. If you’re going for a more natural, organic, or classic feel, a paper label is a good choice. A matte finish tends to give a more muted, high-end feel, while a glossy finish provides a more energetic vibe and can really help a brighter color scheme stand out.
Choosing a quality printing partner
When it comes to printing your own product labels, there’s no shortage of online printing companies to choose from. But finding a reliable, high-quality printing partner takes a bit more effort. Start by taking the material and finish requirements for your label and narrow down your choices to 2-3 printers who can print to those specifications. Compare prices, minimum order requirements, and reputation for quality before making your selection. Online reviews can tell you a lot about a vendor’s ability to produce a quality product on schedule.
Wrapping up
Launching a new product is an exciting venture. By learning the basics of creating a quality label, you now have the tools you need to begin the process. A consumer’s first impression of your product comes largely from the label. So be sure to create a label that presents your product in the best light. After all, second impressions are hard to come by, especially in the retail space.
If you have any questions about label selection or printing, don’t hesitate to contact the Experience Team by phone or Live Chat! Our team is ready to serve your business with care and excellence.
For more on label design, check out these resources:
