Creating Perfect Product Labels – 3 Basic Rules

You’ve undoubtedly noticed how some products stand out on the shelf while others blend in. The big differentiator is the product label. When labels are well-designed, they can influence consumer purchasing decisions. That’s because consumers often make quick decisions about what to purchase, and appearance influences that decision quite a bit.

Many small businesses feel overwhelmed at the idea of designing product labels and believe they must hire a graphic designer to truly stand out. However, with many free design tools available today, you don’t necessarily have to hire a graphic designer to still create professional product labels.

First, you have to view your packaging as more than the box, bottle or container your product comes in. It includes labels, shapes and colors that help make your product stand out. 

So as you consider the best way to make your product stand out, follow these three basic rules to design the perfect labels.

1. Take Time to Learn Who Your Customer Is

Before you can create a product label that resonates with your target audience, you need to think about who they are. Think about the differences between how you would design a product label for a woman’s hair product versus a men’s hair product. Or even how differently you would design your labels for products for adults versus children.

Many people view this step as wasted but know that it’s an important first step that has to happen long before you open a program on your computer and start designing. Plus, by completing this activity, you’ll likely see improvements in your marketing and how well your messages resonate with your customers.

Too often, small companies only outline their ideal audience based on demographic information, such as male or female, annual income and age. And while those items might tell you something, outlining specifically what challenge or pain point your customer is looking to use your product to solve will be even more valuable.

HubSpot offers outstanding step-by-step directions for building out a buyer persona to get to know your audience more in-depth. This will help you think about what other solutions your customer might have tried and why they didn’t meet their needs. The more you understand what your customer values, the clearer you can make that information on your product labels.

For example, your customers might be finding it challenging to find sweatproof solutions for their hair during warmer weather. In that case, you’ll know to make that information stand out more on your labels even though you hadn’t thought much about that benefit before.

2. Evaluate the Best Label Size and Type for the Job

Various types of products will require different product label sizes and styles. You might want to create minimalist packaging because it better meets the needs of your target demographic. In other cases, larger, bolder labels will help customers recognize your packaging and make a statement.

Some standard label sizes include:

• 2 x 4 inches
• 3.33 x 4 inches
• 2.688 x 2 inches
• 4 x 6 inches
• 3.5 x 5 inches
• 4 x 2.5 inches
• 2 x 2 inches

Of course, you can select custom shapes or trimmed labels to meet your unique needs. Working with DuraFast Label Company, we can help you purchase labels by the pallet to prepare for printing and labeling your products. Or we can work with you to create the perfect custom label shape and size to print your labels on-site at your business. 

You might test out a few different label sizes on your products to see what looks best. That way, you end up with an ideal label based on your products and their needs.

As a starting point, you can look to see if there is an industry-standard or what your competitors are doing. You might also have more than one label on a product. For example, you might label the front of a container and put additional information on the top of the lid or have a secondary label on the back side of the product to provide additional information. 

Or you can test using one label that wraps around your product to see if that is a more economical option instead of printing multiple labels for the same product.

Finally, you’ll need to evaluate the best label material for the job. You can pick between glossy or matte, waterproof or standard, etc. Just be sure that the labels you select will work with your label printer. 

3. Design a Unique, Yet Easy-to-read Product Label

Now that you know who your customers are and the best size and shape label for your product, you’re ready to start designing. Focus on the most important information and make it stand out. More important than cute labels are labels that convey the most important information to consumers.

And once you have the most pertinent information on the labels, you can design around that information or use typefaces to modernize the label and keep it looking sleek and attractive.

In some cases, you might even consider clear labels to allow your products to really shine through. Just remember that the most important element of a product label is making the information clear, understandable and easy for consumers to read. So use high-contrast colors, and if you’re designing using clear labels, consider the contrast of the label once it is over top of your product.

Why Simplicity Wins with Product Labels

Product labels are there to grab attention and communicate crucial information to your potential customers. If you get too cutesy, it will be challenging for customers to learn more about your product or can distract them from what you really want to communicate.

Some ways to keep your product labels simple include:

• Minimize graphics
• Use black and white
• Only include important information
• Use a clear typeface
• Use no more than 3 total typefaces on the label
• Employ a clear hierarchy of brand name, product name and product information
• Leave plenty of white space
• Consider print quality when adding fine details
• Factor in the cost of printing in color

Cluttered product labels will make it more challenging to connect with your customers quickly.

Where to Buy High-quality Labels

Whether you’re purchasing labels for RFID codes or product labels and everything in between, DuraFast Label Company has the labels and printers for the job. And if you aren’t sure what is the best label and printer for the job, chat with an expert to guide you in finding cost-effective solutions for in-house label printing. Contact us now to learn more.

Product Label FAQs

Before finalizing your product labels, consider these commonly asked questions businesses ask about making their products stand out.

How Do You Make Perfect Labels?

Start with effective tools and materials, including design software and a high-quality label printer and the right printer for the job. Then be sure to leave plenty of whitespace and create easy-to-read labels.

How Do You Create a Product Label?

Product labels must include the product name, company name and logo, product details and a small description of the product.

What Is Required for Product Labeling?

It will vary based on what type of product you’re selling. But if it’s a food item, it must include product ingredients, details about potential allergens and a use-by date. Be sure to read up on your country and state’s requirements for marketing the type of product you’re selling.

Further reading:

• Are Wash-Off Materials the Next Trend for Product Labels?
• How Epson Cornered the Inkjet Printer Market
• Laser vs. Inkjet Printers: Which Option is Better?
• A Brief History of Inkjet Printer Technology
• Promotion: Save Big on the Epson TM-C3500 Inkjet Printer