Product label design can make or break consumer purchasing decisions, so the importance of a well-designed label cannot be overstated. Custom product labels can improve first impressions, enhance shelf impact, uphold regulatory compliance, and improve brand trust. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the most common mistakes businesses can make when designing custom labels and how Model Graphics provides expert solutions with our design support, premium printing, and streamlined processes.
Mistake #1: Ignoring the Target Audience
When labels don’t align with the audience’s tastes, values, or expectations, it can result in fewer conversions. Some examples here include using overly playful fonts for luxury items, or choosing muted tones for youth-focused energy drinks. It’s important to conduct market research, understand buyer motivations, and align visuals with your target audience. At Model Graphics, we offer design consultations tailored to your customer profile, ensuring that each label’s design matches your customers’ preferences.
Mistake #2: Cluttered Layout
When labels have too much text, inconsistent spacing, or poor hierarchy, it can overwhelm consumers. It’s important to establish a focal point, use spacing strategically, and prioritize essential product information. Our award-winning design team at Model Graphics can help optimize layout and ensure your label is visually balanced before printing.
Mistake #3: Choosing Low-Quality Images, Graphics, or Fonts
Pixelated images and amateur graphics can connote low quality and negatively impact brand identity. This includes using generic stock images, unreadable fonts, or graphics that clash stylistically. It’s important to use quality graphics, choose complementary fonts, and prioritize original imagery. When you partner with Model Graphics, we give you access to high-resolution images, and we offer font and color pairing recommendations. Our quality control processes help avoid pixelation or print distortion.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Material and Finish Selection
The wrong material can lead to smudging, peeling, fading, or water damage. Labels must not only look good but also apply well, withstand handling, and align well on the packaging. Some common issues include labels peeling on products stored in refrigerators, colors fading outdoors, or adhesives not sticking to high-texture surfaces. It’s important to choose materials based on the application environment that matches the container size and durability needs. Model Graphics offers a wide selection of premium materials and finishes, durability testing, as well as expert recommendations based on your product’s environment.
Mistake #5: Failing to Follow Regulatory Requirements
Non-compliance with important regulatory requirements can result in fines, recalls, or lost consumer trust. This is especially important in the food and beverage, cosmetics, and household goods industries. Typical mistakes include incorrect font size for warnings, as well as missing ingredients or allergen declarations. It is best practice to review FDA or other relevant industry guidelines, and ensure legible fonts and proper terminology. Model Graphics has partnered with companies who are dedicated to ensuring your information is FDA compliant and follows vital regulatory requirements.
Mistake #6: Inconsistent Branding
Labels that don’t align with your overall brand identity can weaken brand recognition and consumer trust. This includes mismatched colors from product to product, variations in logo sizing, and conflicting styles across product lines. It’s important to establish a brand style guide and to use consistent colors and fonts. Model Graphics can help with color matching to ensure every label stays on-brand.
How Model Graphics Makes Custom Labeling Easy
At Model Graphics, we understand the importance of crafting a custom label that is unique to your product. We offer expert graphic design services that will allow your label to stand out on the shelf. In addition, we offer digital and flexographic printing services, and our vast capabilities include pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, and more, such as custom applications. Our team provides fast turnaround and high-resolution printing, and our design support will help you save time, avoid costly mistakes, elevate brand presence, and ensure labels perform as they should.
Designing custom product labels involves strategy, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of industry requirements. Avoid common mistakes by partnering with the experts at Model Graphics, who know label design inside and out. Connect with us today to get started.