In the world of small business, every detail counts. One of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of product presentation is labelling. The right product label not only identifies your product but also serves as a powerful marketing tool, helping to attract customers, convey essential information, and reinforce your brand identity. However, selecting and designing product labels can be overwhelming, especially when you are not sure where to start.
This guide aims to help you navigate the complexities of product labelling, providing insights and inspiration to ensure your labels meet your needs and the customer's expectations.
Why Product Labels Matter
Product labels are often the first point of contact between your product and a potential customer. They can make or break a sale within seconds. A well-designed label can convey professionalism, quality, and trustworthiness, while a poorly executed one can deter even the most interested buyer. Here are some reasons why investing in the right product labels is crucial for your business;
First impressions matter and often the label is the first thing a customer notices. A visually appealing, well-designed label can draw attention and create a positive first impression, encouraging customers to pick up and purchase your product. Labels are also a key element of your branding. They reflect your business's personality and values, helping to differentiate your product from competitors. Consistent branding across all your products strengthens brand recognition and loyalty.
Something else to consider depending on your industry, your labels may need to include specific information such as ingredients, allergens, or safety warnings. Compliance with these regulations is not only legally required, it builds trust with your customers. When customers feel like they have made an informed purchase, their satisfaction with your product increases.
Navigating the Confusion: Understanding Label Options
One of the biggest challenges small business owners face regarding product labelling is the sheer variety of options available. From materials to adhesives, finishes, and sizes, the choices can be overwhelming. Let’s break down some key considerations to help demystify the options available;
Material Choices:
The material of your label plays a significant role in its appearance and durability. Common materials include paper, vinyl, polyester, and polypropylene. Each material has its strengths:
Paper Labels: Ideal for indoor products that won’t be exposed to moisture or harsh conditions. They offer a classic, natural look and are often more affordable. Please always order a sample to trial the material and ensure your printer is compatible.
Vinyl and Polyester Labels: These are more durable and water-resistant, making them suitable for damper environments. Examples of products for these materials include beverages or bath products.
Polypropylene Labels: A popular choice for its balance of durability and cost-effectiveness. It’s water-resistant and flexible, making it a great budget-friendly solution to labelling products with awkward surfaces.
Adhesives:
The type of adhesive you choose will depend on the surface to which your label will be applied and the environmental conditions it will face.
Permanent Adhesives: Provide strong adhesion and are difficult to remove once bonded. They’re ideal for products where the label needs to stay put, such as on glass jars or bottles.
Removable Adhesives: Allow the label to be removed leaving minimal residue, making them suitable for temporary labelling or products that might be reused. This adhesive is notably weaker than the permanent adhesive to ease the removal process when the label is no longer required.
Freezer Adhesives: Specifically designed for products stored at low temperatures, ensuring the label stays in place even in freezing conditions. Our specialised freezer adhesive material has a minimum labelling temperature of -40*C. We do recommend trialling this on your product to ensure the condensation on the product once removed from these temperatures does not impede on your product's important information.
Finishes:
The finish of your label can enhance its appearance and, with lamination, protect it from damage.
Gloss Finish: Offers a shiny surface that can make colours pop and give your product a high-end look.
Matt Finish: Provides a non-reflective surface that’s easy to read and has a more subtle, sophisticated appearance.
Ensuring Functionality: Labels That Stick
Another common concern among small business owners is whether their labels adhere properly to their products and withstand various environmental conditions. The team at Flexi Labels understands just how important choosing the right material for an application is. We have introduced a free material service to ensure any worries are quickly dashed away.
When you order a material sample from us, you get to trial; the adhesion of the label to the surface of your product, the look and feel of the label, if the material is compatible with your printer, the environmental factors which may impact your product when sorted and see how satisfied you are with the application of the material to the product itself.
Trailing the material before committing to a purchase is key to ensuring you will be happy with the product you order, however, please note that our samples are just for material testing purposes only. We cannot supply specific size labels as part of our sample service as we manufacture all products to order.
Overcoming Design and Printing Challenges
Designing an effective label can be daunting, especially if you lack design experience. However, with a few key principles, you can create labels that are both functional and visually appealing.
- Keep It Simple: Your label should communicate the essential information quickly and clearly. Avoid cluttering the label with too much text or too many design elements. Focus on what’s most important for your customers to know.
- Prioritise Readability: Choose fonts that are easy to read at a glance. Avoid overly decorative fonts that may be hard to decipher, especially in smaller sizes. Consider the contrast between text and background colours to ensure legibility. As a rule, avoid fonts smaller than 6pt/ 1.2mm in height. This is the recommended minimum font size for legibility and accessibility in the print industry.
- Colour Choices: Colours play a crucial role in brand recognition and can influence customer perception. Use colours that align with your brand identity. Also, consider how they will look when printed on different materials and finishes. If you have a specific brand colour, ensure the design team is sent the correct colour codes before approving your proof and sending the job to print.
- Printing Techniques and Embellishments: Understanding the different printing options available can help you achieve the desired look for your labels. We digitally print our labels at Flexi Labels using CMYK colour profiles. Ensure all printed orders use the correct colour mode to avoid unexpected colours. Foiling, lamination, spot UV coating and white ink are all embellishments which can create a premium feel and add a unique feel to your label design.
Custom Label Shapes and Sizes: Labels come in various shapes and sizes, and custom shapes can make your product more distinctive. Whether you need a standard rectangle or an intricate die-cut shape, custom sizing can ensure your label fits your product perfectly. Make an impression with custom labelling. Speak with the team, or submit a custom label request online to start the conversation.
Balancing Cost and Quality
As a small business owner, budget constraints are a reality, and finding the right balance between affordability and quality can be challenging. If possible, order labels in larger quantities. Ordering more will always reduce the price per label.
If you are budget-conscious or need any assistance in placing your first order with us, feel free to contact us and make sure your have found what you're looking for, at a price that works best for you.
Building Trust with the Right Supplier
Finding the right supplier is crucial, especially if you have been let down by a previous one. The quality and consistency of your labels depend on it. Here is what to look for when choosing a new supplier:
- Reliability: Ensure the supplier has a track record of delivering on time and meeting quality expectations. Read reviews, ask for references, and consider starting with a smaller order to test their service.
- Communication: A good supplier will be responsive and willing to answer your questions. They should guide you through the process, help you make informed decisions, and provide clear explanations of costs and timelines.
- Custom Support: If you need custom labels, make sure your supplier has the capabilities to handle your specific requirements. This includes offering a range of materials, finishes, and printing techniques, as well as the ability to produce custom shapes and sizes.
Flexibility: Your business needs may change over time, so choose a supplier who can adapt. Whether you need to increase your order size, change materials, or update your design, a flexible supplier will help you navigate these changes smoothly.
Elevate Your Brand with the Right Labels
Product labels are more than just stickers; they’re a vital component of your brand identity and marketing strategy. By understanding your options, addressing common challenges, and working with the right supplier, you can create labels that not only look great but also perform well under various conditions. Whether you’re labelling jars of homemade jam, bottles of artisanal beer, or handcrafted candles, the right label can set your product apart, attract customers, and build trust in your brand.
Ready to take your product labelling to the next level? Don’t let the confusion around materials, design, or cost hold you back. At Flexi Labels, we specialise in helping small businesses like yours find the perfect labelling solution all while making the process easy and stress-free.
Order now and let us help you create labels that leave a lasting impression.
