Livingston Reporting - page 267

In our first installment on product labeling we discussed why it was so important to choose the correct font when designing a new label for your product.  This article will focus on choosing the correct layout and colors to designing a new product label.   Whether you are having a label designed or planning to design something on your own here are some important reminders to take into account before printing.

One mistake to avoid in label design is clashing colors.  The point of label is to design something that is superior to that of the competition.  You want a label that speaks to consumers rather than one that stands out because it is revolting.  Choose colors that are meant to complement one another; colors that can do this without detracting from the message that you are trying to send.  If you are promoting a product based on a theme that already exists, say a fourth of July theme, update your label to compliment the theme even if your brand or product label normally doesn’t.  Adjusting to the theme is better than creating a labeling eye sore.  Clashing colors are unappealing to the eye therefore creating an eye sore when consumers are examining the label.

Another mistake that is often seen when designing labels is crowding.  Adding too many images to the label creates a visual mess that often makes deciphering your products message difficult.  Create a clean label that uses clear images to create a vision that is strong, vibrant and well defined.  Upon first glance, within seconds consumers should know what your product is, how it meets their need and be drawn to make a purchase.

A mistake that is seen in product labeling a lot when selling food products is sending a mixed message.  You want a food label to send a clear message.  The label should provide information about the products nutrition while stimulating the consumer to purchase the product.  In food labeling you want the label to share details of how healthy and delicious you product is especially in comparison to the competition.  Is you marketing food avoid messages that can be misconstrued.  If you want people to find your product desirable and tasty avoid adding images that appear greasy or rotten.

When you are designing a label be sure to create several test versions. Have several test groups survey the different options and share with you their thoughts.  Each of your product labels may have some degree of variation.  What is important is that your label is clean and clear in design.  Your label must convey a message while also maintain readability and looking professional.  Your product label is a reflection of your company, brand and product.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

• Simple and Clear

When you are at the supermarket next time go to the shelves and choose a few different products at random.  Look at each products label and ask yourself; what the product is used for and what is the brand behind it?  You will instantly see the difference between the good and bad labels.  Those with a simple, clear message and distinct labeling design will be able to answer those two questions for you within seconds, those without will not.  Consumers will dedicate four seconds to you product.  Make sure your product label answers those questions clearly and quickly in order to appeal to your market. Your label needs to be simple and clear while acknowledging your brand and product.

• Honest

When you are creating a label or product package be sure to show an honest depiction of your product.   Don’t over exaggerate the benefits of the product.  If you are selling a cookie that is dipped in chocolate don’t drench the cookie in chocolate.  Honest representation is better than extreme exaggeration.  People want to visualize what they are actually getting.  Find the best manner in which to present your actual product on the label and package.

• Authentic

The heart of your brand is based on its authenticity.  A generic label with an uncommon design style can have a terrific visual impact.  When it comes to authenticity, stay true to your brand and product.  If a competitor uses real photos, use illustrations, if most are using a horizontal label layout, choose a vertical one.  Stay true to the original spirit of your brand which creates authenticity while designing something that stands out above the competition.

• Shelf Impact

Your product will never be seen on the shopping market shelf alone.  With this in mind understand that you are creating a label to stand out amongst similar products arranged in rows and columns.  The impact your product has on the shelf makes a world of difference when it comes to consumers choosing yours over the competition. The impact your product has while on the shelf surrounded by the competition will determine success or failure.  The label should be distinct, appealing and grab the attention of consumers on first glance.

• Extensibility

When you design a brand package or product label be sure you leave room for your concept to grow as your company does.  When you create variations of your products the product label design and packaging should allow for continued evolution.    An example of this comes with different flavors of your product.  For instance, if you are labeling juice be sure the shrink sleeve label can easily change with the creation of other flavors.  Keep in mind product extensions when creating a label or package design as this will save you from a lot of redesigning later on.

• Practicality

Practicality comes into play when you are thinking about the shape, function and size of your products package.  The more practical your package the easier it will be to design a label that works with your product.  Thanks to shrink sleeve labeling a variety of product shapes become more possible to choose from.   When thinking about function consider the creation of wide mouthed jars for spreads.  The more practical the product the more likely consumers are to purchase it.

Remember the tips above when you are creating your new product label design as well as your products packaging.  Keeping these six things in mind will allow you to enjoy success when marketing a new product or brand.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your label design, printing and packaging needs.

When it comes to marketing your product one of the most important pieces of the entire process is your products label.  When designing a food products label you are looking into creating an enticing label that projects an appetizing message, one that promotes the products enticing features of the products as well as conveys product information to your customers.

With food products the label is one of the main tools that you have to make a statement about your product.  It is important for your brand identification that you make the most of your label.  The label becomes even more important to your marketing mix when you are working with limited funds or only have access to a small retail space in which to display your product.

There are some common mistakes to avoid when designing your product label.  One that happens often in the product label design has to do with the text font that is chosen for your label.

The Use Of Too Many Fonts

When designing your food products label there are many options in fonts available to choose from.  It is tempting to choose all of your favorite fonts.  This is not an option in successful food label designs.  When you are trying to convey important information as is done with product labels it is important that the font is easy to read to all segments that you are marketing your product to.  Keep the font simplistic and consistent.  If the label is hard to read it will appear disconnected and turn clients away from choosing your product.   Stick to a one or two fonts on your product labels while keeping the style changes on the label to a minimum.

Brand Name Font Size Is Too Small or Too Large

There must be a balance between the size of the text that is used in your brand name, product information and label text.  It is possible for your brand name to over power or become lost on a label that is not designed properly.  Your brand name should be prominent along with the product name.  From there it is important to maintain the integrity of the text throughout the rest of the label.

Difficult To Read Font

With marketing you have a limited amount of time to grab your audience’s attention.  This is why it is important that label designs use clean fonts that are easily read from close or far away.  When using a decorative font remember that they will convey certain messages to customers.  It is important the message is one that you wish to send.  For instance a formal font used on a play-full product gives off the wrong message.  Mixing fonts also creates a mixed message.  Choose a text font that goes well with the logo font you have chosen.

If you are having trouble with choosing a font to use on your product’s label create a few different label designs.  Test the different versions on co-workers and get their honest reactions.  Trial and error in the office is far better than trial and error in the market.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your label design, printing and packaging needs.