The start of a new year is the perfect time for a companywide rebranding or new custom label designs! While this is a very exciting journey to embark on, there are a few important design concepts and tricks to be aware of. When working with M&R Label, you can be sure we are on top of our design game and you’ll be well taken care of – but the more you know the better!
Your labels are a first impression to customers, it’s vital for them to be a high quality design with crisp graphics, clear typography, and premium material. Before you get started and place your order, let’s take a look at a few common label mistakes and how you can prevent them…
Top 5 Common Label Mistakes to Avoid
Blurry Graphics
There are a variety of reasons graphics can appear blurry. For example a file error, low resolution, incompatible printer, wrong file type, incorrect settings, and the list goes on. No one wants a blurry label, it’s unsightly and embarrassing. Fortunately this pixelated appearance can be prevented with a few practices: ensure you’re using the correct file type (such as a vector), select a high resolution for printing (for example 300 dpi), and of course if you’re unsure, always ask the printer! Our team is happy to answer any questions you have.
Incorrect Colors
Receiving your labels with the wrong colors is certainly a situation you want to avoid! Nothing is more disappointing. Incorrect colors can be caused by so many factors, such as inaccurate configuration on your display (computer monitor), using a finish that alters the colors, or creating your file in RGB (red-green-blue). It’s a must to make sure your colors pop and of course match your branding. Get the colors you want with these tips: get proofs before final printing to see if a finish will alter the colors, make sure your monitor and the printer’s monitors both match color codes, and always save your file in CMYK (four color process) format instead of RGB as that’s what most printers default to.
Grammar Errors
This one may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many label batches were botched (by other companies, not M&R Label!) due to overlooking grammatical errors. Misspelled words or errors in punctuation are not a good look for your brand! People often are in a rush and working on too many things at once, and send over their label design without checking the finer details. This mistake can easily be avoided by triple checking all text on your label, copy/paste it in Google Docs to catch errors, and of course ask your printing professionals to give it a once over.
Missing Bleed
You may be wondering what a bleed is and why it’s important. “In printing, bleed is printing that goes beyond the edge of where the sheet will be trimmed. In other words, the bleed is the area to be trimmed off. The bleed is the part on the side of a document that gives the printer a small amount of space to account for movement of the paper, and design inconsistencies. Artwork and background colors often extend into the bleed area. After trimming, the bleed ensures that no unprinted edges occur in the final trimmed document.” Wikipedia
A missing bleed will affect how close to the edge your design will print and make sure nothing gets cut off that shouldn’t be! Prevent this by leaving extra space around each side of your label (for example .125 inch). At M&R Label, leave the bleed to us! We’ve got you covered.
Compliance Issues
Label compliance is a must! Especially for industries such as food & beverage, chemicals, health & beauty products, and cannabis. These types of items need custom labels that meet the FDA’s (and any industry specific) label regulations. Almost every industry must comply with specific regulations regarding the information provided on product labels and the shape, size, and format. The last thing your business needs is to be sued for botching a content percentage or forgetting to list an ingredient. Protect your reputation, customers, and business finances by thoroughly checking that you’ve included all ingredients, corresponding amounts, and of course any safety warnings if necessary. When choosing a custom label printer, make sure they are well-versed in the regulations for your industry…we know we are!
Bonus: Outdated Design
Relying on an outdated design could be costing you money and reducing sales. What’s hot and what’s not changes over time, even when it comes to your product labels and packaging designs. What was popular 10 years ago may no longer do the trick. Giving your custom label design and product packaging a makeover may be the answer to spicing up your sales again and attracting the eye of excited customers next year. Let us help you stay relevant so your brand doesn’t fall behind. Be sure to check out our recent blog Label & Packaging Design Trends for 2021 for modern label design ideas!
Partner with M&R Label Printers for a Successful Custom Label Design Experience!
When you choose to work with M&R Label, you can be confident that we are experts in designing and printing custom labels. Our 30+ years of experience and talented team are the perfect combination for a successful label printing experience. We know all the mistakes to avoid, things to look out for, and of course tips & tricks of the trade. For every possible thing that could go wrong, we already have a system in place to make sure that doesn’t happen! That’s why customers have trusted us as Chicago’s premier label printer since 1989.
M&R Label can print any unique font, vibrant color, or image you need – on any type of material and shape! We provide premium custom printing solutions for a plethora of different industries; each with its own identity, requirements, and challenges. Our team is well-versed in the regulations of each industry we serve. We’ve earned a reputation as pioneers in this industry creating high quality digital and flexographic labels.
Our motto is: the customer has, and always will, come first. We think of our customers as family and we will do everything we can to help you achieve your goals and be successful! That is why we are constantly investing in the highest quality people, technology and equipment. M&R’s incredible custom label design, extensive label printing capabilities, quick turnaround times, and fair pricing are just what your business needs this year!
Avoid mistakes by working with a reputable printer you can trust! Curious about our custom label design services?
Ready for a unique label solution in the new year? Let’s work together!
Contact us today to request a quote: (708) 534-6621
Next: What to Look for When Choosing a Label Printing Partner
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