Just as businesses continue to evolve, so do printing methods and technologies. Companies worldwide continuously create and develop new products yearly, and part of the process is creating designs.
These can be product descriptions, labels, logos, and many others. Some common printing methods that have become popular through the years are screen printing, 3D printing, and offset lithography.
However, arguably the most popular method is digital printing. Businesses that need posters, labels, and newsletters often utilize digital printing as their go-to printing technique. But what makes digital printing so prominent? Why is it the preferred choice for product labels and other purposes?
The following section discusses this and goes in-depth on the dos and don’ts of digital printing for product labels and how it impacts the marketing strategies of small businesses.
Digital Printing as the Method of Choice for Marketing Materials
Globally, several startup companies are searching for new methods to increase their sales. Obviously, producing high-quality products is a significant part of it, but the journey to get there is the real challenge.
These days, anything is possible with printing. Digital printing has become a primary method that startups gravitate towards because of its quick turnaround, flexibility, and price.
Promotional labels and their design play a major role in a company’s success since it is the one that leaves the first impression.
Lastly, it must match the business’ branding to provide consistency but be visually appealing to capture the target audience. Four-color stickers, canvas, and paper are some materials commonly used in digital printing.
Despite these factors, the business owner must evaluate if the company’s label design is attracting new customers. This will be a useful strategy in the long run, especially during the holiday season when everyone is out and about looking for new things to buy.
The Dos and Don’ts of Digital Printing for Product Labels
Digital printing, when done right, can be a powerful printing method to use for your marketing efforts and other business materials. It can be a helpful factor to help you better attract more customers and leads.
One of the things digital printing excels at is creating product labels. Product labels are one of the first things a customer will see when checking out your products, which can pique their interest. Below are some of the dos and don’ts for product labeling.
Do: Create a customized look
A product label should be just as unique as the company’s branding. It is worth investing time in creating the right design and message since resonating with the target audience is the most important part.
Little details such as colors and fonts also play a vital role in attracting customers. They represent what the business is about and, at times, can be enough to pique customers’ interests. Digital printing is popular among businesses because it produces high-quality images and colors.
Do: Design and print your own labels
If a business requires a small number of labels, printing the batches saves time and money since they will not outsource to printers.
Companies can create designs on a blank template or improve on pre-designed ones. Depending on the product, one may work better than the other. If this seems unfamiliar to you, you can work with a graphic artist to help you create eye-catching product labels.
Do: Include essential information
Like almost any product worldwide, providing basic information is crucial for labeling. The product name, product information, and ingredients are three common things people see in a product.
Like soap labels include the name at the front and the contact information and ingredients at the back.
Many people want to know what went into a product for safety concerns, and in case of any damage, customers can easily contact the business by checking the contact information.
Don’t: Go off-brand with the design
Consistency is a crucial part when creating a product label. It may be tempting to try something new and unique, but straying away from the company’s branding can often confuse customers. It’s best to incorporate colors and patterns that complement the business’ theme, making it more recognizable to the target audience.
Don’t: Fit too much content
As mentioned above, providing essential information on product labels is an important step. However, adding too much information can be detrimental.
Labels with text-heavy content can drive customers away, as it’s overwhelming to the eye. This is especially true for labels with small fonts that try to squeeze in as much information as possible.
This goes for design and graphics as well. Too many colors and graphics can make a product’s label visually confusing because of the disorganized finish. Instead, consider leaving some whitespace and including only the pertinent information.
At times, the main logo can attract new customers, so it is possible to leave it as the highlight of the label.
Some Things to Keep in Mind
Any business would want to create the highest quality labels and content possible, but it is not just about digital printing itself. There are labeling laws that companies need to consider because some industries or countries do not allow specific content to be part of a label.
This is especially important for commercial purposes since these labels could appear on the packaging or the product itself. Additionally, businesses need to adhere to the rules when fabric and textiles are involved. It is best to be safe and research what is allowed or not. Otherwise, there may be legal issues that the company will face.
Keeping Things Simple Yet Engaging
Often, simplicity is what a product label needs to attract new customers. Several companies incorporate labeling into their products, often creating a simple yet engaging label consistent with their theme. The product reflects what the company does and is a reminder that consistency is key.
As long as the business adheres to the industry’s or country’s printing rules, there is always the opportunity to grow, as digital printing offers an array of options that companies can explore for their products and marketing.
