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Your product is the best on the market, and every element of your visual branding is designed to leave a lasting impression on customers.
But what if a small mistake undoes all your hard work?
From a misprint that affects your ingredient list to an inconsistent colour palette that weakens your brand identity, label mistakes can have a serious impact on your success. Instead of captivating your audience, your labels now confuse them.
So, how can you ensure your brand avoids these common pitfalls? In this blog, we’ll explore common product label errors and, more importantly, how to prevent them before they damage your reputation.
The top 5 most common label errors
1. Cluttered design
A label overloaded with information, overly complex graphics, or a poor layout can make it difficult to find key details
Clarity is essential, especially on busy supermarket shelves where customers are looking to quickly find the relevant information they need. If they can’t easily see what your product is, how to use it, or why they should buy it, they’ll move on to your competitor’s brand.
2. Inaccurate or misleading information
Misleading labels aren’t just bad for business. They can also result in irreparable reputational damage, as well as hefty fines and legal action.
Incorrect ingredient lists, exaggerated claims or even barcodes that don’t scan can impact your brand’s trust and likability.
Some brands have faced public backlash for claiming products were “100% natural” when they weren’t or using deceptive language to make food appear healthier than it is. In situations like these, brand trust is easy to lose and almost impossible to win back.
3. Poor quality
A smudged, peeling or faded label can make even the most premium product look cheap. This is especially damaging in industries like cosmetics, where packaging impacts perceived value. If a customer picks up a product and the label is already worn, they’ll wonder about the quality of what’s inside.
If the wrong materials are used, harsh environmental conditions such as moisture, heat, or friction can degrade a label.
4. Not following label regulations
Regulatory compliance isn’t optional, and failure to include required information such as allergens, nutritional data, or safety warnings can lead to legal trouble, product withdrawals and even risk to customer health.
5. Ignoring brand consistency
Product labels are more than just functional; they act as an extension of your brand identity. Labels that don’t align with the rest of your branding, whether it’s inconsistent colours, typography, or tone, can affect brand recognition. Consistency builds familiarity, and familiarity helps to make customers feel comfortable trusting and purchasing your products.
How can a brand avoid making these mistakes?
Avoiding these mistakes takes a combination of strategic design, compliance awareness and quality control. Here are five key steps to take to protect your brand:
- Prioritise essential information and use clear hierarchies, sticking to a clean, easy-to-read layout using legible fonts with appropriate contrast.
- Use clear, legally compliant language, keep label content up to date if formulas or regulations change, and ensure all of your claims are true and substantiated.
- Choose the right label material and adhesive for your product’s environment. Consulting an expert printing partner can help ensure the best finishes and materials for durability.
- Stay informed about label laws in your industry and carry out regular compliance checks before printing.
- Treat your label as part of your overall brand experience and use brand guidelines to maintain consistency in colour, typography and tone.
How specialist label producers can enhance labels
At Premier Labels, we’re passionate about helping your brand make the best possible impression with every label.
From clear, compliant designs to consistent branding, we provide the expertise and support you need to create labels that maintain your product’s identity and build customer trust.
With careful attention to detail, strategic design, and a solid understanding of regulations, you can avoid these common errors and ensure your product stands out for all the right reasons
Don’t let simple label mistakes jeopardise the hard work you've put into creating an exceptional product. Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can help.
