10 ways to make your product label stand out

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  1. Use eye-catching design: Create a visually appealing label that grabs attention. Use vibrant colours, interesting fonts, or appealing graphics that reflect your brand’s personality.

  2. Incorporate unique shapes: Instead of sticking to conventional rectangular labels, consider using custom shapes that align with your product or brand. Unusual shapes can make your product stand out on the shelf.

  3. Highlight key information: Identify the most important details about your product and ensure they are prominently displayed on the label. This could include the product name, key features, benefits, or any certifications.

  4. Use high-quality materials: Invest in high-quality label materials that feel premium to touch. Matte or glossy finishes, embossing, or foiling can add a luxurious touch to your product and make it stand out from competitors.

  5. Tell a story: Craft a compelling narrative around your product on the label. Use concise and engaging language to communicate the unique selling points, brand values, or the inspiration behind the product. This storytelling approach can capture consumers’ attention.

  6. Include customer testimonials or endorsements: If your product has received positive feedback or endorsements, feature them on the label. This helps build credibility and trust, as consumers are more likely to try a product recommended by others.

  7. Use clever and catchy taglines: Create catchy and memorable taglines that resonate with your target audience. A clever tagline can pique curiosity and make your product memorable among consumers.

  8. Incorporate interactive elements: Consider adding interactive elements to your label design. This could involve peel-off stickers, scratch-off sections, or hidden messages that encourage customers to engage with the label.

  9. Optimize for readability: Ensure that all text on the label is easy to read, even from a distance. Choose legible fonts and appropriate font sizes to ensure consumers can quickly understand the product’s key information.

  10. Differentiate with a unique feature: Introduce a unique and functional feature to your label that adds value to the customer’s experience. For example, a QR code that leads to additional product information or a recipe suggestion can set your label apart from others.

Remember, it’s important to align your label design with your brand identity and target audience. Tailor your approach to suit your product’s characteristics and the preferences of your intended customers.

An effective product label is more than just a name and logo — it’s a key part of your brand’s identity and one of the first things a potential customer sees. Here are ten proven tips to ensure your label grabs attention and communicates clearly:

1. Be Smart About Colour

Start by considering your packaging. What color is the container? If it’s clear, what’s the color of the product inside? You may want your label colours to complement—not clash with—what’s visible through the packaging. 

2. Use High-Quality Graphics

A well-chosen image can speak volumes. Use a relevant, high-resolution graphic that reflects the product’s purpose and quality. Avoid pixelated or generic stock photos—they can cheapen the perception of your brand.

3. Prioritise Readability

Your label should be easy to read at a glance. Ensure the layout flows naturally from left to right and that the product name and key details are clear. Avoid clutter that distract from essential information.

4. Choose Fonts Wisely

Typography matters. Select fonts that align with your brand’s personality and appeal to your target market. While it’s tempting to go for something unique, make sure it’s still legible—especially at smaller sizes.

5. Match Material with Brand Identity

Label material can subtly reinforce your brand. For example:

  • Clear labels: can show off the product inside.

  • White labels – offer maximum design flexibility.

  • Metallic labels – Add a sleek, premium feel with reflective finishes like gold, silver, or chrome. Often used for luxury products or limited editions.

  • Polypropylene (Polyprop) Labels – Known for their strength and resistance to water, oil, and tearing. A smart choice for products that require durability, such as cosmetics, cleaning supplies, or refrigerated items.

  • Textured Cream Paper – Offers an elegant, handcrafted look. Perfect for artisanal products, wine bottles, or vintage-inspired packaging.

6. Select the Right Finish

The finish of your label sets the tone, from matte or gloss to textured or metallic.

7. Consider Label Size & Layout

For round containers, you can choose:

  • A single wraparound label, which is cost-effective but requires a clear “front panel” for brand visibility.

  • Separate front and back labels, which allow for cleaner design and separation of branding from ingredients, though typically at a higher cost.

8. Play with Shapes

Labels don’t have to be rectangular or circular. Custom shapes can add visual interest and brand distinctiveness. 

9. Keep Flavour Variants Cohesive

If your product comes in multiple flavours or variants, maintain consistent design elements across the range. This ensures brand recognition even as you change color schemes or graphics for each version. A great example is Lipton Ice Tea, which uses different colors for each flavor while keeping the overall look consistent.

10. Don’t Forget Contact Information

Always include a way for customers to reach you. This could be a phone number, website, email, or physical address. Consider adding a QR code or dedicated web page where customers can sign up for newsletters or promotions to build your customer base and encourage brand loyalty.

Final Tip: Work With an Expert

Partnering with an experienced label manufacturer is key to bringing your vision to life. With over 40 years of industry experience, Acorn Print can guide you through the entire process—from design and material selection to final print—to ensure your label is as powerful as your product.