Custom Packaging 101 for Startups

Using custom labels on products, giveaways, and mail is a great way to differentiate your company and build awareness of your brand.

While large companies may have the bandwidth to hire designers and a dedicated team of creative personnel, many startups struggle with the process. Among the decisions that can overwhelm the process – the design for the product, the size and layout of custom labels, and the technology required to make the label a reality.

Our custom label experts can help provide a solution for you at an affordable price, here are the basics of creating custom labels to help get you started:

Custom Packaging for Startups Basic Tips:

• Do some research and get the software you need. Using a design program will give you the tools you need for versatility and to create high-quality labels. We typically use the Adobe Creative Suite, but there are other options out there as well.

• If you are placing your custom label on a product, measure the package. This may seem obvious but it is a common mistake for inexperienced teams who think a standard label will look good on any package or container. Also, this should be done even before you start designing your label because the size may influence images, font size, and formatting.

• Design in CMYK – the standard process for label printing. Do not confuse this with RGB, which is typically used for web/video applications.

• When working in the design program, use the ruler/grid function to make sure your artwork is lined up properly. This takes the guesswork out of the process.

• If you plan to include images on your custom label, use high-resolution images of at least 300 dpi (dots per inch) in order to keep the image sharp when printed.

• Make the logo a prominent part of your label. It will be a core part of your brand for years to come. Do not crowd the logo with text or images. Instead, place it at the top or center of the custom label where customers are most likely to recognize it instantly.

• Depending on your industry, there may be state or federal regulations. For example, food labels are typically regulated by the FDA and require a nutrition table in most instances.

 

Print out your labels on high-quality materials like the ones we offer. You can contact our friendly customer service team if you would like to know more about working with us to create the perfect custom labels for your product.