If you’ve already measured your container before designing your label, you’re ahead of many business owners. But measurements are only the beginning.
Over the years, I’ve worked with thousands of product-based businesses, and I continue to see the same mistakes over and over again. The good news? Every one of these mistakes is avoidable.
Here are five of the biggest label mistakes I see and how you can avoid them.
1. Designing Before Choosing Your Container
This is the number one mistake.
Your container determines your label size, not your design.
Changing bottles or jars after your label has already been designed often means starting over. Even a small difference in shape can completely change how your label fits.
Always choose your container first, measure it, and then begin designing.
2. Using Fonts That Are Too Small
Just because information fits doesn’t mean people can read it.
Tiny ingredient lists, warnings, and directions make your label look unprofessional and can frustrate customers.
As a general rule, I recommend keeping body text readable and avoiding cramming unnecessary information onto a small label.
If you find yourself shrinking everything to fit, your label probably needs a different layout or a larger label.
3. Designing in RGB Instead of CMYK
One of the biggest surprises for new business owners is realizing that colors on a computer screen don’t always print the same.
Designing in RGB can lead to colors that appear dull or different once printed.
Whenever possible, design in CMYK if your final product will be professionally printed.
Your future self will thank you.
4. Forgetting Bleed and Safe Margins
Printing isn’t always cut exactly on the edge of your artwork.
Without proper bleed and safe margins, important text or graphics can be trimmed off.
Always leave breathing room around your design and avoid placing important information too close to the edges.
5. Focusing Only on Looks
A beautiful label gets attention.
A functional label builds trust.
Your label should do more than look good, it should communicate.
Ask yourself:
- Can customers quickly identify the product?
- Is the product name easy to read?
- Are directions clear?
- Are warnings easy to find?
- Does the design match your brand?
Good design isn’t just attractive, it’s effective.
Finals Thoughts
A professional label isn’t created by accident.
It’s created by making smart decisions before you ever hit “Print.”
Take your time.
Measure first.
Choose the right container.
Use readable fonts.
Design with printing in mind.
And remember, your label is often the first impression customers have of your brand. Make it count.
If you’re unsure whether your label is ready for print, Product Label Queen can help you review your design before you invest in hundreds or even thousands of labels.
Crissy Johnson
Product Label Queen
