Make sure your label works as good as it looks
When it comes to product packaging, your label is more than just a sticker—it’s your brand’s first impression. It’s the first thing someone notices when they walk past your product on a shelf. And when they search for you online, it’s usually the first visual that pops up too. When you make design mistakes on your labels, it could be detrimental to your brand and business.
A good label doesn’t just look good—it tells your story, communicates key info, and holds up in real-world conditions. But here’s the thing: small design mistakes can lead to big problems, from poor shelf appeal to product recalls.
We’ve seen it all at Libra Labels, and we’re here to help you avoid the most common pitfalls. Let’s break down 5 label design mistakes you definitely want to steer clear of—and how to get it right the first time.
Ignoring the Label’s End Use
Not all labels live the same life. Some sit pretty on a dry shelf. Others face moisture, friction, cold storage, or chemicals. So if you’re designing a label without thinking about where and how it’s going to be used—you’re already asking for trouble.
A beautiful label that peels off in the fridge or smudges during transport? Not a good look.
Label Tip:
Work with a label supplier who understands the science behind materials. At Libra Labels, we help you choose the right face stock, adhesive, and finish for the conditions your product faces—so it looks great and performs.
Cramming in Too Much Info
We get it—you’ve got a lot to say. Ingredients, certifications, taglines, instructions, barcodes… the list goes on. But when you try to fit it all in, your label ends up cluttered and hard to read.
The best labels are clear, clean, and balanced. Think about visual hierarchy—what needs to pop out first? What can be secondary?
Label Tip:
Less is more. Focus on what your customer needs to see in the first three seconds. A minimalist approach not only makes your label easier to read—it also makes your product look more premium and trustworthy.
Poor Font Choices and Hard-to-Read Text
If your text is too small, too fancy, or doesn’t stand out from the background, you’re making life harder for your customer (and yourself). Legibility is especially important in food, pharma, and cosmetics—where clarity is everything.
Label Tip:
Stick to clean, simple fonts. Check contrast. And always test your label on the actual material it’ll be printed on. White text on clear or light backgrounds? It rarely works the way you hope.
Designing Without Print in Mind
Your label might look amazing on screen—but if it doesn’t translate well to print, you’ve got a problem. Some colours don’t pop the same on certain materials. Gradients and fine lines can get lost. And not every finish behaves the same across substrates.
Label Tip:
Collaborate with your label supplier early in the process. At Libra Labels, we’ll walk you through your material and print options, provide proofs, and make sure your final product looks as good on the shelf as it does in your mock-up.
Skipping Compliance Checks
This one’s a biggie. Different industries have different labelling requirements. Miss a barcode, allergen warning, or batch number, and you could be facing legal trouble—or worse, a product recall.
Label Tip:
Double-check your industry’s labelling regulations before going to print. Need help? Libra Labels keeps up to date with compliance standards across food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and more, so your labels always tick the right boxes.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget About Application
You’ve nailed the design—but does it work on your production line? Irregular shapes, tricky die-cuts, or labels that don’t line up properly can slow things down and waste product.
Label Tip:
Let us know how your labels will be applied—manually or via machine—and we’ll help you design something that looks good and works seamlessly with your process.
The Takeaway
Your label is more than decoration—it’s a key part of your product’s success. Avoiding these five common design mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration while helping your product shine on the shelf.
At Libra Labels, we go beyond printing. We partner with you to create high-performance, eye-catching labels that suit your product, your brand, and your industry.
Need help with your next label project?
Let our experts guide you through it. Contact us for a consultation or request a custom sample pack made just for your needs