Should You Be Labeling Product Reviews?

Label & Narrow Web posted the article, “Use labels to showcase customer reviews” in their July/August issue. It proposes that brands provide customers with product reviews right there on the packaging. This could even be done by using QR codes that link to Google or Facebook reviews. But is it worth the valuable space?

A Case For Labeling Product Reviews

The above grocery aisle view can be overwhelming for customers. That’s exactly why we wrote the blog “10 Things Your Competitors Can Teach You About Labeling” in the first place. It’s difficult to stand out and leave a good first impression. Reviews allow customers to see how satisfied others are with the product. It confirms that you offer them a quality item by using unbiased views.

You have options for how these reviews could be incorporated. While incorporating basic text, or even a QR code that links to reviews, NFC labeling keeps reviews off of your label design. This technology allows customers to link to your reviews by holding up their phones to the label. It does not need any graphic or text to be printed on the label, letting your design shine.

A Case Against Labeling Product Reviews

As mentioned, you limited labeling space is valuable. Not only that but regulatory and mandatory information crowding your label, things can get crowded fast. With minimalism still being a hot trend in packaging, why add another element?

NFC is a great option, but you also need to guarantee your reviews are always going to be good, or that your customer service team will professionally handle negative reviews. As mentioned in the Label & Narrow Web article, negative reviews can turn into positive experiences when handled correctly. But say your company has the misfortune of a recall. Suddenly new and negative reviews will be pouring in while the linked labels on other products are connecting people to unfortunate feedback.

What do you think?

Are you interested in learning more about what Great Lakes Label offers, or how to incorporate these techniques into your label design? Get a quote and start your new labeling design today!

Jackie Jorgenson

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4 days ago by Jackie Jorgenson

Removable Labels

For many products, labels need to be durable with a strong adhesive that lasts. If your product gets wet, frozen, hot or dirty, removable labels are likely not ideal. For some products such as wipes, the label’s removability is crucial to using the product. It needs to easily peel off so the customer accesses their item.

So it becomes surprising when you can’t peel the label off! Maybe you’ve seen images like these removable labels sticking to nonstick pans…

Removable label stuck to a non-stick pan — Image courtesy of College Humor http://www.collegehumor.com/post/6750156/sticker-sticks-to-non-stick-pan

Removable label stuck to non-stick pan — Image courtesy of Reddit User Isal76 https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/3dxtvi/the_label_on_this_non_stick_pan/

It’s ironic, embarrassing, and noteworthy when a removable label on a nonstick surface can’t be removed because it’s stuck.

Use Deadeners on Removable Labels

Diamond Wipes' Naked Princess resealable and removable label used as a cosmetic wipes flap — Diamond Wipes’ Naked Princess – Removable & Resealable Label With Deadener Tab

Let’s kick it up a notch. To provide the best customer service, it’s important for your label to easily pull up. A deadener is an area of the label that does not have adhesive applied to it. In the above image, the deadener is the tab on the right side of the label. It allows customers to effectively pull up and open the package.

Customers don’t want to struggle pulling off a label or getting their fingers under it for grip. A deadener creates an easy pull tab and makes the product more inclusive. When customers are looking for smart packaging that takes their experience to the next level, they also are looking for it to work. A wipe with NFC technology that links them to makeup tutorials is still useless if they can’t even open it.

Interested in learning more about how our labeling solutions can increase sales? Contact us today for more information on the services we offer.

Jackie Jorgenson

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1 week ago by Jackie Jorgenson

All About Product Photography

High quality and well-executed product photography is important for label design. Like high quality flexographic or digital printing, photography impacts the look of the final product. Before we dive in, remember, and make a note, that 300dpi (or dots per inch) is standard. Great Lakes Label will need images that have 300dpi no matter what.

While smartphone cameras have improved, investing in professional equipment is important. With smartphones, low light situations, as well as many other factors, impact the quality of the image. With a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera, the photographer has more control over settings. This assists with taking high-quality photos in any environment.

Which image would you rather use on your label?

This, at 300dpi?

Or this image at 72dpi?

Now let’s look at how to get high-quality images.

Product Photography: How To Market Products With Photos [19 Pro Tips]

This guide offers definitions of photography terminology, shows you how to figure out what camera, and so much more. It even explains how to handle editing your pictures once they’re taken. Check out the link above and use it as a reference along your photographic journey in labeling.

Canon USA Imaging on Twitter

Start to understand the basics of #photography & how you can change the aperture when getting that perfect shot! https://t.co/QQXkfoIA93

Canon Aperture Lesson

Canon has a wide selection of video lessons teaching you everything you need to know about DSLR camera settings. If you are taking your own product photography, these tips are essential to creating professional grade images. If you buy a Canon camera, lessons that use your camera will make it easier to apply your new knowledge. Nikon, Sony, and FujiFilm also have YouTube channels with educational videos to get you started with your equipment.

Are you interested in learning more about how our labeling solutions can increase sales? Contact us today for more information on the services we offer.

Jackie Jorgenson

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2 weeks ago by Jackie Jorgenson

The History of RFID Technology (INFOGRAPHIC)

RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, technology is developing across all industries. We’ve previously looked at how labeling technology is revolutionizing customer engagement in packaging. This technology is allowing brands to enhance the product to the point that the label becomes as important as the product itself. In this blog, see how this technology came to be and learn more about other labeling technologies.

Mentioned in The RFID Technology Timeline Infographic:

1980’s: Europe and the United States apply RFID to transportation systems, animal tracking & business applications.

1990’s: Standards begin to emerge.

2000’s: Costs and size of technology shrinks.

Today: Retail embraces RFID technology. As long range use improves, ease of use increases as well.

NFC (Near Field Communication)

NFC labels are labels rooted in RFID technology and can communicate with devices, including smartphones, that are within 1.6 inches. Download the free app, Easy NFC Writer to simply and effectively program NFC labels.

NFC labels are more commonly used with smart packaging techniques. The interaction between the label and the smartphone allows customers to connect easily to the brand’s social media pages, website or app. When a product works in conjunction with an app, or video tutorial, this technology makes it easy for customers to access it.

UHF (Ultra High Frequency)

UHF labels, also known as passive RFID labels, are made up of RFID UHF inlay and a barcode label. It is then printed and encoded by UHF printers.

Contact us to learn more about how RFID technology can be applied to your label.

Jackie Jorgenson

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2 weeks ago by Jackie Jorgenson

Get Inspired: A Personal Touch in Label Design

Customers are looking for packaging that offers them something more than your competitors. When they get to the grocery store aisle, they want to make a personal connection with brands they buy from. Create labels with a personal touch to drive consumer engagement and brand loyalty.

DOT Skin Care Personal Touch Labels Designed By Jane Jun

Inclusive packaging is important. Create label or variations of your packaging to show customers that you consider their needs. This braille label for the DOT skincare line is the perfect example of this. The label design makes it easier for blind and visually impaired customers to use their product. Its design also allows those with sight to understand and use the various stages of the routine as well. Numbered in print and in braille, it simplifies the cleanse for everyone.

Don Pablo Label Art Designed By Paweł Jaczewski

These labels add a personal touch by means of a hand drawn pattern. The aesthetic gives the impression that this product line was carefully created with care by people. This approach is especially ideal for organic products and small businesses. It subtly enforces the idea that machines were not used in producing the item. That there are real people working behind the brand.

Aleing Authors Beer Labels Designed By Steph Sabo

By creating a story with your packaging, customers feel more connected to the brand. Aleing Authors offers drinkers the chance to learn more about the works of these famous 19th and 20th-century authors. It also incorporates humor by using their personalities in the name of each flavor.

Interested in learning more about how our labeling solutions can increase sales? Contact us today for more information on the services we offer.

Jackie Jorgenson

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3 weeks ago by Jackie Jorgenson

What Labels Look Like Without Techniques

Labeling innovations are crucial in appealing to customers’ senses or in building a luxury packaging look. It’s one thing to compare various labels without techniques to other labels that have them, but we’re going a step further. With the use of digital editing, we’re showing you how the same product looks with and without labeling techniques.

Gaby Label With and Without Techniques

This wine label prominently features gold labeling throughout the label design. The foiling allows the version on the right to stand out and catch the light as customers walk by the bottle. On the left, the muted colors work well together, but it doesn’t pop. While the picture doesn’t effectively show the embossed border of gold details, this is a crucial technique in creating a luxury aesthetic once the customer has the product in their hands.

THYK Label With and Without Techniques

On the right, the THYK label features motion coat on the background and foiling on the titles. On the left, the product is left looking flat, dark and bland. In fact, the blank space on the left seems so much larger without the labeling technique. If showcasing your product as a high-quality beauty item, the label on the right communicates that branding while the one of the left does not.

Peony Label With and Without Techniques

Much like the wine label, without using MiraFoil, the design falls flat. Sure, the dark black ink counters the vibrant pink and orange, but the shimmer customers would see walking through the isle would be much more likely to make them pick the item up. The title, “Peony,” also looks lackluster in comparison to the version on the right-hand side.

Are you interested in learning more about how we can bring your wildest label design concepts to life? Contact us today for more information.

Jackie Jorgenson

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3 weeks ago by Jackie Jorgenson

Get Inspired: Dessert Packaging

If there’s one thing better than dessert packaging, it’s dessert itself. Get inspired by how these packaging concepts create engaging labels. While you’re at it, grab something to snack on too.

Provo Bakery Labels Designed by Elyse Taylor

This line of bakery packaging is based on Provo Bakery located in Provo, Utah. While the look is minimalistic, the message and the branding is clear. This creates a coherent line that is easily identifiable. Foiling the gold on the chevron background would be an excellent way to take the packaging to a luxury level. The tamper proof labels are an excellent idea for the industry as well.

Ouma Biscuit Labels Designed by Rebecca Berrington

Based on rusks, or dried African cookies, these biscuits aim to bridge the gap between store bought and handmade. The concept is that the cookies taste just like your grandmother’s. Except, the labels take a modern take on a classic tin can look. The vibrant color schemes seemingly play into the African influence. While the overall outline of the design remains the same, the varied patterns make each flavor easily identifiable.

Noshi Ice Cream Dessert Packaging Designed By Paul Hatch — Noshi Packaging By Paul Hatch

Noshi Ice Cream Dessert Packaging By Paul Hatch

At first glance, this packaging is sweet and magnetic. Upon a closer look, you may notice that the flavor of this ice cream is jellyfish. With this concept, designer Paul Hatch shows us a brilliant way to make intimidating products approachable.

On top of that, the color scheme is bold and the use of space is expertly throughout. The bubble letters and round cartoon character emphasize the cute and friendly nature of the packaging and/or product itself.

Are you interested in learning more about how our labeling solutions can increase sales? Contact us today for more information on the services we offer.

Jackie Jorgenson

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4 weeks ago by Jackie Jorgenson

Use Sustainable, Recycled Label Stock

Recycled label stock is a sustainable option for businesses focussing on developing environmentally friendly packaging. This particular stock is a thick white wine stock that works well for bold colors schemes. While choosing the green paper label stock, you also pick a high quality and durable label that looks good.

As you can see, the paper works well for details such as small text and images. Take a look at the below image for a closer look at how these vibrant colors appear on the paper stock. This stock offers everything you would expect from other stocks you use.

So, why wait? Try our recycled label stock today!

Are you interested in learning more about what Great Lakes Label offers, or how to incorporate these techniques into your label design? Get a quote and start your new labeling design today!

Jackie Jorgenson

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4 weeks ago by Jackie Jorgenson

Get Inspired: Plant Motifs on Labels

Plant motifs are a common thread in food and drink packaging. Take a look at how these design concepts use flexographic and digital label printing to their advantage and create something unique.

Village olive oil labels with plant motifs Designed by Luís Oliveira — Village Designed by Luís Oliveira

Village Olive Oil With Plant Motifs Designed by Luís Oliveira

Oliveira opted to focus on the organic side of the product by incorporating plant and vegetable motifs front and center. The colors of the labels match those used in the graphics and it creates a clear difference between the various flavors. The craft paper look also offers a luxury look for the product. Incorporating foiling on the tamper proof label, or embossing on the brand logo would further emphasize the aesthetic.

Ecouine Wine Packaging Designed by Thomas Perrson

Designer Thimas Perrson used haute couture as inspiration for this packaging concept. As you can see, the large gold flowers, vibrant red waves of color and ancient East Asian art influence mimic haute couture trends of the runway. Enhance the luxury look of the product by foiling the flowers on the label and the box. This creates a cohesive look between the two packaging components as well.

Numi Tea Packaging Concept Designed By Carl Bisenius

Unlike the other designs, this Numi tea packaging concept uses vine-like graphics all over the package in order to create a general sense of a plant motif. While the other concepts we looked at focussed heavily on one major graphic, this design incorporates the design throughout. Create tea bags using adhesive on the outer edge of the stock before folding it up. This strategy allows for embossing over the logo and incorporating other labeling techniques.

Are you interested in learning more about what Great Lakes Label offers? Get a quote and start your new labeling design today!

Jackie Jorgenson

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1 month ago by Jackie Jorgenson

Visit Us at Cultivate Booth 1861!

Great Lakes Label and our labeling system brand, Label Gator, will be at American Hort’s Cultivate at booth 1861! On top of highlighting a few labeling systems and innovative labeling techniques, we will be focussing on RFID technology. We’ll also be there to show growers how labeling locking tags using the Tag Labeling System offered by Label Gator can save money, reduce labor and save time. Stop by to discuss all things labeling, or stop by to see (or pet) our other gator.

Cultivate ’17: An American Hort Experience
Greater Columbus Convention Center Booth #1861
July 15-18, 2017

Are you interested in learning more about how our labeling solutions can increase sales? Contact us today for more information on the services we offer.

Jackie Jorgenson

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Blog

A Case For Labeling Product Reviews

A Case Against Labeling Product Reviews

What do you think?

So it becomes surprising when you can’t peel the label off! Maybe you’ve seen images like these removable labels sticking to nonstick pans…

Use Deadeners on Removable Labels

Now let’s look at how to get high-quality images.

Canon Aperture Lesson

Mentioned in The RFID Technology Timeline Infographic:

NFC (Near Field Communication)

UHF (Ultra High Frequency)

DOT Skin Care Personal Touch Labels Designed By Jane Jun

Don Pablo Label Art Designed By Paweł Jaczewski

Aleing Authors Beer Labels Designed By Steph Sabo

Gaby Label With and Without Techniques

THYK Label With and Without Techniques

Peony Label With and Without Techniques

Provo Bakery Labels Designed by Elyse Taylor

Ouma Biscuit Labels Designed by Rebecca Berrington

Noshi Ice Cream Dessert Packaging By Paul Hatch

So, why wait? Try our recycled label stock today!

Village Olive Oil With Plant Motifs Designed by Luís Oliveira

Ecouine Wine Packaging Designed by Thomas Perrson

Numi Tea Packaging Concept Designed By Carl Bisenius

Cultivate ’17: An American Hort Experience Greater Columbus Convention Center Booth #1861 July 15-18, 2017

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Cultivate ’17: An American Hort Experience
Greater Columbus Convention Center Booth #1861
July 15-18, 2017