Every business uses paper roll labels in some way. They are easy to use, inexpensive, inform customers, help you stay organized, and support your identity and mission. Do your labels look their best and are you maximizing their usage? Here are 14 categories of label uses to review. Are you maximizing the value of this simple marketing tool?
1) Product Labeling – This one’s pretty obvious. If you have a product you need to mark it with product information and company branding. But, don’t go unprofessional and cheap –labeling is an integral part of the product itself. Yes, they can cover the basics like nutrition information or government warnings, but they also should tell a story, add value and help sell the product and your company.
2) Temporary Lapel Labels – Labels can broadcast to the people around you not only “hello my name is…” but, that you “voted”, gave blood, or support a certain candidate or cause. At rallies, trade shows and special events these are a great way to draw attention to a message and start conversations. To be effective lapel labels need to strike a very personal chord with the wearer (or there needs to be something in it for them)
3) Honor/Pride Labels – For company anniversaries, awards, high ratings, safety records, special occasions… anything your company is proud of and wants to promote, labels make it simple. On products, packaging, envelopes, invoices… add an elegant seal or creative label to showcase your positive achievements.
4) Pricing and Bar Codes – A very traditional use for labels. It’s easy to add short or long term labels on products or inventory to indicate current price or necessary bar code tags.
5) Envelope Seals and Package Enhancing Labels – Labels aren’t limited to sealing and enhancing formal invitations. They can add fun, elegance, important messages, or draw attention to any mailing or package.
6) Kid Giveaway Labels – Kids love stickers. Parents love for their kids to be excited and occupied with stickers. Giving out inexpensive label sheets, or roll labels makes everyone happy and reflects positively on your business. Just make sure to include your name somewhere, make them fun, and make them removable. Parent’s enthusiasm (and attitude about your business) might wane if they are stuck scraping glue residue off car windows or furniture.
7) Equipment and Cord Labels – Although a more durable, waterproof option might sometimes be needed, there are plenty of indoor uses for labeling equipment and chords. Whether to stay organized or claim ownership, you gotta mark your stuff. Most labels can be easily written on with a Sharpie or pen.
8) Media Labels – The easiest way to add or emphasize a message on other mediums like magazines, brochures, catalogs, CD’s, books, etc. is to add a label that stands out. “Signed By Author”, “Free Sticker Inside”, “Exclusive Edition”, “Voted #1 In The World”… you get the idea.
9) Address Labels – Another traditional use for labels is to mark that package or envelope. Yes, it is an easy way to assist the post office by having the address stand out, but more importantly it’s an easy way for you to add a bit of your brand and story to the package.
10) Special Handling Labels – “This Side Up”, “Fragile”, “Keep Refrigerated”, “Don’t Double Stack”… if there is something important that needs communicating to staff, shippers, or customers saying it clearly with a high visibility label is the easiest way.
11) Branding Labels – Besides product labels, additional labels can be used to brand other items used by your business. Shopping bags, gift boxes, cups, salt shakers, toilet paper seals, promotional products, magazines… your logo should be seen everywhere possible and ready to travel with whatever they take with them.
12) Update or Block Out Labels – If information needs updating, correcting or changing on brochures, flyers, sales sheets, catalogs, etc. a simple label may be a more affordable option than a complete reprint.
13) Inter Office Coding and Labeling – “Inspected By”, “Returned”, “Past Due”, “OK To Ship”, “Rejected”, Hot”… whether for inventory, quality control, shipping or just marking files or paperwork, labels can help operations run smoothly and stay organized.
14) Service Stickers – For service based businesses it is imperative that you leave your mark in locations and on equipment that you have contact with. Labels and stickers are the easiest way to leave important contact information, service notes, and your brand identity. Repeat business depends on staying connected.
I hope this list helped generate some ideas for further taking advantage of the value of labels in your daily business endeavors. Stock (pre-printed) label needs can be taken care of by companies such as Seton or EZ-Clickprint. Some small quantity custom needs can be printed yourself in-house or at a small run digital printer. For higher quantities, we here at Websticker have helped thousands of businesses design, print and help manage their labeling needs.
