Whether you’re a home brewer or a full-scale brewery, well-designed labels elevate your bottles and cans into captivating centerpieces. From a dazzling illustration to an evocative font, your beer label can convey your brand’s signature flavor and story to potential consumers.

First things first, make sure the essentials are shown—brand name, beer type and alcohol content. Choose a font size that’s large enough to be readable at a distance, and a color that contrasts with the background. Remember to keep graphics simple and clean, as too many visual elements can detract from the clarity of your text.

The next step is to decide what shape and size you want your create custom beer cap labels to be. There are standard rectangle and square labels, which work with a wide range of bottle and can shapes. Or, you can opt for a wraparound label that covers the entire body of the bottle or can. These labels are ideal for creative branding, and can feature multiple layers to display more information. There are also die-cut labels, which offer more creative freedom and can be uniquely shaped to match the contours of your beer container.

Once you’ve decided on the size and shape of your labels, you’ll need to determine how you’ll attach them to your containers. You can glue them by hand, which can be time-consuming and tedious if you have a lot of bottles, or use a label applicator for faster production. If you’re using a bottle with a neck, it’s important to factor in a label for the top of the neck as well.

Another consideration is what finish you want on your labels. Matte finishes can be subdued and classic, while glossy can add a pop of color to your design. If you’re planning to print your labels in-house, you can also opt for a laminated finish, which is durable and water-resistant.

You’ll also need to decide how you’re going to address the issue of reprinting your labels. Depending on the size of your batch, you may be able to simply reprint the existing labels and change the details, or you can choose to print all new labels. Either way, you’ll need to think about the amount of stock you have on hand and how much it will cost you to reprint.

In addition to making your beer stand out on store shelves, unique labels help consumers recall your beer and facilitate repeat purchases. While word-of-mouth and contests are great promotional tactics, your label’s branding is the primary way people will initially perceive your product. The right colors can create an instant connection and make a lasting impression. Bright, vibrant hues are especially eye-catching and can instantly catch the attention of potential customers. So go ahead and break out the Pantone book and experiment with different shades that will complement your beer.