How to brand a product

Whether it’s your first ever product launch or the latest addition to a successful line, each one needs a branding approach that expresses what it does and who it’s for.

For those of us in the business of making physical things, branding isn’t just a digital concept—it’s something your customers can touch, hold, and (hopefully) show off.

Follow these four steps to build a cohesive brand identity for your products.

Choose a great name

Names matter, and it’s tricky to change them after they’ve been assigned, so make sure you evaluate a few options and don’t rush into choosing a name for your product. If you have a front-runner, sit with it for a few days. Does it still feel right over your morning coffee?

Choosing a product name isn’t so different from choosing a great brand name. It needs to be easy to write, pronounce and remember, and it should be unique.  

Link it into your wider product range

If your brand is a family, the products are the members. Each item needs a defined identity that stands out from the rest of the range. If your new product is an evolution of an existing one, for example, a travel-sized version or a similar design that uses different materials, make the relationship clear by linking the brands together. It could be a variation on the name, a re-work of an existing logo or simply a clear explanation in your marketing.

Not only does this help customers choose between your products more easily, it also helps you borrow a bit of brand kudos from a successful existing product – the famous halo effect.

Stand out from the competition

To give your product an edge, you need to know what you’re up against. Look at the rival products in your space. How do they measure up on price, quality, and—most importantly—style?

Don’t forget the “invisible” parts of your brand. Maybe your shipping is lightning-fast, or your customer service feels like a chat with a friend. These are your Unique Selling Points (USPs). The areas where you outshine the rest are exactly what you should showcase in your branding. Give them a reason to choose you.

Packaging design: Stickers, Labels, and unboxing experiences

In the age of the unboxing video, your packaging is your hardest-working advertisement. Great branding creates a “wow” moment before the customer even sees the product. It’s the difference between “I got a package” and “I received a gift.”

You don’t need a boutique budget to create a premium feel. For small businesses, the personal touch is often the secret sauce:

• Product Labels: Give your jars, bottles, or boxes a professional, “shelf-ready” finish that screams quality.
• Branded Stickers: A well-placed Sticker can turn humble tissue paper into a high-end experience.
• Hang Tags: Use MiniCards as premium swing-tags to share your social handles, care instructions, or a simple “thank you.”

Design Tip: Ready to show off your hard work? Capture your product’s best angles with our guide to Professional Product Photography.

Ready to bring your brand to life?

A great product deserves a great introduction. Whether you’re looking for Business Cards that make a statement, Postcards for your thank-you notes, or Stickers and Labels that make your packaging pop, we’ve got the premium materials you need to stay unforgettable.

You can also browse MOO Business Services for expert advice. Just fill in this simple form, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.