Happy Fifth Anniversary Fletcher Freelance!

I'm so excited for September. Although I'm a "summer baby" and don't look forward to fall, there's so much to be grateful for right now. September means back to school and back to "business as usual" for most of us. What really has me excited about September? The fifth anniversary of Fletcher Freelance

How Fletcher Freelance Got Started

September 7, 2007 - FIVE years ago, I started Fletcher Freelance. I began selling articles I'd written to various publishers. Having a good grasp on writing SEO content for the web, I started to dabble in internet marketing and web design. I have read dozens of books on business and marketing and learned so much from working with really great clients. Thanks to all of you!

The last couple of years I've enjoyed doing more trainings and workshops. I'm passionate about what I do and enjoy sharing my experience with others. Since 2007 I've worked with 80 different companies and spoken to 15 different organizations (several of which on more than one occasion). In the last five years I've written hundreds (if not a thousand) pages of content, managed dozens of social media accounts and websites, designed quite a few ads, attended countless networking and training events, and written 25 marketing plans. Phew!

In the next five years I look forward to seeing where sales and marketing trends take us. I'm poised and ready for eCommerce and  mobile marketing, responsive web design, new social media networks, alternative marketing, taking advantage of dual screen habits, understanding shorter attention spans and overcoming ways in which consumers block out and avoid marketing communications. I look forward to continuing to grow and build professional relationships locally, nationwide, and even internationally. I'm also working towards getting my "Certified Presenter" certificate from Constant Contact. And I plan to offer classes through NWTC starting in January, 2013. (Upcoming classes.) 

*This article is an abridged version of my September newsletter. Sign up for my newsletter by entering your email address in the box to the right.

Stickers as Marketing Part II

Here’s part one, in case you missed it. We covered the “why they work” and “when to use them” plus a few tips; now let’s take things a step further. Let’s touch on the design process and highlight additional ways stickers can be used to promote your business. 

Cellcom sticker, doubles as a screen cleaner

Cross Marketing

Stickers can be used for cross marketing or friendship marketing. Let’s say a web designer is handing out stickers at an expo. Perhaps the backside could reference my website as a content writer for their new site. In exchange I could pay for the promotion or trade by linking to them from my next newsletter.

Beyond Redline, sticker decal on car windshield

Design

Stickers, as we discussed previously, are not simple swag or items to stock the office supply closet. Stickers need to align with your overall marketing strategy and brand image. Promotional sticker designs need to be approved by sales and marketing personnel.

Meriwether, band sticker

First, a company will need to decide if they’re going to do the design in-house, work with a freelancer, or hire an ad agency. Yes, you could work directly with the company you’re purchasing from, if they have designers. But remember, their primary objective is to sell product, not necessarily considering your marketing objectives.

When choosing a company to create and print your stickers, ask them what they suggest to make your sticker a marketing medium. Ask if they have designers, copywriters, and will suggest cost-saving tips. Ask for samples. Ask about guarantees. Inquire about order sizes that will meet your needs. You’ll want to check on materials and ink quality. Find out what sizes and shapes are considered stock and which are special order. Find out if you will be charged extra for copy/design changes, shipping, die changes, etc.

 

Distribution

Now that you have them; give them away! Include in mailings; give them out with your business cards. Ask friends and employees to display the stickers and hand them out.

 

Alternatives

In addition to traditional stickers consider plastic or foil stickers. Plastic is highly durable. Foil is very eye-catching. Window clings or removable stickers are great for glass, windows, doors, and many other applications. Temporary tattoos can be fun, too.

Show me your stickers! I want to know what stickers you’ve held on to. Do you have them on your car? In the garage? Your closet? Laptop? Please share in the comments below.

Stickers as Marketing Tools

From T-Shirt Company, Ex-Boyfriend

With a recent T-shirt order I received a cute sticker. At a concert the opening band had stickers. At a recent customer appreciation day my three-year-old had a temporary tattoo applied to his forearm. Stickers are more than just decorative decals. They advertise, build identity, and influence your potential clients. All of which increase sales.

Temporary Tattoo from Cell Provider, Cellcom

Why Stickers Work

To understand how stickers work, remove any preconceptions you have about “stickers.” They aren’t just for kids. Consider these little decals as potentially powerful advertising medium. Remarkably a sticker is viewed as a “product” though they cost pennies. The investment is possibly the same or less than your business cards, but stickers aren’t thrown away as such. 

Sticker on Pair of Jeans, Hydraulic

When to Use Stickers

Stickers are great little giveaways for trade shows and events. When you think about the application of the sticker, your product sees more potential. Would someone put it on their car, notebook, window, lunchbox, equipment, workspace, or helmet (a highly visible location)? Although somewhat generic, you could start with your name or logo for a promotional sticker. But consider these tips for decals that really “stick.”

Tag on a Shirt, Self-Esteem

Tips for Sticker Marketing

Your sticker should be perceived as having value. If it is “cool” it will be kept. Don’t forget the back! Utilize the back side of the sticker sheet. Here is a place to deliver information without cluttering up you’re a-“peeling” image (pun possibly intended). Consider a special offer, call to action, and contact info. Your sticker could also be a survey, entry form, or the tag on your product. The sticker could be dual purpose; if there is a cause you’re committed to consider showcasing “your logo” supports “cause/charity.” 

Band Sticker, Stellar Revival

Back

 

A sticker must have a strong design (color, size, shape, imagery) and concise copy (catchy headlines, slogans). It should be eye catching up close and from a reasonable distance (considering application). If size is well thought-out the sticker’s back copy can be changed to suit multiple purposes. Keep the sticker design simple and aligned with your overall brand image.

A vinyl die cut with black or white background is usually best. Consider leaving the back blank and having printed for multiple uses by a local printshop. (This is easiest on a square cut.)

Have you used stickers in your marketing? What stickers do you keep? Where do you put them? Please share in the comments.