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.