According to Statista, Marketing can be incredibly competitive, complicated and intense. In 2019 alone, U.S. businesses spent $21.23 billion on marketing.
Small to medium businesses and startups usually do not have this budget available to skyrocket their marketing efforts. Do not worry, we are here to introduce you to the ultimate marketing superpower: custom stickers.
But why stickers?
Yes, you read that right. And we do not mean the stickers you can send on messengers like WhatsApp. No, we are talking about the real deal. Stickers are a true marketing powerhouse – they can be used for custom packaging, labeling, and especially marketing campaigns with a goal to leave a lasting impression on your customers. Those little adhesive-backed paper or vinyl stickers are very low-cost, yet leave a lasting impression.
This should not be a secret at all. Archaeologists found evidence of stickers, printed on papyrus and stuck to the wall using animal-based “glue” in Ancient Egypt. They were used to display pricing information – an Ancient marketing tool!
Today, your marketing efforts can be measured with KPIs and spreadsheets, but marketing is truly a battle fought in the mind of potential customers. It is all about securing that position in their mind that creates positive associations with your brand. Stickers allow you to reach that spot through constant repetition and exposure.
The power of stickers
Stickers are perfect for forging those positive associations. Add them to all orders or purchases, hand them out at exhibitions or host giveaways on social media.
Given in the right moment, stickers will not be perceived as advertising. Instead, a free sticker will be seen as a gift. This plays with social psychology’s rule of reciprocity. The receiver feels the subconscious need to return the favour which can take the shape of a recommendation, a purchase or even a post on social media.
Through this, your customers are also much more likely to actually use your sticker. Imagine the power of your logo on the back of a loyal customer’s laptop who is simultaneously singing your praises.
Still not convinced?
If you are still not sure whether stickers are right for you, let us give you a little example.
A company you might be very familiar with, which managed to increase their sales and become the #1 trending topic on social media using stickers.
Coca Cola. Do you remember their ‘Share a Coke with’ campaign? They released labels with names on, encouraging customers to find their or their friends and family’s name on bottles and share them on social media using the hashtag #ShareACoke. Super simple, yet incredibly powerful.
How to use stickers
Even if you do not sell beverages, there are many ways for you to tap into the power of sticker marketing.
We have already mentioned free sticker giveaways to make your customers smile and forge positive associations with your business. Since stickers are so low-cost, they offer a great way for you to brand your products and packaging at a low price. You can bulk buy unbranded cardboard boxes or jars and then apply your logo yourself. The below image shows how amazing a transparent sticker can look, letting the colours of your packaging shine through.
If your packaging is compostable, make sure to pick a similar label. Many printing companies offer a great variety of materials for you to choose from.
Let your creativity run free. Especially in times of Covid-19, where stickers and floor graphics have become part of many shops, get a little creative and make them a great interaction with your brand.
Get started with sticker marketing
We hope you enjoyed the little journey into the world of sticker marketing. Maybe we inspired you to give stickers a try? Reach out to your local sticker printing business and get started! Should you have any questions or would like to share your ideas, please get in contact.
Holly brings a wealth of experience in both print and digital publishing. As Modern Retail’s Content Editor, Holly is passionate about helping independent retailers to thrive in today’s ever-changing market.
