Marketing and Custom Sticker Blog

Business Logo Stickers - 5 Design Tips

2012-01-25T16:05:00.000-08:00

A good promotional sticker for your business or company starts with a good logo. But, having a good logo does not guarantee a strong, identity building promo sticker. There are many factors to consider when transferring your logo to a custom sticker product that best represents and advertises your business or organization. Here are 5 things our designers at Websticker.com consider when preparing logos for custom stickers, decals and labels.

Custom logo, die cut business card sticker

1. Where will the completed logo stickers ideally be applied and how long do they need to stay there? Is the logo for application to a particular product? Cars? Laptops? Shipping boxes? Cell phones? Walls? Gas Pumps? Clothing? Is sticker for a temporary promotion or a long term outdoor labeling and signage?

The answer to this question will help determine the best material, print method and size of the completed logo sticker.

2. How will the logo sticker be distributed? Will the sticker be handed out at trade shows? Sold in stores? Hung as a hangtag on products? Mailed in an envelope with other materials? Or, already be applied to bags, boxes, or products when people receive them?

The answer to this question will help determine size, style and if any added features such as hole punching, shrink wrapping, face slitting, etc. are needed.

3. What other information is needed on the sticker besides the logo? Will the logo stand alone on the sticker or will there also be a URL, slogan or other info? Will there be a coupon, ad or information on the back of the sticker? Will there be multiple stickers grouped on one sheet?

The answers here will again help determine optimal size, shape and style of the sticker and if a special die is needed?

4. Based on the specific logo and answers to above questions, what is the best size, shape and printing method for the sticker? Does the logo fit well in a Websticker stock size/shape? Would the logo sticker work better with or require a custom die cut? Does the logo work on white vinyl or would a clear polyester, brushed chrome, paper or other material be better? Depending on the number of colors and required outdoor lifespan, should the stickers be printed digitally, screen, offset, or flexographically printed?

Answers to these questions will determine the ideal product at the best possible price for specific client needs on each sticker project.

5. What can we adjust or change graphically to improve the overall power and look of the sticker design? Would adding a border help frame the logo? Would changing the color scheme or reversing out logo on solid colored background have more impact? Would using a different material or background colors add perceived value? Is design cluttered? Is everything legible and the most important elements "pop"?

Answering these questions and exploring alternative design/layout options will ensure the final printed sticker meets all needs and is the best identity building marketing tool possible.

At Websticker.com we work closely with clients to answer questions, fine tune designs and review options. We specialize in outdoor quality, identity building logo stickers – your stickers should build awareness, strengthen connections, and encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Our slogan summarizes our mission and hopefully reflects our much deeper desire to personally help each client stand out in the crowd, so remember... Websticker.com - when you want your name to stick.

State Of The Sticker, 2012 - from Jeff Nicholson

2012-01-20T07:02:00.000-08:00

I started the year with a trip to the PPAI Show, the big Promotional Products Tradeshow for distributors, and followed that with a trip to several of the largest sticker production factories in the U.S. I jotted down a few thoughts about our sticker focused business and the state of the sticker world as I traveled.

I was reminded at the PPAI Show in Las Vegas that “stickers” really are a different animal from other promotional products. Most promotional products are used to make an impression on one recipient. Pens, mugs, gift baskets of food, luggage, etc. are items meant to make an impression and be held onto by the individual user. Stickers and labels on the other hand are used as signs and labeling, to “brand” unbranded items and to be stuck in places that make impressions and encourage word-of-mouth to thousands of viewers/users.

Most changes and improvements in the sticker realm involve digital printing. The quality and vividness of outdoor, digitally printed sticker and decals has made huge strides in the last few years. This progress affects the quality and options in regard to short runs, variable data work, and full color (4CP) printing on outdoor quality stickers and decals.

In 2012 there are many more options for custom stickers – more printing methods and more businesses hanging out their “custom sticker” shingle. So, it is more important than ever for buyers to communicate with suppliers what their stickers are being used for and how long they need to last. While outdoor digital printing has come a long way it still doesn’t compare with the quality and long-term durability of screen printing. “Digital printing” is also a fairly ambiguous term covering everything from label sheets run through your desktop printer to the latest industrial, top of the line presses being used by a select few factories. Getting sticker samples, comparing prices, factoring in future needs and being well informed is more important than ever.

At Websticker.com are refocusing our efforts on customer service and quality this year. With all the options available to businesses and consumers looking for “custom stickers” I believe it is more important than ever to communicate more information and personally consult with our clients to assure the best sticker/decal/label product for their needs at the best possible price. We may no longer be at the top of the search engines for certain keywords but we do still have an exceptional customer service team, vast knowledge base of designing, producing and marketing with stickers, and the very best production resources available in the U.S.

I’ve taken a close look at the “latest and greatest” printing methods, and though they may be the best options on some sticker projects, often the high quality of older tried and true methods are still superior. The same can be said, I think, of websites and businesses selling custom stickers – just because there are more options to automate connections and the buying process with clients does not mean this is an improvement on getting customers exactly what they need at the best price. Old school customer service can go a long way. And that, in fact, is how Websticker continues to grow despite a poor economy and increased competition.

Promotional stickers themselves are a marketing medium that is “old school” but still tried and true. There may be nifty new technologies to stay in front of, connect and communicate with prospects but a basic bumper sticker was social media before there was “social media”. Promotional stickers are “posted” by fans, build identity, and start conversations – sound familiar?

I’ll be discussing maximizing the promotional power of your stickers, new digital printing options, and thoughts on stickers as “social media” in future blog posts, but till then… “When you want your name to stick”, I hope I can be of help.

Related:

What is Best Promotional Product?

Digital Printing For Small (short) Run Stickers

Promotional Sticker Design Tips

Three Types Of Marketers - Which One Are You?

2012-01-13T06:57:00.000-08:00

Marketing is a vast field of advertising, communication, sales and relationships. The variations in style and execution are endless. Marketing can not be simplified into any sort of one-size-fits-all programs or plans because every business is different and advertising and marketing techniques continually change. But, I’ll try to simplify things down for you. There really are only three main types of marketers with everyone falling somewhere in between on the overall spectrum. Knowing where you stand on this marketing spectrum can help you move forward and make a world of difference in your sales.

Marketing styles - who's winning and who's losing?

If we think of the population of Marketers on a continuum, the majority are in the This-And-That Marketing category. The unspoken mantra of this type of marketer is “I’m not sure if this is working but I’ll keep trying a bit of ‘this and that’ and hope you buy from me and I can stay in business”. This style is all about not rocking the boat and marketing-by-numbers. Most Marketers do what is expected and easy, covering the bases that everyone else covers – run some ads, have a decent sign, maybe have a website, business cards, brochure, etc.

On the less ethical side of marketing, marketers become more self-centered, or Hit-And-Run. This category of marketers base their business model on the premise that “I’m never going to see these people again so I will do everything I can to extract whatever money I can, now”. The customer almost always ends up feeling ripped off as there are no pricing or ethical guidelines. But, the businesses owner knows that repeat business is highly unlikely and negative reviews or bad word-of-mouth probably are not a factor for future “extractions”. A Hit and Run marketing style may be the most profitable (though immoral) option.

On the extreme, the Hit-And-Run marketer is an outright thief or scammer. As the population increases towards common marketers, you will find high pressure sales people or businesses ignorant of creating a positive relationship and just trying to “make the sale”. Not all marketers on this side of the spectrum are necessarily unethical. They may just follow a short term and self-serving style of marketing their product or service.

Moving the other way from the mainstream marketing style is to have a more positive, relationship based approach, or Group Hug Marketing. This marketing style is all about building communities and relationships. The mantra for Group Hug Marketers is “invite people in, make them comfortable, and do everything possible to meet their needs”. It’s that easy – 1, 2, 3. Well, not exactly.

Looking at a graph of marketing relationships we can see that a transaction where both the marketer and consumer are winners is almost as infrequent as the lose-lose scenario of an imprisoned thief on the far end of the spectrum. But, on the path towards marketing and sales relationships where everybody wins are relationships when the marketer gives up or wastes resources in their quest to “invite people in, make them comfortable and do anything they can to meet their needs”. This is the main reason so many businesses and marketers are comfortable in the murky middle of This & That Marketing – fear of wasted efforts and money in their quest for more customers and better relationships.

What type of marketer are you? If you are reading this article chances are you are a This & That Marketer with a desire to move towards the more exclusive win/win Group Hug scenario. There are definitely ways to help build your customer relationships without breaking the bank. The foundation, of course, to building positive relationships is to listen, care and be genuinely interested in others needs. It doesn’t cost anything! However, without a strong interest and passion for what you do and sell, it won’t matter how much you market and advertise you won’t build win-win relationships.

Another essential factor in fearlessly moving your marketing efforts towards the Group Hug category is to experiment with your advertising, and not be afraid to fail. Stick with marketing and advertising methods for which the effectiveness can be monitored. If something doesn’t work (given a reasonable test period), stop doing it. If it’s working, do more of it and continue to test. Remember, the majority of people are stuck in the This & That approach and not tracking results.

The amount of on-line and off-line marketing options can be quite overwhelming. But, it simply makes no sense to be spending any money on something that is not working (or you’re not sure is working). So, with a new year upon us let’s commit to getting back to the core of successful businesses everywhere – building sincere relationships, cleaning out the closet of questionable advertising and marketing practices, and moving fearlessly forward testing quantifiable marketing and advertising.

Jeff Nicholson is the founder and marketing director of Freely Creative, Inc. and Websticker.com a company that specializes in promoting businesses, organizations, people and ideas with custom printed stickers, decals, labels and magnets. When you want your name to stick - think Websticker.com.

Penzeys Spices Sprinkles Kindness With Stickers

2011-12-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

Penzeys Spices has created some of the largest, most ambitious sticker campaigns we have had the pleasure of helping produce at Websticker.com. Their strategy of using stickers as gifts—not as advertisements—is a perfect example how to enhance product offerings and spread goodwill while strengthening their identity.

One simple, yet powerful, positive sticker message can be seen with the “Kind Heart” sticker which comes as part of their Kind Heart Gift Box. The gift boxes, with four jars of spices, are an inexpensive gift product. Penzeys also has a “Teachers Care” bumper sticker which is part of their Teachers Gift Box. The low cost stickers enhance the value of the gift products while also putting a bit of the Penzeys culture into the receivers hands so they can spread the love (and discover Penzeys on-line catalogue).

Another successful promotion is the “Love People, Cook them tasty food” sticker—a favorite amongst chefs and cooks alike. According to the Penzeys team, "So much good happens when people cook for each other. We like to encourage everyone who cooks to be happy and comfortable with whatever their cooking interests and experiences might be. So we share a simple, yet important message to love the people in your life by cooking them food just the way they like it. The bumper sticker is just a little way to help people remember what's important."

Penzeys also takes advantage of the precious space on the back of the sticker. They print the company logo and encourage visits to their e-commerce website. Plus, by stating that the sticker is removable, and will not damage paint or leave residue, they further promote a positive message and image. Perhaps most importantly, the “damage free” message helps to ensure that their stickers get stuck! There are thousands and thousands of Penzeys stickers being driven around the country today. The stickers aren’t billboards or ads, just messages of kindness, love and cooking that support what their brand is all about.

Penzeys’ positive messaging through promotional stickers should be an inspiration to all of us. Do you have a product that can be enhanced with a simple sticker? Do your fans and best customers have an easy way (promotional sticker) to show their support for your organization and encourage word-of-mouth advertising? Websticker.com is here to help with ideas, designs and production of a custom sticker product that can best spread and build your unique identity.

http://www.websticker.com/maximize-exposure-with-stickers.php

http://www.penzeys.com

*Penzeys Team quotes courtesy of Savvy$hopperToday.com

The Two Most Important Things You Can Do To Improve Your Business and Your Life

2011-12-07T07:14:00.000-08:00

I don’t believe in New Years Resolutions. If something is important to your growth and success why wait for the end of the year? With bad habits the sooner you break them the better. With good habits, they only become habits if you put time aside and do it… then do it again the next day. With that said, I have a resolution I am going to start working on right now. It involves what I think are the two most important habits of successful individuals – reading and writing.

I’m not talking about having the ability to read and write (although obviously that is a helpful prerequisite), I’m talking about the habit of doing the reading and writing consistently. Reading exercises the mind, feeds ideas, builds knowledge and to many can be relaxing. I think it is important to balance reading selections with both work and play – enjoying both the fiction and “fun” reading and the non-fiction and reading related to your professional or business interests. Great ideas often come from unexpected places.

For many, like myself, reading is much easier than writing. At any given time, how much easier is it to pick up a book or a magazine than to sit down and write in a journal, write an article, or just outline thoughts and ideas. I outline and "write" a lot of great stuff in my mind but I lack the habit of consistently writing down thoughts and ideas that later can become interesting blog posts, articles, stories, songs or perhaps are just introspective musings.

The act of writing can be therapeutic in and of itself. I have an incredible amount of respect for writers. Not necessarily published writers or people who write as part of their occupation, but any writer who is in the habit of catching thoughts down on paper (or computer) before they float away. I’ve always believed writing consistently in a journal is the most powerful way to grow as a human being.

So, why have I only written in my journal a couple times in the last month? Why have I failed to capture those deep thoughts or those brilliant song lyrics? I think the answer is simple – I’m a bit disorganized, sometimes lazy and writing is not enough of a habit. It’s not that I don’t know how important, enriching and beneficial writing more would be for me and my business, it’s just that it’s, well… hard. Sound familiar? Just like those New Year’s resolution to eat better, exercise more, quit doing this or start doing that... habits are hard to break and hard to make.

So, my plan (resolution) is to set aside time each morning (before I’m caught up in the minutia of the work day) to write. I won’t specify what that writing will be, perhaps just anything I’m thinking about or working on, but I’ll write with no distractions. Perhaps I can get back on track with my goal of a blog post each week, more articles on stickers and marketing and maybe even one of the book projects I keep meaning to start. I’ll keep reading at night and avoid TV. I know with more reading and writing will come a healthier mind, more great ideas and more success in the different facets of my life.

Will you join me in setting aside more time for reading and writing? Don’t think to big – no need to tackle writing a novel, just write, outline, or revise a little something every day. The more you read and write the easier it will get, the more it will flow, and the healthy habit will grow. So, here’s to a good book, a well-worn journal and our continued success in 2012.

Jeff Nicholson is the owner and marketing director for Freely Creative, Inc. a company focused on marketing with stickers, sticker production, and directing people to appropriate sticker, label and decal resources. Currently he is working on a new sticker website, NedQuest.com, which will be an ongoing sticker design contest, sticker store, and sticker development community. Jeff is also a songwriter and working on improving his overall writing habits.

New Customizable Stickers - Sticker Hands

2011-10-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

Sticker Hands are positive hand gestures that can be personalized and made to order in any die-cut size using the latest on line digital technology. Designed to discourage road rage and encourage road love, this line of stickers is designed to spread messages of love, peace, hope, hanging loose, rocking on, and more with simple hand gestures. Drivers can express their individuality and positive gestures as loudly or subtly as they choose while keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The development of Sticker Hands was based on 15 years of sticker production records, sticker trends and customer feedback. Bumper stickers and other car stickers can traditionally be very partisan, overly personal or commercial. People display stickers like badges of honor for what they love, what they brake for, what politician they support (or hate), where they live or where they’d rather be. These personal statements can lead to a chuckle, indifference, or on the darker side can lead to road rage. A study done at Colorado State University in 2008 showed that people who displayed stickers and decals on their cars were 16% more prone to road rage. The reasons came down to drivers being territorial and most stickers adding to defensiveness about their personal space.

But, all car stickers don’t need to be about the driver’s opinions, preferences and personal space. The most popular car sticker of the past decade is undoubtedly the Euro Sticker. Many drivers prefer the smaller oval shaped decals to larger traditional bumper stickers and the subtle letter abbreviations to the direct screaming of a belief or endorsement. Based on these trends towards stickers on cars being smaller, die-cut and messages becoming more subtle Sticker Hands were developed as a way to send a subtle personal gesture. The stickers can be further personalized and made to the preferred size of who ever is designing, ordering and displaying the sticker gesture.

The stickers were developed at Websticker.com and utilize the technology of StickerYou which allows visitors to build, customize and order single sheet of outdoor quality, vinyl stickers on-line. According to Jeff Nicholson, owner of Websticker, “till now we’ve never seen this level of customization and sticker quality accessible to any internet user for very small quantities of die cut stickers. One customized packed sheet of car stickers in full color is less than $9.”

Jeff added, “we developed StickerHands to not only capitalize on the latest sticker printing technology but to offer a fun, cool sticker option that can be as subtle and personalized as an individual desires. Putting your abbreviations or copy in a ‘thumbs-up hand’, a ‘peace sign hand’ or a ‘rock-on hand’ sticker is just way more cool then a coded oval or a big old school bumper sticker.”

Freely Creative, Inc. may be on to something, as Sticker Hands are starting to appear on car windows & bumpers, skateboards, notebooks and many other locations (some unauthorized) across New England. Whether the trend will catch on like euro stickers, family stickers or traditional bumper stickers remains to be seen.

Check out StickerHands.com

Two Websticker Employees Arrested

2011-10-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

Last year one of our Websticker.com employees was hauled away to "jail" and this year two employees did time. The offense... "Having a big heart".

John DeRienzo and Brian Neilson took part in the local MDA Lock-Up to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Between the two of them they raised over $1130. for Jerry's Kids that will support ongoing research and sending kids to a special summer camp.

There were Warrant's for their arrest as well as these great shots of John and Brian behind bars. The only thing missing was a bumper sticker saying "I Did Time For Jerry's Kids". Maybe next year.

At Websticker.com we support many important causes and continue to offer free custom promotional stickers to a worthy cause every month through our Sticking With You Program.

Though John and Brian are now out of jail, and back at their desks working hard to make stickers the best they can be, they'd love to have a few more donations go to MDA. You can support John or support Brian by clicking on their name and going to the Join MDA website. Supporting Jerry's Kids is what it is all about.

New Sticker Fulfillment Options – WeMailStickers.com

2011-10-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

So, you’ve created awesome promotional stickers (hopefully through Websticker.com) and you are doing all the right things to get them out on the streets; handing them out at tradeshows, sending with any mailings, including with products and other guerrilla tactics. But, how do you handle it when people e-mail or call looking for a free sticker?

A new web based company, WeMailStickers.com now makes it super easy to take care of free sticker requests right on your web site. The cost is no more than you doing it yourself but takes away all the hassle and interruption of someone handling it in-house.

According to Colin at WeMailStickers.com “The concept is simple and to the point. Mail some of your stickers to our warehouse, add a code/widget to your website, and We Mail Stickers processes all the requests. The mailing fees are simple and completely transparent. We charge you $0.52 per envelope, which is equivalent to a $0.44 stamp, $0.07 envelope and $0.01 for ink. There are no other fees.”

You can also send more than one item if you have a few stickers, a coupon, or a letter to go along with it. They are super flexible with what they can and are willing to mail and are happy to work with you if you already have a system in place. Don’t forget you can print back copy on some of your stickers for ads, messages, coupons, QR codes if you want to save on printing costs. You could also hold a special sticker giveaway on your site or tie in a sticker giveaway with a new product introduction or special event.

We love this free sticker distribution idea as we are always looking for ways to make it easier to do your job and get more stickers out to anyone who will display them. When producing stickers Websticker would also be happy to send a portion of your freshly printed stickers directly to the WeMailStickers warehouse. I highly recommend all our clients (and any company that understands the power of promotional stickers) check out WeMailStickers.com. If you have questions you can also contact Colin Ruddick in Sales directly at 541-280-9996 or e-mail colin@wemailstickers.com

Stickers for Vermont Flood Recovery

2011-09-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

Most people have heard that Vermont was hit hard by the rainy remains of Hurricane Irene. The outpouring of support, benefit shows, cleanup labor, and people opening their homes, hearts, and wallets has been inspiring. There is still a lot of work to do. If you are interested in helping there is a guide to what you can do Here.

I'd like to thank all the Websticker.com clients and customers who called to see how we got through the disaster. We were lucky in Stowe and had limited flooding and damage. I'd especially like to thanks Chris Bucci at HeartSticker.com for literally giving back. We print stickers for Heartsticker and when Chris heard about the troubles in VT he packed a box with stickers, t-shirts and pins and sent them back to us to sell for flood relief fundraising and giving to volunteers. We handed the materials on to a local FEMA office. Check out Heartsticker.com - Chris is someone who's heart really is in the right place and he's got a lot of great products for you to show where your heart is.

At Websticker.com we have tried to do our part in the best way we know how, making custom stickers. We are producing any stickers that benefit flood recovery or any farmers or businesses effected by the floods at our cost as well as some sticker jobs for free through our Sticking With You Program. Stickers are making a difference! Let us know if we can help you in any way and thanks for your support of Vermont and everyone effected by natural disasters.

Do You Want Fries With That Custom Sticker?

2011-09-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

We often assume that when you hire an "expert" in a certain field that the work will come at a premium price. After all they are the best at what they do, they have specialized equipment, they are in demand... they must cost more. In some cases this is true but often it is far from the truth.

We recently bid out a project at my house - we needed a fence built, trees removed, some driveway work, some wood cut and moved and other assorted groundskeeping tasks. I was very tempted to hire a capable friends business who could do all of these projects with his hard working crew. But out of interest for other opinions (and frugality) I got separate estimates from a fence builder, a professional tree service, and a gravel road contractor. All the prices from the specialized services came in well below my friend's estimates for the different tasks needed.

The fence done by Gallup Brook is now complete (and is awesome), and came in below the estimate, despite them taking down a few trees along the way themselves. When the tree service comes in that project will be easier or can be expanded to include some additional work. The thing we often forget about specialized services is how much more focused and efficient they can be. No need to rent equipment or figure out how to use something. No down time coordinating extra workers - just attacking the job that you do every day and getting it done well.

In our sticker business we often get asked; "do you guys do t-shirts?" or "can you do my business cards?". Our reply is usually "unless it's a sticker business card or a sticker with a t-shirt on it, no" and we'll try to direct them to someone else that can help. At Websticker.com we focus on things that stick (stickers, decals, magnets, labels). Over the last 20 years we have been able to focus on improving our systems, our design and the value of our finished products. We have had opportunities to sell other promotional items and other design services but we've made the choice to stay focussed and do one thing (stickers) extremely well. Does dealing with the sticker experts cost more? No. Just like the fence maker who cranked out a beautiful fence on our property, we add value-added services (like design and marketing), work efficiently with the best factories and equipment, and use our years of experience to get the best product for our customer's needs at the best value.

So, remember, you don't always get what you pay for and often the best value is in using the most experienced and niche focussed expert for a given job. Of course reputation, recommendations and reviews are always important as there are many self proclaimed "experts" and "specialists" that may cause more damage than just being a bad value. Do your homework, check your references but don't be afraid to spend money with the most reputable and knowledgeable experts - that is probably your best value over the long run.

The Sticker Mobile Is Born - Now That's a Promotional Vehicle!

2011-08-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

Take a look at our new Freely Creative/Websticker.com company car. We're "adding fun to the fun" by creating the ultimate "promotional vehicle". To kick things off, we applied almost 300 stickers produced for clients this last year, to the Sticker Mobile hood. Then we went to the back bumper and trunk and added 200 more. The roof is next!.

In past years we have mailed Thank You Postcards to our clients highlighting the best stickers from the previous year. After over 15 years it seemed time to reach beyond a limited postcard mailing list and showcase our stickers to our community and beyond. We don't just design and produce promotional stickers, we're making them part of a larger work of art, creating a buzz and having a great time doing it.

If you're not a client of Websticker.com, it's easy to join in the fun and harness the promotional power of stickers. Just contact Websticker with any sticker related questions, for comparative pricing, or if you need help designing/developing a powerful sticker campaign. Remember, any ideas (or businesses) worth spreading are stickers worth making! And, as an added benefit we will feature them on The Sticker Mobile.

Let's keep those stickers rolling and promoting! Have a great end to your summer. Want to keep up with news, stories and the development of the Sticker Mobile? Follow us on Facebook and subscribe to this Blog.

It's A Perfect Day... For Stickers

2011-07-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

We see hundreds of sticker ideas come through Websticker.com but none had been used for a wedding proposal till now. The folks over at It's a Perfect Day developed a sticker with a dry erasable surface to fill in what it is a perfect day for. Danielle, a Websticker.com employee arrived home to find a different kind of custom sticker proposal.

We love when people follow their dreams and produce products "full of inspiration and positivity". Interestingly enough, Satya (the founder of It's a Perfect Day) had his epiphany to make major changes in his life after seeing a refrigerator magnet that read "If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life". I'm constantly touting the power of promotional stickers for businesses but it's awesome that stickers and magnets also work on an individual level changing lives and spreading positive messages.

Congratulations to Danielle on her wedding engagement, and to Satya for following his dreams and creating products that help people think positively and spread the love.

Check out the products at It's a Perfect Day and remember as their slogan says everyday is perfect for something™

Covering Things With Stickers is Cool

2011-06-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

Owning a sticker company for over 20 years means having a lot of cool stickers lying around. Often these stickers end up decorating wastebaskets in the bathroom or becoming personalized wall art. We even custom made a hat and tie. But my dream has always been to create an outrageous, eye catching sticker mobile. We reserved the URL StickerMobile.com years ago but still have yet to find the right car and right time to really go for it. I'm not talking about "wrapping" a car but completely covering it with individual stickers.

The idea often pops up again when I see other cars covered in interesting ways with stickers. My most recent desire to have a sticker mobile was fueled by this blog post about a special new 2012 VW Beetle made by CFC in Germany. Now, this is done as a wrap job with the images of stickers digitally printed on larger vinyl sheets. But still, how cool is that? I'm going car shopping again and then breaking out my box filled with all my favorite stickers that have come through the office over the years.

I also note that this sticker trimmed car costs an extra $5000 (according to blog post). If anybody wants to set up an appointment and bring their car in to Websticker.com for an extreme makeover, let me know. I'll do the job for $4500 complete with personalized stickers and art to make the sticker mobile completely yours. I'll even throw in the StickerMobile.com URL for an extra $1000. Secure a few sponsors and affiliate partners and you've got yourself a new sticker business ripe for PR and social marketing success.

Stickers For Camp Trunks and Other Summer Gear

2011-06-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again when kids will be heading off to camp. And the coolest camp trunks are always the ones decked out with stickers and decals. A couple years ago I did this video of my son preparing his trunk for the trip to camp. Of course, it might not just be a trunk you want to customize with stickers - you may want to do a bike, helmet, skateboard, tacklebox or any other essential summer equipment.

A couple years ago I did not recommend an awesome place to get small quantities of custom stickers so I just plugged our Websticker.com site. But this site does nothing to help kids plaster their trunks and equipment with cool stickers in the short run (unless you're the son of the owner). What's needed are limited quantities of a vast array of stickers, personalized if possible. StickerYou is the place. StickerYou allows you to create pages of die cut stickers. You can personalize, adjust sizes, choose from thousands of possibilities and order up a sheet or two of stickers that will make that camp trunk stand out from all others. You can even upload your own designs or pictures and make your own custom stickers. Very Cool!

Check out Sticker You!

Boobies Sticker Saves Life

2011-05-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Feel Your Boobies Foundation (a 501c3 non-profit organization) gives away thousands of free stickers as part of its ‘reminder campaign’ to encourage young women to give self breast exams to detect cancer. Many of the stickers have directly resulted in early detection of breast cancer and have saved lives.

Nicole, age 28 from Atlanta Georgia, shared her story, “I went to pick up my friend Kate and she saw the Feel Your Boobies stickers on the back of my car. She thought they were funny but said she would do a self-exam when she got home later that day. Kate called me two days later, crying, and said she found a lump and had it confirmed on a mammogram. She was only 27 and we were both scared. We have been friends since we were kids and I couldn’t stand the thought of not having her in my life. The biopsy showed that she had stage-two breast cancer and that in another two months it may have been too late. She is now on her final round of chemo and doing great! All because of my Boobies stickers, Kate has a second chance.”

To fund its Feel Your Boobies® “reminder program” the foundation relies on donations, funds raised through its product sales and the occasional partnering with corporations. One such company, Websticker.com has been supplying stickers and magnets to the campaign since 2008. This spring, Websticker.com is donating 10,000 stickers to the Spring Free Sticker Campaign.

"Feel Your Boobies® is excited about working with Websticker.com for our Free Sticker Campaign because stickers are a perfect way to reach young women with our life-saving, proactive reminder,” founder Leigh Hurst said. “Our campaign has saved lives! The work we do would not be possible without support from partnerships like this one."

Likewise, Websticker.com owner Jeff Nicholson wholeheartedly supports Feel Your Boobies®. “Stickers are meant to be fun, artistic and thought provoking – that’s how you grab attention, start conversations and build identity for your product or campaign, Nicholson said. “The Feel Your Boobies Campaign is a perfect example of the power a simple sticker can have. When you hear stories of stickers saving lives, the proof of the power of stickers is obvious. My mantra: ‘An idea worth spreading is a sticker worth making’ and Feel Your Boobies® is an idea worth spreading.”

Feel Your Boobies® was founded in 2004 after founder, Leigh Hurst, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33. She found her lump simply by “feeling her boobies”, not through a formal breast exam. It originally started as a few fun t-shirts she designed to remind her friends to “feel their boobies”, but she quickly realized that her mission was much larger than t-shirts alone.

Since that realization, the Feel Your Boobies Foundation’s “Are You Doing It? ®” Reminder Campaign has given away nearly 200,000 stickers for free, resulting in many testimonials crediting the stickers with how a woman found their lump.

More Info:

Websticker: Sticking With You Free Sticker Program

Feel Your Boobies Organization

Free Feel Your Boobies Sticker

Niche Sticker Directory Makes Searching Faster and Easier

2011-04-20T06:39:00.000-07:00

Search engines cannot do it alone. Search engines can prompt, list, narrow or focus on local results but are not industry experts. Freely Creative, Inc, an organization with a focus on ‘everything stickers’, has launched the niche directory AllAboutStickers.com to support the “sticker” industry by streamlining the search process.

Need stickers, decals or labels?

On Google, there are an overwhelming 220 million search results for the term “stickers” and another 196 million for “labels”. Even when search terms are narrowed the choices are overwhelming and don’t include many sticker sub-categories such as: custom bumper stickers, paper labels, transfer decals, vinyl cut lettering, car wraps, free stickers, sticker collecting, etc. AllAboutStickers.com was developed as a one-stop directory narrowing the search for “stickers” or “decals” so people don’t have to dig through results or understand all the industry-specific terminology.

Though directories exist for many industries, not all are put together by industry experts and often are cluttered attempts at compiling as many links as possible and selling ads. AllAboutStickers.com is nicely designed and easy to maneuver. It efficiently assists searchers in determining what it is they really want and then directs them to the appropriate resource. AllAboutStickers.com lists companies based on product offerings, reputation in the industry, tested products, price and quality - information not readily available in a basic on-line search.

If visitors can’t find what they are looking for - a quick click from any page connects them to a real person for referrals, quotes or advice.

One company listed in the directory is Websticker.com, a custom sticker designer/supplier. According to owner Jeff Nicholson, their site is entered each month via 300-400 different keyword combinations. He adds, “We find that people don’t necessarily know the proper search terms as the language is vast for stickers, decals and labels. Or, they are uncertain exactly what product they actually need. Being listed in this Directory greatly improves the quality of the inquiries we get and thus, the conversion of visitors to clients. We also recommend the AllAboutStickers.com to customers and visitors all the time to better direct them to sticker products we don’t make or sell. The bottom line is better leads and more sales for Websticker.com, and a better, faster user experience for searchers.”

For more information go to: AllAboutStickers.com

Stickers Raise Cancer Awareness

2011-04-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

Over the years, Websticker.com has produced thousands of custom stickers, labels, and magnets for a wide range of campaigns. When we first view the art, the cause can sometimes be difficult to decipher and might require a Google search or a visit to the organization's website to understand what cause the design promotes. In the strongest designs, the cause is obvious and the campaign message is communicated clearly upon first glance at the sticker. Over the last few years, we’ve produced stickers and labels for a campaign with a design that shouts its cause loud and clear: a cartoon tumor with its tongue sticking out and the text “TUMORS SUCK!”

A visit to mAsskickers.org will expand upon the origins of this crusade against tumors. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2005, Eric Galvez started a Facebook page called “TUMORS SUCK” to connect with others in his situation, and as the page grew, he realized that he was relating to people with all sorts of tumors. On the Facebook page people post pictures of the “TUMORS SUCKS” stickers and labels stuck on people, places, and things. As awareness grew, Galvez founded mAss Kickers Foundation in 2008 with the mission to “provide support and motivation to all newly-diagnosed patients, family, and friends affected by tumors or cancer.”

The goals of mAss Kickers Foundation are powerful and admirable. Amongst other things, they strive to “Promote Unity among ALL cancer/tumor types and between patients and their loved ones through a common “pugilistic” attitude". What’s a better way to promote unity 7 days a week, 365 days a year, than with a sticker campaign? The “TUMORS SUCK” stickers fuel awareness by catching people’s eyes and directing them to the mAss Kickers website, which is full of useful articles, profiles of survivors, and special events. There’s also a store when you can purchase stickers and join the movement against tumors. The stickers scream a message that can be verbally challenging to share with the world. If you’ve ever had a tumor, or have been close with someone who has, you can relate to the message and connect to the person who has stuck it out for the world to see.

Boy "Invents" Static Lego Stickers

2011-03-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

I love a good story about someone having a good idea and starting a new business. Especially when stickers and kids are involved. This story has it all; young boy has creative idea for enhancing his Lego creations - entrepreneurial family kicks into gear designing, selling and marketing.

Greyson MacLean
Photo: Angela Peterson

The product is called BrickStix and they are sheets of static decals that can be applied (and removed and reused) on Lego blocks. I wouldn't call this an "invention", but it is a creative new application for an existing product. And we are reminded that there is plenty of inventive uses and potential business ideas using stickers and decals. I've blogged (negatively) about static stickers before - but in this case static stickers were the perfect product solution for what appeared (to an 11 year old) to be an obvious problem.

Read the whole article from the Journal Sentinal Here.

Need Just a Few Custom, Color, Vinyl Stickers?

2011-03-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

At Websticker.com we often hear from people who only need a few custom stickers. I've blogged in the past about where to get small or short run vinyl stickers and decals. There are many options for digitally printed custom vinyl stickers with sign shops and printers but they usually involve minimum charges to make it worth their while. There are options at Cafe Press and Zazzle for one or two custom printed bumper stickers. Cafe Press also has a 3" X 5" oval (euro sticker). But, there's a new Company / Website on the scene that opens up many more options to make a few of your own stickers and decals.

Sticker You has an on-line sticker maker to which you can upload logos and art and layout and design your own stickers on digitally printed vinyl sheets. The big difference and advantage from previous on line sticker making options is that these vinyl stickers can be custom die cut in any shape. The current cost for a sheet of die-cut, full color stickers is $7.99.

StickerYou.com is an exceptional option if you need just a few quality vinyl stickers. The size of the sheet is 10.5" X 9" so as long as your desired sticker(s) are smaller than that you are good to go on bumper stickers, circles, ovals and any custom shaped sticker. For a 2" circle you could get 20 of them on a sheet - that's twenty full color vinyl stickers for only $8. Need forty? Get two sheets for $14.

Sticker You is still adding to and improving their product options, templates, stock art/images and the usability of their on line Sticker Maker but as it stands now this is the best option I've found for small runs of quality color vinyl stickers.

Whether Distributed as Art, Fun or Promotion - Stickers Have Power!

2011-02-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

The slogan for Freely Creative, Inc., the parent company for Websticker.com is "The Power Of Stickers". I like the simplicity of this statement and wholeheartedly believe in its sentiment. I'm in the sticker business because I firmly believe that promotional stickers are one of the most cost effective marketing tools available. As I have often stated over the years, custom stickers build identity, advertise, support and enhance overall marketing programs, and can also make profitable stand alone products.

Mr. Brainwash

Recently I've been digging further into another side of stickers - their role as street art. This of course is also promotion, just of a different sort. Promoting individuals, ideas, causes or just prompting reactions from viewers. I just saw Exit Through The Gift Shop a documentary film produced by Banksy a well known street artist. I do highly recommend this film as a peek into street artist's lives, graffiti and an exploration of the question of what "art" is. Regardless of whether this is a true documentary or "Banksy prank", it still is a great piece of art and entertainment.

My favorite quote in the film regarding stickers and delivered by Shepard Fairey is;

"Even though the Andre the Giant sticker was an inside joke and I was just having fun, I like the idea of the more stickers that are out there, the more important it seems… the more people wanna know what it is, the more they... (talk) and it gains real power from perceived power."

I love it. Whether promoting something, making a joke or starting a worldwide movement, behold, the power of stickers.

Screen or Digital Printing for Outdoor Stickers?

2011-02-14T14:43:00.000-08:00

When it comes to printing promotional stickers for outdoor use there is nothing better than screen printed vinyl. Screen printing provides the thickest layer of ink and provides the most vivid, long lasting outdoor decal.

But, there are situations when screen printing does not make the most economical sense. For full color designs or small quantity runs digital printing on vinyl can be the best option. Today's digital print cut technology by companies such as Roland and Mimaki allow for 4-CP printing and die cutting on small run jobs.

At Websticker.com we now have digital printing capabilities for small quantity runs of quality, full color, die cut, vinyl stickers. A great option, when your sticker size is less than 9” X 10.5” and you need 1-25 stickers, is StickerYou. We’ve set up a Sticker Maker on our site so you can upload art and set up your own sheets of custom stickers. There are still some kinks in this system but it's fun to fool around with and an excellent option when you just need a few durable stickers.

Digital print/cut technology by Roland

When quantities and sizes are a bit larger, we now offer full color digital printing and die-cutting options. You can check out the sizes and quantities of when this becomes a better option than screen or offset printing at this new Digital Price Page.

As always, drop an e-mail, comment on this blog or give me a call if you have sticker related questions or need help with sticker designs or choosing the right product and print method for your project. When you want your name to stick - stick with Websticker.com

Internet Marketing and Roll Labels

2011-02-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

I just heard from a client over at Brick House Fabrics. They buy all their paper roll labels for the business through Websticker.com. I very much appreciate hearing from customers regarding how they are using stickers and labels to help market and sell their products and, of course, wanted to check out what they had to say about us on a Squidoo len's created about Internet Marketing.

Although, I've heard of Squidoo, I can't say I've looked into it before or read a "lens". So, my visit to this article (lens) at Squidoo on Internet Marketing was of great interest. Yes, I'd like to think I know a bit about Facebook and Twitter but selling platforms like Etsy, E-Bay, Bonanza... haven't gone there. Should I? Maybe, maybe not but it certainly is helpful to read other people's stories and realize there are a vast amount of options that can be explored. One size doesn't fit all but when it comes to a rapidly evolving and changing Web and social media, in order to market a business effectively we need to constantly be paying attention, exploring and experimenting or risk being left behind.

So, what do inexpensive paper roll labels have to do with internet marketing? Well, there still needs to be offline marketing pointing people towards an online store, website, and the conversations and information regarding a product or business. Whether you are making stickers or labels for product markings or promotional reasons, you will always want a URL as part of the art layout to point people towards your online offerings. Effective branding should not just promote your name but also your location or a call to action.

Inexpensive custom roll labels (flexographically printed) can be used on packages, mailings, paperwork, invoices, clothing, products... anywhere (other than outdoor locations - screen printed vinyl is best for that) that you want your name (and URL) to stick.

Websticker.com Welcomes Danielle McAllister

2011-01-31T06:42:00.000-08:00

Websticker.com clients may have noticed a different voice on the other end of the phone or signature on their e-mailed quotes and questions. We are very excited Danielle McAllister has joined our Team at Websticker.com. Here is the official Release:

Danielle McAllister

Websticker.com, the Internet division of Freely Creative, Inc., that designs and produces custom promotional stickers for companies and organizations nationwide, has added a new staff member.

Danielle McAllister, who has extensive experience in customer service and leadership roles for such companies as the Hilton, The United Way and others, has been hired to manage Websticker.com’s customer service and email sales.

McAllister grew up in Hyde Park, VT and attended Lamoille Union High School and Green Mountain Technology Center for Business Administration where she received BA Certificates I and II and was elected Vice President of Future Business Leaders of America. McAllister was awarded a Future Business Leaders Scholarship to Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina where she earned a degree in Business Administration before returning to Vermont.

Freely Creative, Inc. has been based in Stowe since 1990 and opened the Internet division Websticker.com in 1997. For information: www.websticker.com, 802-253-2011

For those wondering what has become of Brooke Kaltsas who was previously handling these customer service duties (in an exceptional way), she is still with Freely Creative, Inc. and will help start and head a new division of Freely Creative, Inc. Yes, we are expanding and exciting changes, new products and services are right around the corner. Stay tuned.

Sticker Adhesives - Ultra Removable to High Tack

2011-01-19T14:58:00.000-08:00

I've talked before about ongoing misconceptions that bumper stickers may damage cars. The fact is there are not only many different sticker materials and sticker printing methods, there are many different types and strengths of adhesives. Here is a quick run down on commonly used adhesive types at Websticker.com. The type of adhesive (combined with material type) used on any sticker project should reflect the desired longevity, the most common application surface and the desired ease of removability. When ordering custom stickers always inform the manufacturer or distributor of the intended end use.

Static Cling - Static decals do not have any adhesive but utilize static electricity to hold very temporary or movable graphics to the inside of windows or on smooth product surfaces.

Ultra Removable Adhesive - We use it on most bumper stickers, short-term promotions and removable window decals.

Removable Adhesive - Used on many custom bumper stickers, promotional stickers and any job where removing the sticker as one piece with no residue left behind is important to advertiser or end user.

Permanent Adhesive - Equipment stickers, helmet stickers, product decals, signage... permanent adhesives should be used for stickers meant to stay where they are applied for as long as possible.

Rough Surface Adhesive - For moderately rough or textured surfaces this adhesive (together with a flexible vinyl) conforms and molds for stronger adhesion.

High Tack adhesives - Used with special polyester materials this adhesive adds extra grip on smooth, flat surfaces.

For security applications destructible acrylic and tamper-evident polyesters are also available. The materials combined with a permanent adhesive are designed to be either extremely difficult to remove completely due to break up of material or leave "tamper evident" material behind when removed.

Review your specific applications with manufacturer and if the level of adhesion is important to your project make sure you test materials and adhesives. Ask for samples. Different manufacturers may have differing versions of "removable" and "permanent" sticker/decal products. Remember the #1 question that needs to be addressed from a manufacturing/printing stand point is where are the stickers, decals or labels being used and applied. Contact Websticker.com about any custom sticker questions or needs.

Here's a humorous video making the point that different sticker companies can make varying degrees of "removable" bumper stickers.

Cheap, Cheezy Bumper Sticker Book

2011-01-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

Cheap and cheesy notebook sticker from
mis-named, Ultimate Bumper Sticker Book

My son received a gift for Christmas called "The Ultimate Bumper Sticker Book". Great idea - 96 stickers with various sayings (mostly obnoxious) in a convenient tear-out book format. Though I don't mind the content and I'm sure everyone could find something fun they might want to display (my wife especially liked; "TV Is Gooder Than Books") I do have one big problem with this book. They aren't bumper stickers!

To me a bumper sticker is a sticker that can go on, of all places, a bumper... a car... somewhere outside. These stickers are printed in China - on paper. The back of the book states, "put them in your office, in the kitchen, or anywhere you'd like to make a statement". Well, hello... if it's a "bumper sticker" I'd like to make a statement on my car - that's what bumper stickers are for.

It's cheap stickers like these that give true bumper stickers a bad name. This is why people still worry about taking paint off their car, leaving paper and residue behind when they try to remove them, or having the sticker fade and fall apart. Quality, screen printed bumper stickers have been available with removable adhesive for over 40 years but still there are misperceptions - mostly due to cheap over laminated paper stickers like the ones in this book.

Whether buying a bumper sticker to display or ordering custom bumper stickers for your own promotion or retail item make sure they are printed on vinyl with inks that won't fade or chip. The outdoor durability of a sticker should be guaranteed for years. Screen printing is the best print method for a bumper sticker, laying down the thickest coating of ink, but other print methods using long lasting UV inks can work as well. Here at Websticker.com we offer screen printed bumper stickers on vinyl with 3-5 year outdoor durability. "Ultra removable" adhesive is now standard on all stock custom bumper stickers.