Marketing and Selling Custom Stickers

Whether you’re an artist selling at local markets, a small business owner with an online shop, or someone growing a brand on social media, custom stickers are a fun and profitable way to share your creativity. The good news? There are many ways to market and sell stickers, both in person and online, and each comes with its own set of advantages.

In this post, we’ll break down the best strategies for both in-person and online selling, helping you understand how to market your custom stickers effectively—no matter where you sell them. Whether you're setting up at an art fair, creating an online store, or using social media to promote your work, you’ll find useful tips to take your sticker business to the next level.

Why Custom Stickers Are a Great Product to Sell

Stickers are popular across all kinds of audiences, from individual collectors and artists to businesses looking for branding materials. Here’s why they’re a perfect product to sell:

1. Low Cost, High Appeal: Stickers are affordable to produce, making them an ideal product with a high profit margin. Their affordability also encourages impulse purchases.
2. Customizable for Any Audience: Whether you’re an artist sharing personal designs or a business promoting its logo, stickers can be tailored to suit any theme or style.
3. Wide Audience Appeal: Stickers attract a variety of customers—artists, brands, influencers, and collectors. They’re versatile and fun, which means you can sell to a broad market.

In-Person Selling: Markets, Events, and Pop-Ups

For artists and creatives, selling custom stickers at in-person events like art fairs, craft markets, or pop-up shops can be an exciting way to connect with customers face-to-face. Here are some key tips for making the most out of these opportunities:

1. Create an Inviting Booth Setup

Your display is what draws people in, so make sure it’s visually appealing and organized.

• Showcase Your Best Work: Use boards, easels, or hanging displays to show off your sticker designs in an eye-catching way. Group stickers by theme to make browsing easier.
• Offer Sticker Packs: Customers love buying sticker packs, especially at events. Create bundles based on themes or colors, and offer discounts for buying multiple stickers.
• Clear Pricing: Make sure your pricing is clear and easy to read. Use signs that show the cost of individual stickers and any special deals, like “Buy 3, Get 1 Free.”

2. Engage with Customers

Selling in person allows you to build a connection with your audience. Be approachable and friendly to encourage interaction.

• Tell Your Story: Share the inspiration behind your designs. People love to know the story behind the product, and it makes their purchase feel more personal.
• Offer Event-Exclusive Deals: To encourage sales, offer special pricing or limited-edition designs only available at the event. This creates urgency and encourages impulse buys.

3. Prepare for Payment Options

Make the buying process smooth by offering multiple payment methods.

• Accept Cash and Digital Payments: Not everyone carries cash, so be sure to have a card reader or payment apps like Venmo or PayPal available.
• Simplify Transactions: Keep pricing simple with round numbers to make transactions faster, like $5 per sticker or $20 for a pack of five.

Selling Online: Shops and Social Media

If you prefer to sell custom stickers online, either through your own shop or social media, the approach is different but just as effective. Here’s how you can make the most of digital sales:

1. Set Up an Online Store

Having your own website or shop on a platform like Etsy allows you to sell stickers 24/7 to a global audience.

• Optimize for Mobile: Ensure your website or Etsy store is easy to navigate on both desktop and mobile devices. Many people shop from their phones, and a smooth experience can lead to more sales.
• Use Great Photos: High-quality images are essential. Take clear, well-lit photos of your stickers in real-life settings (like on laptops, water bottles, or notebooks) to give customers an idea of how they look.
• Offer Bundles and Discounts: Just like in-person sales, offering bundles or promotions like “free shipping on orders over $25” can increase online purchases.

2. Promote Through Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for selling custom stickers, especially for artists. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest let you showcase your designs to a large audience.

• Engage Your Audience: Regularly post photos or videos of your new designs, share behind-the-scenes content, and ask your followers for feedback on new ideas.
• Leverage Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags like #customstickers, #vinylstickers, and #stickerartist to reach a broader audience.
• Run Contests and Giveaways: Encourage engagement by hosting giveaways where followers can win free sticker packs. This not only generates excitement but also increases your reach when people share your post.

3. Collaborate with Influencers

Working with influencers or other creators can help expose your stickers to a new audience. Offer them free sticker packs in exchange for a review or a shoutout on their platform.

Maximizing Sales: Best Practices for Both In-Person and Online

Whether you’re selling in person or online, these best practices can help you increase sales and build a loyal customer base.

1. Know Your Audience

Understanding your target market is key to creating designs that resonate with your customers.

• For Artists: If you’re an artist, focus on unique, personal designs that reflect your style. People often buy stickers that feel like a mini piece of artwork.
• For Small Businesses: Businesses should focus on creating stickers that promote their brand. Logo stickers, promotional designs, or event-based stickers can help boost visibility.

2. Offer Customization

If possible, offer personalized or custom sticker options. For example, businesses might want to order branded stickers with their logo, or customers might request stickers with their name or custom colors.

3. Gather Customer Feedback

Whether you’re selling in person or online, customer feedback is essential for improvement. Ask for reviews and listen to what your audience likes (or doesn’t like) about your designs, pricing, or service.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

When selling custom stickers, avoid these pitfalls that could hurt your business:

• Overcomplicating Designs: While intricate designs may look great on paper, they don’t always translate well onto smaller stickers. Test your designs at different sizes to ensure they remain clear and visually appealing.
• Not Protecting Your Stickers During Shipping: If you’re selling online, make sure your stickers are protected with waterproof packaging or rigid envelopes to prevent damage during shipping.
• Ignoring Branding: Whether in person or online, clear branding is essential. Make sure your logo or name is visible, and that customers know how to find you again—whether it’s your website, Etsy store, or Instagram handle.

Get Started with Custom Stickers Today!

Whether you’re selling in person at markets and events or online through your shop or social media, custom stickers are a fantastic product with endless possibilities. The key to success lies in understanding your audience, setting up an inviting booth or store, and engaging your customers.

At Stickr, we offer high-quality custom sticker printing with fast, free shipping, so you can focus on designing and selling your stickers without worrying about production. Get started today with Stickr, and bring your custom sticker business to life—no matter how you choose to sell!

This guide covers all the essential tips for selling custom stickers both in-person and online. Be sure to tune in next week as we recap the sticker-making process from start to finish!