What stickers should I make to sell stickers online?

Photo of author
Written By Sam Davis Ph.D.

Sticker Crypt is the internet's premier source of free advice for artists and small business owners! 

Custom stickers are becoming increasingly popular as an easy way to add fun and style to any project. With so many options available, it is no wonder people are looking for personalized designs they can use to make a statement. From sticker sheets to your own stickers as an art project, the ability to print stickers easily at home or through sticker shops has created an explosion of sticker shops online. You can create stickers to sell from the comfort of your own home.

If you’re an artist or designer looking for a new way to make stickers to sell from home without breaking your budget, you're in the right place! Thisis a great way to make money and share work with others. The best part is that it doesn’t require any additional overhead or expensive materials.

All you need is the right design and your customers will be ready to buy! With the right marketing strategies, you can create a successful storefront filled with tons of eye-catching designs. Plus, when you sell custom stickers, you can guarantee customers something unique and special—a product they won’t find anywhere else.

Yellow backpack with five assorted stickers on grey metal stairway rail

Identifying profitable niches and current trends in sticker printing

Starting a new online sticker business can be exciting yet daunting at the same time. Before you can start selling, you need to decide what type of stickers you want to create and who your target audience will be. One way to identify profitable niches and trends is through research.

Researching Niches and Trends for Print Stickers

When searching for profitable niches and trends, it's crucial to find out what people are looking for in the world of stickers. Here are some tips for researching niches and trends for your sticker business:

  • Google Trends: Google Trends is a tool that helps you find out what people are searching for on the internet. You can type in a keyword related to your sticker business and see the search volume charted over time. This can help you identify seasonal trends and quantify interest in certain topics.
  • Keyword Research: Use keyword research tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Google AdWords Keyword Planner to find out which keywords related to your sticker business are trending. You can also find long-tail keywords, which have lower search volume but are more specific and targeted.
  • Social Media: Keep an eye on social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter to see what kinds of stickers people are sharing and responding to. Explore hashtags related to your potential niches, and see what customers are talking about on social media.

Niches and Popular Trends in Sticker Shops

Once you have identified potential niches, you need to research which ones are most profitable. Here are some examples of popular niches that are currently selling well:

  • Pop Culture – Stickers that reference popular TV shows, movies, and music artists have a cult following and a loyal customer base.
  • Motivational and Inspirational – Stickers with motivational quotes and messages have seen a surge in popularity recently, as people turn towards positive affirmations and messages of hope.
  • Planner and Organization – Stickers designed for use in planners and bullet journals, such as calendars, task lists, and habit trackers, have become popular among the organizational community.
  • Political – Stickers related to current social and political issues tend to generate high engagement online, but it's important to remember to be sensitive to potential hot-topic issues and the concerns of underrepresented groups.

Understanding Consumer Behavior

Understanding consumer behavior is crucial for creating successful products for your online sticker business. Here are some tips for understanding your potential customers:

  • Analyze Data: Use analytical tools like Google Analytics to gather data on consumer interests and shopping patterns. You can also utilize customer feedback surveys to get a better understanding of what customers are looking for.
  • Stay Engaged: Keep up with trends and current events, and engage with your customers on social media platforms to understand what they are interested in and requesting.
  • Be Authentic: Remember to stay true to your brand and themes. Authenticity is key when developing a successful online business.

Researching profitable niches and trends for your sticker business is essential for making informed decisions about what products to offer. By analyzing data, staying engaged, and being authentic, you can create quality sticker products that appeal to your target audience and thrive in today's competitive e-commerce market.

Designing stickers that stand out in sticker shops

As a sticker business owner, one of your primary objectives is to make your stickers eye-catching and memorable. Fortunately, there are several design elements and techniques that can help make your stickers stand out from the crowd. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of these elements and how they can be used effectively to create compelling visual impact.

Visual Elements On Stickers To Sell

Creating Stickers: Size and Shape

Stickers come in all shapes and sizes and can be cut into a variety of forms such as circles, squares, or ovals. Consider experimenting with different forms to see which ones complement your design best. Additionally, oversized stickers are often attention-grabbing and more likely to be noticed.

Color Scheme: Make stickers to sell

The colors you choose are important in determining the mood and tone of your sticker designs. However, it's essential to select color schemes that are relevant to your brand. Pastels are popular for a calm and comforting mood, while brighter colors can create a more exciting and energetic vibe.

Typography on personalized stickers

The typeface (font) used in sticker design helps to convey your message. Choose a suitable font that conveys a message that fits your brand and design aesthetics. A bold, sans-serif font may work better for minimalist designs, while a script or handwritten font can add elegance and style to your design.

Imagery on your own stickers

Images such as illustrations, photographs, logos, or mascots can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your stickers. Experimenting with different styles such as geometric or abstract art can also make your stickers unique.

Design Techniques To Create Stickers

Minimalism for vinyl stickers

Minimalism is a popular design trend characterized by a refined, simplistic design approach. With minimalism, less is more. By choosing minimalist designs, you can convey a powerful message in a clear and concise manner.

Bold patterns in your sticker shop

Using bold patterns can bring life to your stickers. Consider creating designs with bold and striking patterns such as chevrons, stripes, and polka dots, to grab the viewer's attention.

Negative Space to sell stickers online

Negative space is white space around a design that is unused. Negative space draws attention to the design at the center, making it pop. it also adds a minimalist and chic feel to sticker designs.

Examples of Vinyl Stickers That Stand Out

  • The bright and bold colors used in the characters of Gudetama, the Sanrio brand character, immediately grab the viewer's attention.
  • Stickers emblazoned with motivational quotes in a bold, handwritten font are perfect for planners and journals.
  • The abstract designs at the center of most stickers, highlighted in negative space, create an elegant and modern feel to the design.

In conclusion, designing eye-catching stickers involves a careful interplay between visual elements and design techniques. Experimenting with various forms, bold patterns, minimalism, typography, and imagery can create a sticker that stands out to customers. Utilize the tips and techniques discussed to create stunning and memorable sticker designs that will leave a lasting impression on customers.

Are you looking for high-quality, customizable stickers for your brand? Check out Fast Stickers, a reputable sticker manufacturer that offers a wide range of customization options to bring your stickers to life.

Choosing themes and messages to sell stickers online

Stickers today are not only a fun way to express oneself, but they also serve as a powerful marketing tool. Choosing the right themes and messages for your stickers could make a significant difference in how people respond to your brand. In this post, we’ll explore some popular themes and messages and provide tips on how to create compelling sticker designs.

The Significance of Themes and Messages on Print Stickers

Themes and messages on stickers create an emotional connection with your audience. A well-designed sticker with an inspiring message or impressionable imagery can be the difference between a brand being easily forgotten or growing a loyal fanbase. Choosing the right themes and messages that resonate with your audience can really bring your stickers to life.

Popular Sticker Themes For Selling Stickers Online

Here are some examples of sticker themes that have become popular among different audiences:

  • Motivational Quotes: Stickers with motivational and inspirational quotes have gained immense popularity among people seeking some much-needed positivity and motivation.
  • Pop Culture References: Stickers that reference popular TV shows, movies, and music artists can trigger nostalgia in people and connect them to a broader community.
  • Political Statements: Stickers related to current social and political issues tend to generate high engagement online. However, be sure to be sensitive about the topics you address.
  • Holiday Themes: Seasonal sticker designs for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day can be a fun way to get into the holiday spirit.

Creating Effective Sticker Themes and Messages For Your Sticker Shop

Here are some tips to help you create effective sticker themes and messages:

  • Know Your Audience: Understand your target audience and the emotions you want to evoke in them through your stickers. Develop themes and messages that resonate with them.
  • Be Simple and Clear: Your message should be clear and concise, so it resonates easily with your audience.
  • Be Relevant: Use current events or topics people are talking about in your design to ensure relevance.
  • Use Emotions: Design your stickers to elicit emotions from your audience. Emotions like humor, nostalgia, and inspiration can significantly improve sticker engagement.

Best Practices for Designing a Successful Vinyl Stickers Campaign

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when designing and executing a successful sticker campaign:

  • Use High-Quality Images: Use high-quality images that stand out and resonate with your audience. Poor quality images will negatively impact engagement and leave a negative impression.
  • Make it Unique: Create unique designs that differentiate your brand from others in the market.
  • Utilize Marketing Channels: Use social media or influencer marketing to help promote your stickers.
  • Choose Creative Placement: Choose unconventional placement positions for your stickers to make your brand more memorable.

Sticker designs that leverage effective themes and messages can create long-lasting emotional connections with your audience. By understanding your audience, being simple, clear, and relevant, and using emotions, you can design captivating sticker campaigns that speak to your audience. And through implementing best practices, your campaigns can help increase your brand's visibility and grow your fan base.

Considering production costs and scalability when selling stickers

As a sticker business owner, managing expenses and planning for scalability are key to your business's financial success. Let's take a closer look at some tips and actionable insights that can help with the production and sales of your stickers.

Keeping Production Costs Low

Minimizing expenses during production is essential to maximize profits. Here are some tips:

  • Research Materials and Suppliers: It's important to find quality and affordable materials for your stickers. Research suppliers and ask for quotes from several companies before choosing the best option.
  • Consider Different Production Methods: Explore different production methods, such as print on demand, bulk printing, and home printing stickers for your own sticker shop.
  • Optimize Printing Process: Optimize the printing process by minimizing ink usage, choosing efficient printing machines, and limiting print runs to avoid excess inventory.

Planning for Scalability and Growth

Planning for scalability and growth is crucial for expanding your sticker business. Here are some actionable insights for scaling your business:

  • Automate Production Processes: Implement automated production processes to increase efficiency and reduce labor costs. Consider using machines and software to automate various steps in the production process.
  • Build a Strong Online Presence: Focus on promoting your brand and products through social media channels and online marketplaces. Develop a brand identity and create content that resonates with your target audience.
  • Research New Markets and Target Audiences: Research new markets and target audiences to expand your customer base. Consider niche markets, such as the planner or journaling community, to find new audiences outside of your current demographic.

Real-life Examples and Case Studies

Take inspiration from successful sticker businesses that have effectively managed expenses and scaled their production and sales. For example:

  • Redbubble: This online marketplace offers a wide selection of stickers created by independent artists. Redbubble keeps production costs low by printing stickers on-demand, meaning that they only produce a sticker after someone has placed an order.
  • Sticker Mule: Sticker Mule scaled its production by using a combination of automation and human labor. They have created unique web software to cut down on expenses (e.g., proofing) while still maintaining excellent quality control of their sticker printing.

In conclusion, managing expenses and planning for scalability are critical to the success of your sticker business. Focus on optimizing production processes, building a strong online presence, and researching new markets and target audiences to scale your business cost-effectively. By following these tips and studying real-life examples, you can take your business to the next level.

Conclusion

Creating and selling custom stickers online can be a lucrative and rewarding business venture. From identifying profitable niches and designing eye-catching stickers to managing expenses and planning for scalability, you have learned all the essential steps to start a successful sticker business.

Don't let the fear of the unknown hold you back from launching your online sticker business. With services like CustomStickers, you can efficiently produce high-quality custom stickers at an affordable price. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for unique and personalized stickers online; creating an opportunity for success in this market.

Make use of the tips and resources provided in this article to create quality custom sticker designs that appeal to your target audience. Remember to stay up-to-date with current trends, analyze data, and keep your brand's identity authentic.

Don't be afraid to take the plunge and start building your online sticker business today. With the right strategies and mindset, you can turn your passion for designing stickers into a profitable and fulfilling career. Good luck on your entrepreneurial journey!

Want even more intel?

My upcoming book, "Bulletproof Marketing for Digital Artists" will have everything you want - and more - on digital art and building your digital business. Preorder today, and be the first to get your copy in January 2024!

Preorder Now