What’s great about promotional stickers is they’re seen as a product not an ad. People say they hate ads but many of the same people love free stuff. If you want to engage with existing customers and attract new prospects, hand out promotional stickers wherever your target market is likely to grab them.
In-Store or Office
Your existing customers are your best advocates. When someone makes a purchase, put a sticker in their bag and ask them to display it. You’d be surprised how far a simple ask goes! Even if someone is just browsing and doesn’t buy anything, hand out a free sticker as they leave and it creates a positive impression that sticks—literally. It’s an easy way to connect and keep your brand top of mind.
For service-based businesses, stickers are a great way to say thank you. Thank your clients for stopping by with a sticker they can use. Whether they put it on a laptop, water bottle or notebook, your brand gets free visibility wherever they go.
In Product Packaging
If you’re an online business, you know how important the unboxing experience is. When shipping products, put a branded sticker in the box with the product. It feels like a nice extra, leaving customers with a small but tangible keepsake.
You can even decorate the packaging itself. Custom stickers or branded packing tape turn any box into a moving billboard, grabbing the attention of delivery personnel, neighbors, and everyone along the shipping route. As soon as the package arrives at the customer’s doorstep they know exactly where it came from, adding a personal and recognizable touch to your e-commerce brand.
Trade Shows
Trade shows are a treasure trove for businesses looking to get in front of their target market. Hand out promotional stickers at your booth and start conversations and awareness. A well designed sticker is a keepsake that attendees will actually want to use and share.
To make it even more impactful, turn it into a contest. For example, announce that attendees wearing your sticker during the event will be entered into a draw to win a prize. This creates buzz around your booth, keeps people engaged and gives them a reason to wear your brand.
Events
Events aren’t just limited to trade shows. Local festivals, business conferences, sponsored events and community meetups are all great opportunities to hand out promotional stickers. Be proactive: hand them out to attendees, vendors and organizers. Every sticker you give out can reach a wider audience beyond the event.
Events also give you the opportunity to make personal connections. If someone is interested in your business, giving them a free sticker is a natural way to leave a lasting impression. Don’t be afraid—stickers are fun and people love to take them home!
Direct Mail
Despite the digital age, direct mail is still a marketing powerhouse. A well written piece of mail stands out from the daily pile of bills and flyers and stickers add an extra layer of surprise and delight. By including a creative, eye-catching sticker you make your direct mail more engaging and memorable.
For even more impact, pair the sticker with a fun or useful postcard. Ask recipients to use the sticker and share where they put it, turn a simple mail campaign into an experience. A sticker on a laptop or phone case keeps your brand visible for weeks or even months.
Where Salespeople Go
Your sales team hands out business cards all the time, but what if those cards were stickers? Business card stickers are unique, memorable and far more practical than traditional cards. They’re not only harder to lose but also fun to show off.
Give your salespeople a stash of promotional stickers to hand out during meetings, networking events or casual conversations. This small but clever touch can make a big difference in how potential customers remember your brand.
Conclusion
Promotional stickers are a versatile and affordable marketing tool that can get your brand in front of people in many ways. Whether you’re handing them out in-store, slipping them into packages or sharing them at events, the key is to get them into the hands of people who will wear and show them off. Stickers aren’t meant to sit in a box gathering dust—they’re meant to be shared, seen and remembered.
Next time you get the chance, hand one out. They’re not just a freebie, they’re a mini connection builder, conversation starter and brand reminder.