Show us your Stickers - The new old trend of expression through stickers

As a child of the 90’s personalizing with stickers was a huge part of how we expressed ourselves. I remember getting stickers from vending machines or record shops and sticking them on folders or binders. I had friends with skateboards and guitar cases covered with bands, glittery aliens, No Fear sayings etc. I was so jealous of my friends in college who had a bass clarinet case COVERED in stickers.

There is always a trend that is pushing the envelope on how to be individuals. In a world full of noise, how do we make who we are as an individual stand out? In true contradiction, we do that by showcasing brands we love and images we embrace. Why are so many brands offering up stickers, adhesive patches and other items? They not only want to reserve mindshare, they want a spot on your water bottle.

At first, I thought this trend was exclusive of the VSCO girl and reserved for the youth. Then, armed with my own bought and paid for Lenova Yoga laptop (as compared to always using a company computer) with me at least 80% of the time, I found myself picking out stickers at the Digital Summit that spoke to me, keeping samples from Gil Studios meant for a presentation that said #Iamremarkable and finally on a search at the Morton Pumpkin Festival for pumpkin shaped sticker to spend $2 to represent my hometown pride.

What is the Trend?

While running merchandising for company stores for some national craft beer brands I noticed that we had stickers in EVERY single program (many of which are now on the mini fridge in our garage). Working with the brand’s social media team we could use these stickers as leverage, not only for festival giveaways but for rewards for participation. What would you do for a sticker? What does that brand now mean to you?

EMT (emteasy.com), a supplier in the promotional market came out with a campaign where they gave away adhesive patches that simply showed Promo AF. There was no company branding or anything. It was just supposed to be a fun representation at PPAI Expo. It represented their culture and spoke to many attendees and basically went VIRAL. It created a movement. Everyone was posting their pictures showcasing their Promo AF logo as a showcase of pride in the industry. It was simple and amazing all at the same time. And yes, I work with this company. And yes, they sent me one which I will be adding to my laptop.

This is a TRANSCENDING trend, and if your brand isn’t jumping on the bandwagon for this really inexpensive promotion, you are missing out. In true digital fashion I reached out to my tribe on Facebook to ask for representation of this trend, and I was very impressed with the results. I received pictures from different friends, different demographics represented, different tastes, different professions all embracing the sticker trend. Jen Billock, professional writer based in Wisconsin (jenniferbillock.com) and Jaime Becker, Librarian and color guard Instructor from the St. Louis area, both college friends and members of Sigma Alpha Iota, posted their layered laptops. Each of which I could clearly see their personality. Brett Long of the Magnet Group sent me his luggage covered with stickers of his various travels. Dan Olson sent me his standing cooler with very little open space. Jen Ford and Charity Gibson, neither of the VSCO demographic, each showcased their rocking water bottles. Two other friends, who I don’t think had ever met, started talking about how they collect their stickers but they save them. Brandon Pecharich, fellow digital professional and star of Promo E’rr Day, sent me a picture of his laptop and we started talking about exchanging stickers. This is ridiculous! And fun! And an opportunity.

How do you embrace it?

Step One: Don’t overthink it. Just keep it simple. Is your brand well recognized like a craft beer, university or other consumer brand? Then start with your brand logo and go from there.

Step Two: Have fun. Some of my stickers come from companies like @picmonkey and Zoho Social. The only reason I know they do is because the text is added under the graphic in small letters. One sticker says “You are what you Tweet”. If it had just been the Zoho logo I probably wouldn’t have picked it up. (My associate and I spent considerable time at their booth at the Digital Summit having a conversation while we picked the right ones for us).

Step Three: Make it nice. While these stickers are widely embraced take a minute to pick the right one. Yes, there are cheap options and there are expensive ones. It’s okay to go in the middle. Consider a matte which is very popular right now. Gives it a soft feel.

Step Four: Give them out. Make sure people can get them. Do you run a local shop or business? Maybe have different releases where they can pick up an exclusive design. Send them out in invoices with a thank you. They are inexpensive. Share them.

Step Five: Ask for Pictures: Ask for people to show their picture on social media. It gives you amazing insight on who your target is and where they are using their product. Nothing like some inexpensive research.

I’m embracing the sticker movement. We will be having a series of Trend on Brand stickers available. If you are interested in getting one please reach out. They will also be available for exchange at the PPAI Expo. So, bring your stickers and we can trade!