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Die Cut Stickers vs Sticker Sheets: Which Option Is Better for You?
You know stickers are valuable promotional tools. You know you can get whatever design you like, and whatever size you prefer. But now you have a problem. You’re not sure whether to opt for die cut stickers or sticker sheets. In fact, you’re not even sure of the difference between them. In this article, we’ll look at the two types of stickers, as well as when to use them. Understanding the Difference Between Die Cut Stickers and Sticker Sheets Sticker sheets are, as their name pretty clearly states, sheets with multiple stickers on them. These sheets can feature all the same sticker or multiple sticker designs, depending on your preference. Essentially, what happens is that the designs are printed on a sheet, and then, when the cut is made, it’s only made through the sticker itself and not all the way through to the backing. So, what you end up with is a rectangular sheet of backing material and vinyl on which the stickers have been printed, and only the latter has been scored so you can peel the individual stickers off the sheet. This type of cut is referred to as a kiss cut, seeing as the blades only lightly “kiss” the vinyl, and don’t go all the way through. They can be cut to any shape you choose, including along the contour of the design if it’s not a standard shape. Conversely, die cut stickers have been cut out of the sheet completely, usually along the contour of the design but they can also be cut out as standard geometric shapes, if you prefer. These tend to be slightly more expensive than sticker sheets, but are great at making an impact. How to Decide Between Sticker Sheets and Die-Cut Stickers In terms of which one is better, the fact is that it depends on the situation. Sticker sheets are more suited to some applications, while for others, die-cut stickers are more appropriate. Determine the Application The first step in figuring out whether to get die-cut stickers or sticker sheets is to determine what you’ll be using them for. Below you’ll find a few examples. Package and Product Stickers If you are going to be using the stickers to put on your packages when shipping to customers, then you’re probably better off with sticker sheets. It’s a more cost-effective option and since you won’t be handing them out individually, it doesn’t matter how many stickers are on a single sheet. Keep in mind that they don’t have to be identical to one another, so even if each label has a custom message on it, you can still get them on sheets. Another advantage to sticker sheets is the ease with which you can peel them off the sheet. It might not seem like a big deal, but if you have a large number of packages to brand, anything that makes it easier and less time-consuming definitely helps. Stickers for Customers When you’re giving out stickers to your customers, you should probably stick to die-cut stickers, even if you are sending more than one. Yes, a sticker sheet would be more efficient if you are sending out a few stickers to each customer, but the fact is that die-cut stickers look more professional. The last thing you want to do is to make your customers think you’re cheap. So, investing in die-cut stickers is definitely more beneficial to your reputation in the long run. Plus, if you sent multiple die-cut stickers, your customers can also hand them out to friends and family, further promoting your brand. If you take the sticker sheet route, this would be a lot more difficult for your customers to do, meaning you’d be missing out on a valuable promotional opportunity. Remember, you want to make it as easy as possible for your customers to be your advocates and recommend you to their friends and family, so send them die-cut stickers. Promotional Stickers If you will be putting up promotional stickers in your area, or at an event, you’ll probably want to go with sticker sheets. Once again, it saves time as peeling them off is much easier. Furthermore, it’s a lot easier to transport 500 stickers, for example, when they are still attached to a sheet, than when they are loose. There’s also less of a chance of losing them because it’s easier to notice a whole sheet flying off than it is a 2”x2” sticker. Consider the Design When deciding between die-cut stickers and sticker sheets, you also have to take into account the design. If it’s a very delicate design with lots of “bits” sticking out, a contour die-cut sticker might not be the best option because it’s easier for those areas to get damaged. For example, if you have a ribbon waving in the wind, it’s more likely to get bent or even torn off, despite the additional strength the backing material provides. However, when the same sticker is on a sheet, it won’t be exposed so there’s less of a chance of accidents happening. Don’t Forget Your Budget Budget is certainly a consideration, despite how cost-effective stickers are in general. So, if you are sending out multiple stickers to your customers, you might opt for a sticker sheet as it will be slightly cheaper. However, remember that you’ll be missing out on a great opportunity to increase brand awareness because your customers won’t be able to hand out stickers to other people. Plus, there’s also the risk that you’ll seem cheap. It’s often a better idea to get fewer die-cut stickers than opting for sticker sheets when trying to make your customers feel special. Die-cut stickers and sticker sheets are both popular options, but the approach you choose really depends on your circumstances and how those stickers will be used. In some cases, a die-cut sticker is mandatory if you want to put your best foot forward and really impress your customers. In other situations, like when you have 300 packages of your homemade cookies to brand, you want to go for sticker sheets to make your life easier.
Learn more6 Ways to Use Promotional Stickers for Businesses from Stickerbeat
Stickers are a great way to promote your business because most people don’t perceive them as advertising. In fact, most people really like stickers and when you give them one, even if it just features your brand, they’ll consider it a gift rather than an ad. And people like using stickers, which is where the power of this marketing tool comes in. When someone places a sticker featuring your brand on a personal item, they are telling the rest of the world that they support your brand. Few forms of marketing generate the same level of results that word-of-mouth marketing does, which is why stickers are so powerful. Furthermore, when you are giving out stickers to your customers, you are also promoting loyalty. They feel special because you’re giving them a gift, which will endear your brand to them even more. Below, you’ll find a few more ways to effectively promote your business with stickers. Include Fun and Interesting Messages What’s someone more likely to stick on their laptop? A sticker with just your brand on it? Or a sticker with your brand on it that also features a fun, quirky, or even inspirational message? The latter, of course. So, if you want to increase the chances of people using your stickers on their belongings, and getting as many eyeballs on them as possible, get a little more creative than just slapping your brand on them. You could even have stickers printed with blank areas where people could write in their own messages. However, keep in mind that a professionally printed sticker with the message already on there is more likely to get used because it’s more convenient. Give Out Useful Stickers People love stickers, so they’ll put them on everything and anything, as long as they like the brand. But what if those stickers were more than just fun ways to spruce up laptops, phones, cars and more? What if they were actually useful? Well, people would be even more likely to use them. While they might not show up everywhere, you can be sure people will remember your brand even better when the stickers you hand out have a useful purpose. For example, you could print attractive labels for organizational purposes that include your brand. People could use them on everything from their jars to their in and out trays at work. Yes, these stickers wouldn’t be seen by as many people, but they are just as effective at keeping your brand front and center for the person using the sticker. Send Them to Your Customers When sending out orders, always include a few stickers in the package. Not only will customers love the extra little “gift” – that’s what they will perceive it as and not as a promotional tactic – they will also end up handing them out to friends and family, as long as they’re well designed and attractive. So, make sure you don’t miss out on this great opportunity to make your customers feel special, but also to turn them into advocates. And that’s why you should always include more than one sticker in each package. If your business is service oriented, you can still send out stickers with a thank you card to your best customers. They aren’t all that expensive, and neither will the cost of mailing them be all that high. The result will be very grateful customers who feel valued, which will help build loyalty. Put Them on your Packaging Simple packaging is definitely cheaper than getting it specially branded, but it certainly isn’t as effective at promoting brand awareness. Stickers are a great middle ground as they’re much more cost-effective than getting specialty packaging, but they still offer the benefits of more interesting packaging for your customers while promoting your brand. And since stickers can be cut out in a variety of shapes, you can get really creative and get some stunning stickers made that will impress your customers. Spruce Up Those Store-Front Windows Store-front windows are valuable promotional real estate that can be used to great effect with some great quality stickers and decals. Whether you’re running a sale, or simply want to let customers know your opening hours, putting up stickers on your windows is a great way of doing it. So, whenever you have a special offer or get new products in, put stickers in your windows to let people know. It’s just as effective at drawing in foot traffic as having someone standing outside handing out flyers. Put Them on the Floor Floors aren’t often used as advertising space, which is why placing a series of stickers on the ground is such a great way to draw attention. People won’t be able to help but notice something they’re stepping on, so it’s definitely a great way to promote your brand using stickers and decals. Like with any other type of sticker, the more creative you get, the more you’ll draw people in. You can do things like advertising sales out in the parking lot or sidewalk, with arrows pointing to your store, and more. Regardless of where or how you are using these stickers, remember to always include contact details. At the very minimum, you want to have your web address on the sticker. This way, people who see the sticker and want to learn more about your brand don’t have to go to too much effort to do so. On larger stickers, like those you use in shop windows and on floors, you can even include QR codes, which make things even easier. On those types of stickers, also make sure to include a call-to-action. Where smaller stickers that you send out to customers and hand on the street are more about building brand awareness, large stickers or decals should have a call-to-action so you can increase conversion rates. At Stickerbeat, we offer a wide range of high quality stickers that you can use to easily promote your brand. We even offer a free graphic design service so we can help you turn your highly creative idea into reality. So, get in touch and let us help you promote your brand with stickers.
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