How to Create Novelty Stickers: Methods and Marketing Tips

Novelty stickers are often distributed as event announcements or perks. Although they incur production costs, they can yield high advertising and promotional effects when used strategically.

This article explains the specific steps for creating novelty stickers and tips for maximizing their marketing impact. Use them effectively to increase customer attraction and enhance brand image.

Our company creates custom-made novelty stickers in various shapes and sizes. We conduct thorough consultations and support to ensure the final product meets your expectations, so please feel free to contact us.

The Role of Novelty Stickers

Novelty stickers are stickers given away for free to attendees at events such as trade shows or concerts. They are also distributed as perks for purchasers and are used for event promotion.

There is no clear definition distinguishing stickers from decals, but stickers are generally considered to be more durable and suitable for outdoor use, while decals are intended for indoor use.

When recipients place them on their belongings or in noticeable places, they can attract public attention, providing advertising and promotional effects. They not only enhance participant satisfaction but also serve as a promotional item to attract new customers.

Steps to Create Original Novelty Stickers

This section explains the steps to create novelty stickers. If you are considering making original items, please refer to this guide.

Step 1: Decide on the Design and Size

First, decide on the design and size of the novelty stickers.
Since stickers are distributed individually, die-cut and full-cut finishes are often chosen. Here are their characteristics:

Sticker Shape	Characteristics
Single-cut (cheap)	・Each sticker is on a backing paper ・The backing paper is slightly larger ・The larger backing paper prevents the sticker from getting damaged ・Recommended if cost is a priority
Die-cut Finish	・Only supports rectangular shapes ・The method of cutting the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the sticker ・The backing paper and sticker are exactly the same size ・Common shape for stickers
Full-cut Finish	・Suitable for irregular shapes ・The method of cutting both the sticker and backing paper in the desired shape ・The backing paper and sticker have the same shape ・Common shape for retail stickers

The die-cut finish results in a rectangular shape as the top, bottom, and sides are cut. The full-cut finish can accommodate complex shapes as it is created from a die-cut. If the shape is too sharp, the printing company will adjust it.

Additionally, novelty stickers distributed individually should not be too large or too small to be practical. Consider the usability of the stickers for participants and purchasers to improve satisfaction and utilization rates.

Step 2: Choose the Material and Adhesive Type

Next, choose the material and adhesive type. Sticker materials vary in characteristics, including paper and film. Even within paper materials, options range from glossy finishes to uniquely textured washi-like materials.

Depending on the actual usage scenario, consider functional aspects such as water resistance and durability. Choose the best material by clearly defining the design and post-completion image.

Among them, we especially recommend YUPO film material. It is affordable and durable, making it a favorable material for consumers.

Step 3: Decide on the Processing Techniques

Incorporating processing techniques into the design can make stickers more attractive.
Common processing techniques for novelty stickers are as follows:

Processing Method	Description
Foil Stamping	・A processing technique that transfers "foil" such as gold or silver to the design surface ・Widely used for stickers to create a luxurious look
Embossing	・A processing technique that uses a mold to press and create raised designs ・Limited to paper materials but provides differentiation

Incorporating processing techniques adds originality to the stickers. Combine them well with materials and designs to create novelty stickers that enhance the image of the event or brand.

Step 4: Get a Quote and Place an Order

Once the final design of the stickers is decided, get a quote. Be sure to confirm the production schedule and delivery date at this point. If there are no issues, place the order formally and wait for the product to be completed. Prototypes before mass production are also available for a fee, so consider using them as needed.

Our company supports customers from inquiry to product completion with knowledgeable staff. We also offer paid sample production, so if you are considering custom-made stickers, please feel free to contact us.

Three Marketing Effects You Can Expect from Novelty Stickers

While producing novelty stickers incurs costs, there are still advantages to creating them. This is because making goods can provide the following marketing effects:

Effect 1: Increase in Brand Awareness

Novelty stickers can increase brand awareness. Stickers have a strong visual impact and are memorable items. Creating novelty stickers with your company's logo can enhance brand recognition.

Additionally, providing attractive items for free can improve the company's image. It becomes easier to reach a customer base that did not know about your company, and it can also enhance the favorability and satisfaction of existing customers.

Effect 2: Natural Advertising and Promotion

When novelty stickers are used, they can serve as advertising and promotional tools to new customer bases. However, if few people use them, the effect will be diminished. Therefore, it is crucial to create attractive designs that people will want to use.

Distribute them a few months before the period when you want to increase customer traffic, timing it strategically. Plan to maximize the effect with a long-term perspective.

Effect 3: Establishing Familiarity through the Mere Exposure Effect

Novelty stickers can help build trust with customers through the mere exposure effect. The mere exposure effect refers to the phenomenon where repeated exposure to the same person or object increases positive impressions of the subject.

When people use novelty stickers in their daily lives, they increase their exposure to the company or brand. Repeated contact can lead to improved image and a sense of familiarity.

Three Tips for Maximizing the Effectiveness of Novelty Stickers

Here are tips to maximize the promotional effects of novelty stickers. These three tips are useful for strategic planning:

Tip 1: Choose the Best Material for the Intended Use

Specifically consider the intended usage scenarios, such as whether the stickers will be used indoors or outdoors, and select the most suitable material.

If they will be used outdoors on items such as helmets or cars, it is important to use materials that are water-resistant and durable. By taking the usage scenarios into account, you increase the likelihood that the stickers will actually be used.

Even though the stickers are distributed for free, creating them without compromising on quality is key to maximizing their advertising and promotional effects.

Tip 2: Distribute Strategically within Specific Scenes

Distribute the produced novelty stickers strategically, limiting the time and place.

“Not easily obtainable” is one of the added values you can offer to customers. If they are always available, their specialness diminishes, and their perceived value to customers may decrease.

Consider providing different stickers for different events and stopping distribution after a certain period to maintain their rarity.

Tip 3: Choose a Dedicated Sticker Printing Company

Opt for a dedicated sticker printing company that can work closely with you through detailed consultations. With cheap bulk orders, there are limitations to design reproduction and final quality. While the ease of ordering is attractive, most companies won't provide thorough pre-production meetings or align their services with your specific needs.

With a dedicated sticker printing company, you can receive custom-made stickers crafted after thorough consultations. To maximize the marketing effects of your stickers, choose a printing company that will not compromise on quality.

Our company focuses on quality and the added value stickers provide. We offer free 24-hour inquiries, so feel free to contact us.

Examples of Our Novelty Stickers

Here are some examples of novelty stickers we've produced.

Example 1: General Incorporated Association 42 Tokyo｜Novelty Stickers

These are hologram stickers for event announcements.

We produced six types of novelty stickers. We used eye-catching hologram film and durable vinyl material. By combining die-cut shapes and using black ink only, costs were kept down. Additionally, all stickers were laminated to enhance durability. They can be used on PCs or outdoor items.

Example 2: BEATINK.COM BIG THIEF｜Novelty Stickers

These are novelty stickers included with the album of BIG THIEF, an indie folk-rock band based in Brooklyn, NY.

We used YUPO 80µ film material (solvent strong adhesive) with matte lamination for a smooth, luxurious feel that is also water-resistant. The design stands out as there is no excess backing paper due to the die-cut finish.

Example 3: freee Inc.｜Novelty Stickers

These are novelty stickers for freee Inc., known for its cloud accounting software.

We printed on YUPO 80µ film material (solvent strong adhesive) with matte lamination. The lamination improves the durability of the print by preventing the ink from rubbing off.

The unique shape cut with a die emphasizes the company's image, making these distinctive novelty stickers.

For Novelty Sticker Production, It Is Recommended to Use a Sticker Printing Company

Novelty stickers are items that can expand recognition and promote sales.

By incorporating them strategically, high marketing effects can be expected. The key is to get people to actually use the stickers in their daily lives.

Create attractive novelty stickers that add value to your company's or brand's image.

We offer custom-made stickers, including novelty stickers, in various types. If you are considering production, please feel free to consult us.