Unconventional Ways to Use Stickers for Brand Promotion

Stickers have come a long way from being simple childhood novelties. Today, they are a versatile marketing tool for businesses looking to add personality and creativity to their branding. In Singapore’s highly competitive market, where everyone is fighting for attention, businesses need to think beyond the usual flyers and digital ads. Stickers, when used strategically, can turn everyday items into brand touchpoints and even conversation starters.

Packaging With a Personal Touch

Rather than using plain boxes or generic packaging, businesses can seal products with branded stickers. This not only makes the parcel instantly recognisable but also adds a professional and thoughtful touch. Imagine receiving a package wrapped neatly with a customised sticker saying “Thank You” alongside the brand logo. That small effort can elevate the unboxing experience and reinforce brand identity. It works exceptionally well for small businesses and homegrown brands selling through platforms like Shopee or Carousell.

Giveaways That Stick

Stickers are low-cost items that customers genuinely enjoy receiving. Including a few branded stickers in product packaging can feel like a free gift, encouraging recipients to stick them on laptops, water bottles, notebooks or even phone cases. The key is to make the design trendy or witty enough for people to want to display them. Each time they do, your brand gains exposure without you having to pay for an ad slot.

For example, cafés or fitness studios in Singapore can hand out aesthetic or motivational sticker designs that subtly carry the brand name or tagline. These freebies help build brand loyalty while turning customers into walking ambassadors.

Guerrilla Marketing with a Local Flavour

Businesses with physical presence around neighbourhoods can use sticker-based guerrilla marketing campaigns to grab attention. Think of a pop-up café placing branded stickers on lamp posts, benches or public noticeboards in areas with heavy footfall like Bugis or Tanjong Pagar. If designed cleverly, such campaigns can go viral, especially when people start sharing them on social media.

It’s essential to remain respectful of public spaces and gain permission where necessary, but this method allows small businesses to make a big splash without spending a fortune on advertising.

Custom Stickers for Events and Pop-Ups

At trade shows or flea markets like Public Garden, brand visibility is crucial. Custom stickers serve as great icebreakers. Instead of just handing out a brochure, businesses can offer a well-designed sticker along with a short introduction. It can spark conversations and help the brand stand out among dozens of booths. It’s even better if the stickers are tied to a game or lucky draw, drawing more foot traffic and engagement. Pairing this with booklet printing for detailed product or service information creates a comprehensive promotional package that leaves a lasting impression.

This strategy is also popular among real estate agents, who are becoming increasingly dependent on traditional printing methods like brochures and flyers to maintain a professional presence at exhibitions and property launches. Stickers, banners, and even premium name card designs all play a role in creating a lasting impression.

Internal Marketing That Builds Culture

Many companies forget that branding doesn’t stop with customers. Stickers can be used within the organisation to boost morale and company culture. Laptop stickers, desk labels, or even wall decals with fun messages or inside jokes help humanise the brand. It makes the workplace feel more cohesive and aligned.

This internal use of branded materials is becoming a popular marketing trend, especially among startups in Singapore, where a strong internal culture often translates into better customer service and stronger brand values. Employees proudly displaying branded stickers on their gear can also amplify reach outside the office.

QR Code Stickers for Digital-Physical Integration

A clever way to bridge online and offline worlds is through QR code stickers. Instead of traditional posters or signs, a sticker can hold a scannable code leading to a website, Instagram profile, or promotional video. This is perfect for retailers, food stalls, or popup events who want to make their call to action more interactive.

For instance, a sticker on a takeaway coffee cup might say, “Scan me for a secret menu item” and link to a landing page. It builds curiosity and increases digital engagement, all from a simple, low-cost sticker.

Limited Edition Collectible Series

Brands can create collectible sticker series tied to different themes, seasons or events. This approach works brilliantly with lifestyle brands, entertainment venues or even tuition centres. When customers start collecting your brand’s stickers, they form a stronger emotional connection. Limited edition runs also build hype and urgency, encouraging repeat interactions.

Some local bookstores and cafes in Singapore have started releasing new designs monthly, with customers eager to get their hands on the next one. This creates an organic buzz that’s hard to achieve with paid advertising.

Stickers on Unlikely Surfaces

Beyond traditional surfaces like paper or plastic, try using stickers on everyday items that see heavy usage. Delivery bags, bicycles, hand sanitisers or reusable containers offer great sticker real estate. It’s especially relevant for eco-conscious brands that encourage reusability and sustainability. Not only does this make the brand visible, it also aligns with lifestyle values that resonate with modern Singaporean consumers.

Although not entirely ethical, some businesses paste stickers in public areas where their services are most needed. Examples include stickers offering cleaning services at lift lobbies and stickers offering locksmith services along public HDB corridors for when people are locked out of their homes. Despite being illegal, these practices sometimes work. However, businesses must be aware of such risks when they contravene the law. 

Conclusion

Stickers may be small, but their marketing potential is anything but. From packaging and giveaways to guerrilla marketing and internal branding, there are countless ways to use them creatively and effectively. At Go-to Print, we love helping businesses bring their ideas to life through high-quality sticker printing and design solutions tailored for the local market. If you're ready to explore sticker-based marketing or elevate your print materials beyond the basics, visit Go-to Print and discover how we can support your brand’s creative journey.