Custom Sticker Blog

Euro Stickers - Americans Still Stuck On Simple Oval Sticker

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:03:00 +0000

Euro stickers are an interesting phenomenon. You know, those basic black and white ovals printed with two or three basic block letters like VT, OBX, and it seems any other letter combo or graphic possible? It’s been 40 years since the United Nation came up with large oval stickers printed with country codes as a way to determine a vehicles point of origin. About 15 years ago the stickers jumped to the US, shrunk a bit, and have been used ever since to showcase the origin of (or pride in)… anything imaginable.

At Websticker.com, these custom printed ovals have consistently been one of our strongest selling products. I must admit, I really thought euro stickers were a fad that would fizzle out (or morph into something different) after a few years. I was wrong. There are now hundreds of web sites dedicated to selling euro stickers and these simple oval stickers made up almost 15% of our custom car sticker sales last year at Websticker.com.

I don’t know whether it’s the simplicity, size, shape or subtle coded nature of these stickers that keep them so popular but it would seem they will be sticking around for a while. Euro stickers make excellent retail products as they are inexpensive to produce, have high profit margins, and are an excellent impulse purchase that can be stuck in many visible locations. Unlike large traditional bumper stickers, the euro sticker offers a less intrusive, subtler method of showing pride or support in a place, organization, interest, etc.

To celebrate the 40 year anniversary of the “euro sticker” we are running an incredible special through November 13th on custom euro stickers. Are you on our e-mailing list? If not, sign up here so you can be alerted to this one time Euro Sticker Special and exclusive deals in the future.

Websticker.com sells several sizes of stock euro stickers and other popular oval and die-cut sticker sizes. They can be reviewed on our Bestseller Page. We also sell vinyl cut graphics, custom bumper stickers, custom labels and custom magnets. A related article that may be of interest for sticker trends and sticker marketing is Beyond The Bumper Sticker - Small Promotional Stickers Gaining Big Exposure For Businesses.

Marketing Tip: Stickers On Employee Vehicles

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Do all your employees have a sticker with your logo on their cars? Whether it's a small promotional sticker that you hand out or sell to the public, or a giant sticker or vinyl graphic exclusively for company and employee vehicles there is no reason you shouldn't utilize the readily available, low cost advertising space.

What type of incentive would it take to have all employee's take part in an identity building sticker program? Hopefully, it wouldn't take much for employees who are excited and happy about where they work. Maybe it's as simple as just asking. Maybe a small cash incentive? Perhaps just a big thank-you-lunch at the end of a certain period of "sticker exposure" time.

With the high cost of billboards and other print advertising the low cost, high exposure potential of promotional stickers is more powerful than ever. Remember, stickers aren't usually viewed by the public as "advertising" but as testimonials and signs of support. There is only so much you can do to encourage customers to place a sticker in a visible location (like being a great company and offering a well designed, "cool" sticker). But, with employees, you already are paying them to promote and support your company so why not encourage them to take that support out on the road?

Websticker.com is here to help design and produce the most economical and viral stickers possible - big or small, for the public, or for company signage. Visit our design tips page or our special marketing report for more tips and ideas to maximize the promotional power of stickers.

Woops! Stickers Don't Stick.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:54:00 +0000

There are times a 100% guarantee on service and quality come in handy. Check out this article about recent batches of registration and inspection stickers in New York.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/nyregion/13inspect.html?em

Around 20% of 22.5 million stickers aren't sticking. Woops. That's an extremely high defective rate. And oddly enough two completely separate companies were involved.

This is another reminder to work with a trusted supplier/manufacturer and be very clear about the application (adhesive strength / material durability needed) of your stickers, decals and labels. Though you should never expect any faulty product, mistakes do happen, so make sure there is a clear guarantee of replacement if there are any problems at all.

Here's our philosophy and guarantee at Websticker.com. We're serious about our slogan - When You Want Your Name To Stick

Made in The U.S.A. - 100%

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Websticker.com is headquartered in Stowe, Vermont (Check out the view in our backyard). Our production facilities are in the Midwestern US. And all materials used in the production of our custom stickers, labels, decals and magnets are made and purchased in the USA.

We're encouraged to buy local whenever possible. If we can’t keep business within our own town and state we do everything we can to support the U.S. economy by keeping business in the country.

We certainly are not the only sticker company 100% U.S. based and US consumers are lucky to have many great local printing options. We hope our dedication to customer service and the pleasure we take in where we live and what we do shines through.

As a reminder, Websticker.com also sells (and gives away free) high quality U.S. flag stickers and decals. You can get 250 outdoor flag decals for just $50. smaller packages are available as well as high quantity discounts.

Websticker.com Profile - 5 Questions For John

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:49:00 +0000

1. Why do you work at Websticker.com/ Freely Creative?

Well, it’s s more than just the money, lol. This is not just “work” for me, this is truly my career. Work is where you go to just collect that paycheck, I love going to the job and living where I do. I work here because I enjoy helping people, I like creating something and seeing it produced. Plus, I get to do I wide range of activities from graphic design to shooting and editing video for the web.

2. What’s the oddest request for a sticker that you’ve received?

LOL, I don’t want to talk about it... I think I’m still a bit scared. But it had to do with where the stickers were going to be applied.

3. Do you identify more with the “freely” or the “creative” in Freely Creative?

Now you are going to get me in trouble with the boss! I like to go above and beyond to help out our clients. If I could, I think I would throw in the kitchen sink. Everyone here though is on the same page. We all identify with giving clients that extra amount of care and service (freely). I think that everyone here is creative. Sometimes we have competitions making up a new design – everyone gets involved. It’s always a lot of fun here.

4. What does your family think of your job?

Are you kidding! I think next to ice cream, stickers would have to be everyone’s favorite. (well… maybe tied with chocolate)

5. Have you ever made a sticker for yourself?

All the time... stickers and magnets. I’m very involved in many local organizations. I’m a Volunteer Fire Fighter and I’m in charge of Fire education... I’m involved with the local theatre, my church, sports teams, the schools, the list goes on and on. Stickers and magnets are truly a great way to get your name out, as a reminder of events, phone numbers, or as a thank you to people who support you.

Thanks John!

Brian Explains (and Shows) How Vinyl Cut Graphics Are Made

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:22:00 +0000

We just finished a new video at Websticker.com on Vinyl Cut Decals. Brian Neilson explains what a vinyl cut decal is, how they are made, and some of the limitations with this style of decal.

There are two main production methods for vinyl cut graphics. One is with a plotter. This is the "computer cut" method used by most sign shops. For smaller runs this would be the production method of choice. At Websticker.com we are usually making bulk quantities of the vinyl cut decals and for this we generally use a magnesium die.

Watch the process and review if this product may fit your promotional sticker needs or create a high end decal product.

Beyond The Bumper Sticker - Small Promotional Stickers Gaining Big Exposure For Businesses

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:24:00 +0000

STOWE, Vt., Aug. 31, 2009 – In the last 20 years bumper stickers have gone through tremendous transformations. While, the average size of a bumper sticker has been shrinking, the power of stickers for promotional marketing has steadily increased. Today’s promotional bumper stickers may not actually be “bumper” stickers at all.

Websticker.com (http://www.websticker.com), a company specializing in custom promotional stickers, has been at the forefront of marketing with promotional stickers for almost twenty years. “When we got into the sticker business,” owner Jeff Nicholson says, “stickers were regarded like all other promotional product handouts with a logo or name on it. But as the marketing/advertising potential for stickers has increased and been realized, promotional stickers have become an economical and essential tool in many marketing campaigns.”

“What’s important to remember about promotional stickers”, says Nicholson, “is that although they are basically mini-billboards, they are not perceived as ‘advertising’. Stickers applied in visible locations are personal recommendation and literal ‘signs’ of support for a business or organization. Supplying the right type of sticker to customers and fans takes advantage of practically free advertising space by turning those customers into a no-cost sales force and encouraging word-of-mouth advertising.”

For a business to take full advantage of this marketing medium promotional stickers need to be a size and design that is appropriate and attractive to it’s target market so that the customer is more inclined to apply them in visible locations. Here in lies the reason larger traditional bumper stickers have been shrinking and/or disappearing. Smaller promotional die-cut stickers can be stuck on helmets, bikes, skateboards, windows, water bottles, lockers… anywhere. Smaller die cut stickers are not only more versatile than traditional bumper stickers they are more subtle. Exposure increases as people willingly spread a name, logo or statement into a much vaster public arena.

Companies and marketing directors have become increasingly savvy arming their customers and supporters with promotional stickers. “At Websticker.com”, says Nicholson, “we have seen a steady increase in sticker hang tags, sticker postcards, sticker business cards, sticker sheets and other creative formats for delivering long lasting, identity building stickers and decals”. Custom stickers are not just an inexpensive, trade show handout anymore. The marketing world is now finding creative ways to get these mini-billboards into the hands of everyone who can help spread the word.

Websticker.com shares many tips and ideas as well as a special report loaded with information on maximizing the power of promotional stickers at their website. Freely Creative, Inc. was founded in 1991 and launched its online presence as Websticker.com in 1997. The company sells custom stickers, bumper stickers, decals, magnets, labels and sticker-based marketing pieces. Websticker.com offers free consultations, free design and top quality products for “When You Want Your Name To Stick”. To learn more and meet the staff, visit http://www.websticker.com

Websticker.com Profile - 5 Questions For Brooke

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:51:00 +0000

1. What’s your favorite sticker that you’ve seen produced at Websticker.com?

That’s a tough one, as I see thousands of stickers come through here every year. My favorites are usually small, die cut, white vinyl stickers, with only a few simple colors. I particularly like a series of stickers made by Songbird, which feature their icon (a cartoon bird) in various rolls; rocking out on a guitar, hugging the earth, analyzing a ruby, ect. I have them plastered amongst some other black and white stickers on one of my monitor stands.

2. What you like most about working at Websticker.com?

The stickers! I grew up in the ski scene in Southern Vermont and collecting stickers from various ski companies was a hobby that my siblings and I took very seriously. The more stickers you had, the more leverage and power you had as an 8 year old in our house.
Other perks:
-The view out my window. Click here and see for yourself
-Bringing my dog to work!

3. What is the #1 thing that people say when you tell them where you work?

Without a doubt, the most frequent response is: “I’ve always had this great idea for a bumper sticker…” Some are ideas that people have brewing are really good and deserve their spot on the back of a car. Here’s one that I like:

4. Do you have stickers on everything you own?

Not EVERYTHING I own, but they do wind up all over the place: my car (of course), travel mugs, and dog food bin (Truckie picks those) to name a few.

5. Besides working at Websticker.com, what else do you do with your time?

I try to take advantage of all that Stowe has to offer- plenty of skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. My new passion is photographing dogs. Truckie is my top model!

Thanks Brooke! Brooke Kaltsas has been working at Websticker.com since 2006 and is usually the first person people meet when getting a quote or asking questions. She also stars in the welcome video for visitors filling out our quote request form Check it out. If you've got a question about custom stickers, labels, magnets or dog photography contact Websticker's #1 greeter and pricing master.

Size Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:16:00 +0000

Guest Blogger: Brooke from the Sales/Quoting Department

Not sure what size sticker you need? We can help! The size field on our quote form frequently stumps potential customers. I can sympathize to this baffling question- before I started working at Websticker.com, I didn’t have a sense for standard sticker sizes either! It took me a few weeks of seeing actual samples of various sizes in the office to really get a sense for what sizes work best for customer’s varying needs.

There are a few things to consider when selecting a size/shape. Here are a few suggestions to help with the decision:

1. Where are these stickers being applied (see previous blog entry or Tips Page for more on this subject!)? If your intent is to have the stickers be placed on back windows of cars, you probably don’t want something that’s going to take up a lot of real estate on the window (driving hazard). Think either long and skinny, or not much bigger than a CD. If you want your stickers to be stuck everywhere from water bottles to ski lift towers, consider a smaller size that doesn’t limit the surface space possibilities. Think the size of your palm or smaller. Small is beautiful, and more universal.

2. If you have a logo, what is the shape like? If your logo is an obscure shape and it measures roughly 2” x 3”, it’s probably not going to look all that great in our 3” x 11.5” bumper sticker. We would suggest putting your logo into a size that fits better proportionately and minimizes wasted space, like a 3.5” circle. A strong composition makes for a strong statement. See this example (made by me- thank your lucky stars I’m not in the art department).
3. Still clueless? I had a photo shoot with a ruler, a dollar bill, and a bunch of our stock vinyl sizes to help you visual things a little better. Check out this Size Example page on our website. When looking at the sizes, think about what you personally like and how the sizes would fit best on the places you would stick the stickers. Look around your room or office, or go take a walk out to your car with a ruler (or a dollar bill). If you don’t have an exact size nailed down, you can at least let us know an approximate size so that we can help guide you in the right direction!

Looking forward to quoting you… happy sizing!

Your #1 Question When Buying Custom Stickers

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:17:00 +0000

If you are shopping for custom stickers or labels the most important question that the manufacturer can ask is; where are you using the stickers? Where will the stickers or labels be stuck? If you are handing them out to customers, where do you ideally want them to apply the stickers? Answers will help determine proper product, printing process, material and adhesive.

At Websticker.com we have a fill in section of our Quote Form that asks; Where it will be used (applied)? This helps give us an idea of what product is needed and possible issues to consider. At Websticker.com our number one priority is getting you in the best possible product for your needs at the lowest possible price.

Some other questions and factors to consider when you are designing and/or ordering custom stickers can be found on our Design Tips page.

The History of The Bumper Sticker

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:38:00 +0000

Who invented the bumper sticker? Where and when did bumper sticker printing begin? We at Websticker.com are interested in this history as we sell millions of custom stickers per year. We thought perhaps some other people might be interested in this sticker history as well.

I travelled down to Gill Studios (long associated with early sticker printing and still one of the biggest manufacturers in the U.S.) to talk with Chairman Mark Gilman to get the story behind the bumper sticker's origins. This is the first part of a video discussion with Mark touching on the development and early years of the "bumper sign". Forest Gill is credited with "inventing" the bumper sticker. Here's the story behind Forest Gill, Gill Studios and the first bumper stickers.

Only Need One or Two Custom Stickers?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:02:00 +0000

At Websticker.com we are often asked about printing just one sticker. Our systems and print methods are not set up to do just one or two stickers so we have a number of referrals and recommendations we make on a page on our site dedicated to small runs (or short runs) of stickers. Here’s a summary based on the type of sticker you may be looking for.

Bumper stickers – For one or two custom bumper stickers we now recommend a digital on-demand printer like Zazzle or Café Press. Zazzle has a custom 3” X 11” full color bumper sticker for $3.95. Café Press has 10” X 3”, 3” X 5” bumper sticker options plus custom options on the popular euro oval stickers (3” X 5” oval).

Vinyl cut lettering and graphics – While you can ask any local sign shop for a quote on vinyl cut lettering and graphics we recommend our friends at SpeedGraphics.net. If it’s lettering or numbering you need they have an easy design and order online tool. Make your own custom signs, boat names, truck signs easily on-line and it costs less than your local sign shop. For stock and custom vinyl cut graphics with no ink colors we also recommend our friends at Decal Junky. You can personalize thousands of designs or create your own.

Wall stickers and wall decals – If you need 2 or more wall stickers we can quote that for you at Websticker.com (die cut to shape if needed). If you just need one custom wall sticker or decal we recommend Online Poster Printing.

Full color graphics such as vehicle wraps or full color vehicle signage or magnets (for just one vehicle) we recommend Speed Graphics. E-mail for a quote at websticker@speedgraphics.net

For paper labels we recommend buying precut sheets and printing them yourself on your printer or at a local print shop. Check out pre-cut sheets at On-line Label.

If you still have questions on getting a small run of stickers or labels printed please just ask. We're here to help.

Eric (10) covers summer camp trunk with stickers

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:59:00 +0000

I've just sent my son, Eric off to Camp Timanous in Maine. Kids love stickers and he wouldn't head out without stopping in to the Websticker.com office to deck out his trunk. Whether it's a bike, a helmet, a skateboard, a snowboard, a notebook... or a camp trunk, covering things with stickers is artistic and makes the item completely your own. And, of course, stickers always "add fun to the fun". But they can't be cheap or cheezy labels. The stickers need to last inside and outside and look "totally cool" so the kids want to put them on their stuff. That's where Websticker.com comes in.

At Websticker.com we're proud to make many of the stickers that cover cars, helmets and kids trunks all over the USA and beyond. Check out this video of the work Eric did on his trunk and what he has to say about custom stickers and Websticker.com. Yes, some of it is shameless promotion for his dad's company - I've taught him well - But, many of the stickers are promoting other companies and organizations as well. "When you want your name to stick" - everywhere possible, contact Websticker.com. And give your kids a pile of stickers. They'll get the word out

Did He Really Say That About Us?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:11:00 +0000

Testimonials are a great way to not only have clients support and promote Websticker.com but also to promote their own service or product. When we get photos of stickers in action we will post them with a link. On our Facebook page you can post your own "fan" photos. We are also now encouraging and adding customers video comments when possible.

Chris Bucci stopped by our office for an interview about his product and answer questions about how to market a great sticker idea (we'll be releasing that soon on this blog). We grabbed some choice words out of the interview for our testimonial page and also have posted a few of his photos and linked back to his site Heartsticker.com.

If you appreciate a certain product or service you've received why not send the company a quick note (or even a video) to thank them. Not only is it appreciated but you may also find you receive links and free promotion for your own company/site. Feedback not only helps all companies improve but also can help create buzz, links, and exposure for your company or product.

June Update from Websticker.com

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:17:00 +0000

Flag Day and The 4th of July is just around the bend and at Websticker.com we’ve been trying to remind people of all the great flag sticker products we carry. They are a great, low cost option for fundraising efforts and a great giveaway gift for your customers.

Check out the flag sticker options. These are very affordable in bulk quantities. We are also including our limited edition, Domed, “Still The One” decal free with every order.

While you’re at our site don’t forget to take a peak at our webcam – we’re into the full greens of summer now here in Vermont!

We are very excited about all the filming we recently did in our factories and look forward to releasing video clips throughout the summer. If you have any questions about sticker, label or magnet production (or Websticker.com) and would like to have a visual description, let us know as we have video footage that covers it all. Stay tuned to this Custom Sticker Blog.

Have a great Summer! Don’t forget to check out the flag stickers and consider them for fundraising uses or a great, inexpensive freebie for customers and clients.

Is Patriotism Fading Along With Flag Stickers

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:05:00 +0000

STOWE, Vt., May 6, 2009 – A tidal wave of patriotism… and U.S. flag sticker sales started after September 11th, 2001. It was impossible to avoid the flood, almost everyone had a flag sticker on their car and you couldn’t go anywhere without seeing the American flag. Gill Studios, one large manufacturer of flag stickers and decals, produced over 31 million flag stickers within a 3 month period in 2001. But the lifespan of a screen printed, vinyl flag sticker is typically 3-5 years so many of those flag decals are now long gone.

Websticker.com, a distributor of American flag decals as well as custom stickers, labels and magnets, wants to get the flag back on your bumper. They are currently offering free American flag stickers, a limited edition domed flag decal, and great wholesale rates for bulk quantities of flag stickers so that others can spread the flag and the pride.

“Flag sticker wholesale orders have steadily declined every year since 2001” says Websticker.com founder Jeff Nicholson. “There is a yearly spike in sales before Flag Day and July 4th -- and the beginning of the Iraq War in 2003 boosted sales, but the yearly trend in production and sales has been steadily downward. We want to do what we can to change that. Waving, or displaying the flag and supporting our country shouldn’t be just for holidays or the start of a war. Let’s celebrate our nation everyday!”

Websticker.com introduced a new web page at; http://www.flagstickers.us to not only sell U.S. flag stickers at wholesale prices but to give flags away for free (4 stickers per SASE). They also introduced a high end, limited edition, “Still The One” domed flag decal. The LE domed flag decals will be a gift with every bulk order of flag stickers as well as available for sale for a limited time. Only 500 of this domed flag design will ever be produced.

Flag day is June 14th. Flag stickers are a great, inexpensive giveaway item for any business or used as a fundraising product for many organizations. Flag decals are not only great on cars but also on helmets, hard hats, equipment, products, toolboxes… anywhere.

Websticker.com (http://www.websticker.com) was launched in 1997. Besides selling pre-printed flag stickers the company’s main focus is designing and selling custom bumper stickers, decals, labels, magnets and other printed promotional products. They can also customize flag sticker products with company names or add personalized messages to the back of bulk sticker runs.

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We Walked, Biked, and Carpooled on Veggie Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:09:00 +0000

Websticker.com took part in Way To Go, May 4-8. We did what we could to carpool, bike or walk whenever possible. Why? Reduce transportation pollution; Save money at the pump; and improve your physical health. "A short, four-mile round-trip bicycle commute keeps almost 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air we breathe."

Way to go Brian! He rode his bike to work every day this week despite some nasty weather. That's around 75 pounds of pollution saved. Brooke is currently carpooling on vegetable oil and once she sells her current car will be getting her own veggie mobile. Jeff walked/jogged/staggered to work one day (the rainiest) and eliminated all car travel during the work day.

Websticker will attempt to continue to "commute green" whenever possible. We eagerly await an all-wheel drive electric car that can handle a Vermont winter. Nothing is in sight.

I Just Want To Be Clear

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Many people come to Websticker.com looking for "clear window stickers". While clear material may be appropriate in a few cases, most of the time we try to talk people out of using it. There are several reasons this is the case, and on jobs where it is used, several details need to be kept in mind for them to be effective.

The reason putting your design on clear material sounds appealing to many people is that it won't be "bumper sticker looking" with a lot of white space. The hope is it will look like a custom paint job of sorts of just the graphic. This is just not the case usually. Vinyl cut graphics or a basic die-cut sticker can accomplish the same desired effect in a much stronger way. And it doesn't always need to cost more.

I discussed in a previous post my dislike of static stickers on car windows. Clear decals with adhesive share some of those issues as well as there also being risk of air bubbles trapped under the material (which can show). The bigger the clear decals the more risk of air bubbles and problems with applying the decals.

A usual problem with inks on clear material is that there is bleed through, even with the thickest inks. A window back ground appears dark from a distance and printed inks that aren't reflecting light will wash out once applied and be difficult to see. White ink is essential when printing on clear material so that there is more reflected light then translucence. But even with white ink backing all colors, or white ink on it's own, it still is not as bold and visible as inks printed on white or yellow vinyl.

If you are thinking about a decal on clear material let us review your art and color options and confirm the clear will work effectively or perhaps suggest stronger alternatives.

Excited, Young Chicks Visit Websticker Office

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Did that title/headline get you to click through to this post? Creative headlines can definitely increase readership but just make sure you follow through with relevant copy and information. Noone wants to be "tricked" into reading something completely unrelated to what they were expecting.

In this case we did just have some young chicks (meat chickens) stop by the Websticker.com office. They were only a day old and on their way to Stepping Stone Farm.

Here's some more interesting info on headlines I just read at Copyblogger which has lot's of "copywriting tips for online marketing success".

"Your headline is the first, and perhaps only, impression you make on a prospective reader. Without a headline or post title that turns a browser into a reader, the rest of your words may as well not even exist. Here are some interesting statistics.

On average, 8 out of 10 people will read headline copy, but only 2 out of 10 will read the rest. This is the secret to the power of the headline, and why it so highly determines the effectiveness of the entire piece.

The better the headline, the better your odds of beating the averages and getting what you’ve written read by a larger percentage of people."

Marketing Tip: Smile!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:43:00 +0000

The little things in your marketing can make a big difference in the success of your business. You probably won't see it in many marketing books, but a simple smile is one of the most important and powerful marketing tools you and your employees possess. Whether you see customers face to face or work with them via phone or internet, a smile shows (or projects) you care, are interested and enthusiastic. A smile strengthens the bond with your customers and increases their confidence in you and hence they are much more apt to buy from you and return again.

If you or your employees are not smiling enough, why not? What message is being sent? What can you do to increase the smiles in the work place? It doesn't have to be costly to increase employee satisfaction, and it will increase productivity and sales. Smiling is a no-cost, high impact, marketing essential. Smiling is the original viral marketing medium. Commit to implementing a few smile increasing initiatives today. A company lunch? Play a game? Send a funny video that everyone is "required" to watch? What can you do today... right now? Find something to smile about and pass it on.

Do You Like Our New Site Design?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:08:00 +0000

We're getting daily comments on our new web site design. Everyone seems to love the new more personal, local feel. What do you think? Are we at the beginning of a trend away from (obvious) automation and taking people out of the sales equation and back to putting people and personality back into business (and websites)?

At Websticker.com we really feel our staff is our greatest asset. We are people who enjoy our work and really want to help the customer. So, we want to intersperse information about us with the important information about our custom products. We'd love more feedback about overall trends regarding website design and how our site stacks up. I think we're going against the norm... but so far it seems to be helping us accomplishing our goals.

Our slogan in the early 90's was "When you want to stand out from the crowd!". That's what we want to help clients do with their promotional stickers. And I believe that's what we need to do with our web presence. Hopefully, what makes us different and special comes through thus building trust and relationships.

What do you think?

Bring A Goat To The Office Day

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:12:00 +0000

Some companies have special bring a child to work days, dress down days, or allow dogs to come to the office. At Websticker.com we have never had any kind of dress code, often have kids in the office (we have a computer station just for our young visitors), and dogs, well, there's always a dog. Maybe we should aim our new backyard web cam inside the office? Though I still think looking out at the river is preferable to the usual craziness of office visitors.

Today we had two baby goats visit! They didn't stay long due to their lack of potty training. The goats were stopping by on their way to their new home at Stepping Stone Farm. The Farm is run by our "silent" owner and co-founder Karen Nicholson. Although we went through a good supply of paper towels and carpet cleaner everyone in the office enjoyed the visit.

Being flexible and informal at the office is an important part of everyone staying healthy and happy here at Websticker.com. And if we're healthy and happy I think we continue to work harder to give our customers the best possible service and product for their needs. So, don't be afraid to bring a goat to work... or at least make sure you're somehow bringing a bit of fun to your organization each week.

Seth Godin Says Our Service Is Too Slow

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:25:00 +0000

Websticker.com was mentioned in Seth Godin's book Meatball Sundae. I read the book and think it is excellent. I also read Seth's Blog and find great value in what he has to say. But I've got to comment on his writing that Websticker.com is "too slow". Here's exactly what he said...

"The online world has compounded the need for speed. Just ask Brooke Kaltsas. She prices jobs for Websticker.com a Web site that, no surprise, prints stickers.
If you need stickers, you go to their site, pick out what you want, and then submit the job to them for pricing. I posted a job Sunday evening at nine. I heard back from Brooke at twelve thirty P.M. on Monday.
Anywhere else in the printing industry, that sort of pricing turnaround would be considered astonishing. After only three business hours had passed, she came back with a price.
Too slow.
Too slow by an hour and a half. Bandmonster.com had closed the sale two hours earlier.
And only because no site I found in a few minutes of searching would do the job without making me wait even that long."

First of all, every customer is looking for something different and when it comes to printing usually it is not an off the shelf stock item. If it was, you wouldn't need to "submit job for pricing". Websticker.com specializes in custom (often die-cut) promotional stickers. Custom printed stickers are not like books you can research, find best price, stick in a shopping cart and they'll ship out the next day. Most customers don't know exactly what the most economical sticker option is for their needs and may not have completed artwork (or artwork as powerful as it can be). I'm not sure what Seth was looking for and speed was obviously of the essence. Most people, I feel, don't just care about price and speed (although many do). It should matter what print methods are used, how long they will last, can the design be improved, and who exactly they are buying from. This is especially important when you are spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

At Websticker.com we have always been, first and foremost, a marketing company. Part of our mission is to act as consultants helping choose and design the best products for a companies unique promotional needs. When people visit our website our first order of business is to start a relationship and build trust not make an order ASAP. Note that one of our employees, Brooke, was mentioned in Meatball Sundae and no names mentioned for where Seth ended up buying his stickers. In my mind, we did an exceptional job. While speed is important it does not usually help build relationships and trust. Speed can also lead to mistakes or disappointment in the final product. And if a mistake is made or you are disappointed who are you going to call to take care of it?

If I'm looking for marketing advice or an advertising services I'd really rather start a relationship with someone who I trust can help. And if I'm shopping for those consulting services at 9 on a Sunday night, no one expects to have a marketing plan, ad designed, or a personal consultation done by noon on Monday. In the same light, If I'm looking for custom stickers but I'm not sure the best print method or if my design can be improved, I'd also like a contact I can trust and work with. If I want to design a simple label or bumper sticker myself and order it right now, yes, there are places like ez.clickprint where I can do that.

Every company is different. Every client's needs different. Generalized examples might help illustrate certain trends in a book but in the end I believe businesses are still built on relationships and trust. Seth Godin is doing it well with books and blogs on marketing. Websticker.com is doing it with sticker products that advertise, build identity, support promotions or can make a popular and profitable stand-alone product.

How's The Weather In Stowe?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:15:00 +0000

In our quest to make our business as welcoming and personal as possible we have been adding photo's and video to our Websticker.com web site. I thought a webcam might be fun too. Not a webcam showing shelves in a warehouse or showing boring shots of us sitting at our desks working but a cam shot out our office window of the Little River running through our beautiful back yard.

While at work we like to glance out and see what's going on out by the river, so why not offer the same preferred view to visitors. We're often asked how the weather is here in Stowe, Vermont well now visitors can take a look out our window for themselves. As I write this the snow is disappearing and it's 63 degrees out. Check out what's going on now as you read. Hopefully things are greening up.

We've seen ducks, birds, deer, fox, farmers on tractors, people floating down stream on tubes, amazing sunsets, floods... so many posibilities. And it's a great conversation piece to share with our visitors and clients.

We love our work, where we work and who we work with and want to share our enthusiasm and gratitude in any way we can. The new Websticker.com Stowe Vermont Web Cam is just one more way to share a piece of where we call home. Stop by to check the weather in Stowe or to get any information or prices you need on custom stickers, labels, decals or magnets.

John DeRienzo Did Jail Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff at Websticker.com) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:58:00 +0000

Websticker.com employee John DeRienzo went to jail to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Never one to do anything half baked, especially when it comes to giving back to the Community, John once again went all out. He put up posters, created an Event on Facebook, created a Pay Pal account to accept donations, and creatively encouraged donations by allowing people to either pay to get him out of Jail, or pay to keep him in. John ended up raising $980. enough to send a kid to summer camp plus some.

John's last community fundraising effort was doing the Relay For Life, an all night nordic ski event raising money for Cancer Research. Websticker.com applauds John and people everywhere going above and beyond to raise awareness and give to important causes. We need these individuals more than ever right now in our struggling economy.

As a business, Websticker.com supports employee causes with time, resources and of course, stickers. Although we don't list or announce most of our charitable giving on our website John's efforts definitely deserve attention and I encourage you to support these causes or the many like it in your own community.

And in case anyone missed it, Websticker.com is doing one sticker job per month at no charge for eligible non-profit organizations. It's part of our Sticking With You Program. Check out our list of recipients and feel free to let us know your organizations needs. I'm sure we can help with anything bumper sticker, decal, label or magnet related.