The best ways to use die cut stickers

Die cut stickers are one of the most popular sticker options. Are you wondering why? What makes them special? Can you even apply them to your needs, be it marketing, giveaways, a new product range, or something else? And if so, how exactly is that going to work?

We are here to answer all these questions and more. After reading this article, you will be a die cut sticker expert ready to put them into action.

Before we jump in, let us quickly break down what custom-made die cut stickers are and why they can be perfect for you.

What are die cut stickers?

You probably have a pretty good image in your head when you hear terms like clear stickers or holographic stickers. However, die cut sticker sounds somewhat ambiguous.

That is because “die cut” does not refer to a specific material. Instead, it describes the way a sticker is cut.

We cut a die cut sticker around the shape of your design. This can be any shape you can think of. Essentially, a die cut sticker is a custom-shaped sticker.

The name stems from the metal dies used for this type of cutting. Nowadays, this process happens digitally.

When should I use die cut stickers?

The truth is, you can use most stickers for most applications. There is no reason why a die cut sticker would make a better laptop sticker than other shapes.

But it is precisely their shape that makes die cut stickers stand out. They are just different and unique, making them a tad better for use cases where you want your stickers to leave a lasting impression.

Remember, die cut stickers are individually cut. They are perfect for labeling small batches of up to a hundred products (for any more, get labels on sheets or rolls), promotional giveaways, or reselling.

The best ways to use die cut stickers for businesses

Die cut stickers are a versatile and functional marketing tool that lasts.

Look at companies like Vans. They have been using die cut stickers as part of their marketing for decades. The unique shape of their “Vans Off The Wall” logo makes the brand stand out. Stickers also speak to their target audience and the broader skating culture.

The same applies to tech-giant Apple. The shape of their logo represents the core values of the brand. All it takes is a die cut sticker to evoke these associations.

So why not use these success stories as blueprints for your campaigns?

1. Multi-level branding

Stickers are made to be seen and shared. This alone renders them the perfect marketing tool.

You can use them for many purposes, like product branding, premium packaging, and price tags. All of these are related to your product, which is excellent.

But why not widen the envelope and use your die cut stickers to generate visibility for your business?

Think of delivery services like Getir or Deliveroo. They brand their vehicle fleets to generate visibility at a minimal cost. As their employees cruise through busy city centers, eye-catching stickers draw in potential new customers. See:

There are no limits to this trick. You simply have to think about your target group. For delivery services, these are likely urban professionals who frequently spend time downtown.

This might look entirely different for your market. Identify where you are likely to find your target audience and get sticking.

2. Out-of-the-box business cards

It is time to show B2B some love. Depending on your industry, you might speak to customers, suppliers, or potential investors.

Or maybe you have a few business and networking events lined up for 2023? These commitments take up time and energy. The last thing you want is to be forgotten when people leave the event.

This is your chance not just to be another business but to leave an impression that lasts (no, not one that sticks. There are limits to that pun).

Instead of being the seventeenth business card of the day, be the first sticker.

Create a stand-out design with all the information needed, but keep it colorful and entertaining. If designing isn’t your area of expertise, check out our free design tool.

Give your sticker a unique shape to stick out from the stack of 8.9 x 5.1 cm rectangles.

3. Gifts and giveaways

There is another trick to handing out free stickers. It is quite a big trick. Do you want to hear it? Okay, but use it wisely.

Stickers blur the boundaries of marketing. When given a free sticker, we do not discard it as advertising. Instead, we tend to be thankful because we see it as a gift.

This is one of the most potent ways to use die cut stickers for your business. And one that is rooted in a psychological concept called the reciprocity principle.

Two things happen when we invest in gift-giving:

• The relationship between the two parties improves.
• The receiver feels “indebted” even if they did not ask for the gift in the first place.

Customer lifetime value boils down to the relationship they have with a brand. The more perceived value a business adds, the more likely they are to purchase.

The feeling of indebtedness can sound a little manipulative. But it only describes that we want to return the favor once we have received a gift. This can increase your sales or positive word-of-mouth advertising in a business context.

If this does not convince you, look at the cosmetics brand Glossier. Their free stickers are so popular that they have an FAQ on their website.

4. Effective advertising

Another brilliant way to use die-cut stickers is to use them for guerilla marketing or advertising campaigns.

When you bring in stickers as an option to display your brand or chosen message, the possibilities really open up! 

Check out this example, again from Gopuff, where they're getting their brand in front of 1000s people every day!

All for the cost of a few stickers plus whatever the space cost. We bet it's great value compared to a huge billboard in the city center!

The best personal uses of die cut stickers

Let's not forget that die cut stickers can be fun - and their unique shape makes them even more fun, especially when you are sticker-bombing a surface.

But you do not need us to tell you how to use your die cuts for fun. Instead, you can find a few suggestions and frequently asked questions below.

• Custom place settings
• Name tags
• Phone stickers
• Laptop stickers
• Water bottle stickers
• Lifestyle stickers
• Die cut photo stickers

Can die cut stickers go on cars?

Absolutely. If you want to use your die cut stickers on your car, choose a waterproof and durable material that will stick but not damage your car when you want to remove it.

Vinyl-based die cut stickers are perfect for that. You can get them in white, clear, holographic, glitter, gold, and silver.

You can also create front adhesive die cut stickers for your car. Such stickers have the adhesive on top of your design, meaning you can stick them to the inside for a window for the world to see.

Are die cut stickers good for scrapbooking?

Yes, that's a great idea! With the custom shape, die cut stickers can add a creative edge to your scrapbook.

For scrapbooking, you are probably after a few different designs, right? Did you know you can split your sticker order among as many designs as you'd like? You can find out more about uploading multiple files here.

Conclusion

Die cut stickers are true creative powerhouses. Here are the key points to keep in mind when it comes to die cut stickers:

• Die cut refers to the way the sticker is cut around the shape of your design
• If you are looking for a custom shape, die cut stickers are the product for you
• Die cut stickers can consist of your material of choice
• Make use of their unique shape and stand out
• Don’t forget: everybody loves stickers

You can also test-run your own design by getting die cut sticker samples or ask our experts anything.