How to Make and Sell Stickers Online: Beginner’s Guide

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You’ve probably seen the explosion of stickers everywhere—on laptops, water bottles, even that one random notebook you still hang onto for no apparent reason.

And now, you’re thinking, “Why not cash in on that?”

Well, get ready, because I’m about to guide you through the potentially profitable world of selling stickers online.

Whether you’re an artist with some slick designs or just someone looking to make a quick buck, there’s a spot for you in the sticker biz.

Stickers: The entry point into online entrepreneurship

Stickers are the perfect starting point for stepping into the world of online entrepreneurship.

They’re cheap to make, easy to sell, and you don’t need a PhD in business to get started. Plus, who doesn’t love slapping a quirky sticker on something to give it a little personality?

They’re the perfect blend of fun and functionality, making them a hot commodity in the online marketplace.

But let’s not kid ourselves—making and selling stickers isn’t some magical path to riches.

It takes work, creativity, and a fair bit of trial and error.

So, if you’re ready to get your hands dirty (metaphorically, of course), let’s explore how you can turn your sticker obsession into a money-making machine.

Getting started: What you need to know before you begin

First things first, you need to know that selling stickers online isn’t just about putting a design on a sticky piece of paper and calling it a day.

There’s a bit more to it—like choosing the right software, creating designs that people actually want to buy, and making sure your stickers don’t look like something a toddler made during arts and crafts time.

Choosing your weapon: The right software for designing stickers

Let’s get one thing straight—if you’re serious about this, you’re going to need some decent software.

Sure, you can doodle something on a napkin and call it “art,” but if you want to sell stickers that don’t look like they were drawn with a crayon, you’re going to need the right tools.

Here are a few options:

Procreate

If you’re an iPad user and you like the idea of drawing directly onto your device, Procreate is your go-to. It’s intuitive, powerful, and has a ton of features that let you create anything from simple sketches to intricate designs. Plus, it makes you feel like a real artist, even if you’re just doodling cats.

Adobe Illustrator

If you’re all about that vector life, Adobe Illustrator is where it’s at. This is the big leagues of design software. It’s not the easiest to learn, but once you get the hang of it, you can create insanely detailed designs that look super professional. Perfect if you’re aiming to sell stickers that people will actually want to pay for.

Canva

Now, if you’re more of a “I need something easy and quick” type of person, Canva is your friend. It’s not as robust as Procreate or Illustrator, but it gets the job done, especially if you’re a beginner. It’s drag-and-drop, has a bunch of templates, and is pretty much foolproof.

Design like you mean it: Creating stickers people will actually want to buy

Alright, you’ve got your software, now it’s time to actually design something. And here’s where the real work begins. You can’t just whip up any old design and expect it to sell.

People are picky, and there’s a ton of competition out there. So how do you make your stickers stand out?also resonate with your target audience, driving sales and success for your online sticker business.

Know your audience (and then give them what they want)

First, figure out who you’re designing for.

Are you targeting the eco-friendly crowd with cute plant designs? Or maybe you’re going for the sarcastic humor niche with snarky quotes.

Whatever it is, make sure your designs are hitting the right notes for your audience. Don’t try to please everyone—find your niche and own it.

Imagine creating a sticker of a cat wearing sunglasses with the phrase “Too Cool for School” and expecting it to be a hit just because you loved the idea. Instead, it falls flat.

The takeaway? Before diving into production, it’s crucial to research and ensure there’s a demand for your designs. Don’t just assume your idea will be a bestseller—make sure it has a market.

Simplicity sells

Here’s a little secret: Simple designs often sell better than overly complicated ones.

Think about it—people want stickers that are easy to see and understand at a glance. If your design looks like it was inspired by a Jackson Pollock painting, you might want to dial it back a notch.

Bold colors, clear lines, and minimal text—these are your friends.

Remember, your sticker will often be seen from a distance or at a small size, so it needs to be easily recognizable.

And for the sake of good design, please don’t clutter your creation with too much detail. Less is more, my friend.

Make it unique

This should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: Don’t copy someone else’s designs.

Not only is it unethical, but it’s also just plain lazy.

Originality is what’s going to set you apart from the sea of sticker sellers out there. Plus, customers can smell a copycat from a mile away, and they’ll avoid you like the plague.

So, dig deep into your creative well and come up with something that’s uniquely yours. And if you’re struggling with ideas, take a break, do some brainstorming, or get inspired by the world around you.

Just don’t steal someone else’s work.

sell stickers

You’ve nailed the design—congrats!

But don’t get too comfortable yet.

The next step is making sure your stickers actually look good when they’re printed. This is where things can go horribly wrong if you’re not careful.

Resolution, color mode, and file formats: The technical stuff you can’t ignore

If your sticker looks like a pixelated mess or the colors are all wrong, no one’s going to buy it.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Resolution: Aim for 300 dpi (dots per inch). This ensures your stickers are crisp and clear. Anything less, and you’re asking for trouble.

Color mode: Use CMYK for printing. RGB is for screens, CMYK is for print. Get it wrong, and your colors will look off.

File format: Save your designs as JPEG, PNG, or PDF. These are the most commonly accepted formats by printing services.

Sticker cuts and finishes

When it comes to printing stickers, the choice of cuts and finishes can significantly impact the final look and feel of your products.

There are two main cut methods for stickers: kiss cut and die cut.

  • Kiss cut stickers are made by cutting through the top layer of the sticker material while keeping the paper backing intact. As a result, when the sticker is peeled off, a border and the backing are left behind. This cutting technique can be used to create sticker sheets that contain a variety of designs.
  • Die cut stickers are made by cutting both the sticker material and the backing material into the same shape. This shape could be exactly the shape of your design or something as simple as a square or a circle.

Now, let’s explore some of the most popular printing finishes to bring your sticker designs to life.

Vinyl

Vinyl stickers are known for their durability and weather resistance, making them ideal for outdoor use or items that may come into contact with moisture. They have a smooth, glossy finish that enhances the vibrancy of colors and ensures longevity.

Matte

Matte stickers offer a sophisticated, non-reflective finish that allows for excellent clarity and detail in your designs. They are often preferred for indoor applications or products where glare may be an issue, such as laptop stickers or packaging labels.

Holographic

For a mesmerizing, eye-catching effect, consider using holographic materials for your stickers. These materials refract light to create a dazzling rainbow-like effect or sparkle, adding a unique dimension to your designs.

Glitter Holographic

Glitter Holographic stickers are a combination of holographic materials and multicolor metal flakes, creating a textured, iridescent effect.

Prismatic

Prismatic stickers are a type of adhesive label that feature a unique holographic mosaic pattern made up of countless small squares. These squares are arranged in a way that creates a stunning and colorful effect when light passes over them.

Mirrored

Mirrored stickers feature a reflective surface that instantly grabs attention and adds a touch of luxury to your products. Whether made from metallic or chrome materials, mirrored stickers are perfect for promotional purposes or for creating standout branding.

Clear:

Clear stickers offer a seamless, transparent appearance when applied to surfaces, making them ideal for window decals or items that require washing. They provide a sleek, modern look while still showcasing your design beautifully.

By understanding the characteristics of each cut and finish, you can choose the option that best complements your sticker designs and aligns with your brand aesthetic.

Test prints are your best friend

Before you hit that print button and order a thousand stickers, do a test print.

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough.

Get a sample or print a few at home if you can. This will help you catch any issues before you waste a bunch of money on a batch of stickers that look terrible.

Ordering 500 stickers without a test print can be a costly error. Without testing, the colors might end up looking different from what you see on screen, leading to a lot of unusable stickers and a lighter wallet. Always make sure to do a test print before committing to a large batch.

The upside? You get high-quality stickers without the hassle of doing it yourself.

The big decision: DIY vs. professional printing

Now that you’ve got your design locked in, it’s time to decide how you’re going to print these bad boys.

You’ve got two main options: DIY printing at home or going with a professional printing service.

Both have their pros and cons, so let’s break it down.

DIY printing: Control freaks rejoice

If you’re the type who likes to have complete control over every step of the process, DIY printing might be for you.

With a decent inkjet or laser printer, some sticker paper, and a cutting machine like a Cricut, you can churn out your stickers from the comfort of your own home.

The upside? You can print on demand, tweak your designs as needed, and avoid paying for large batches upfront.

The downside? It’s time-consuming, and if your equipment isn’t up to par, your stickers might look, well, homemade (and not in a good way).

If you’re going the DIY route, invest in quality materials.

Don’t cheap out on sticker paper or ink—it’ll show in the final product.

And if you’re using a cutting machine, take the time to learn how to use it properly. There’s nothing worse than spending hours designing a sticker only to have it butchered by a bad cut.

Professional printing: The easy (but expensive) way

If you don’t want to mess with printing at home, or you just want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your stickers will look professional, go with a printing service.

Upload your designs, choose your materials, and let them handle the rest.

The downside? It can get pricey, especially if you’re ordering in small quantities. But if you’re serious about selling stickers and you want your products to look top-notch, it’s worth the investment.

The ultimate shortcut: Dropshipping stickers

If you’re really not interested in dealing with printing, shipping, or even handling the stickers yourself, dropshipping might be the answer.

With dropshipping, you upload your designs to a platform like Redbubble or use a service like Printful or Printify integrated with Shopify.

When someone buys your sticker, the service prints and ships it directly to the customer. You don’t even have to touch the product.

The upside? It’s hands-off and super convenient.

The downside? Your profit margins are thinner since you’re paying for the convenience. But if you’re more interested in the design side and less in the business logistics, dropshipping is a solid option.

Pricing your stickers: How much should you charge?

Pricing your stickers can be tricky. Charge too much, and no one will buy them. Charge too little, and you won’t make any money.

The key is to find that sweet spot where you’re covering your costs and making a profit, without scaring off potential buyers.

Here’s a rough formula to get you started:

  1. Calculate your costs: This includes the cost of materials, printing, shipping, and any platform fees if you’re selling online.
  2. Add a profit margin: This is where you make your money. A good starting point is to aim for a 50-60% profit margin.
  3. Consider the market: Check out what other sellers are charging for similar stickers. You want to be competitive, but not the cheapest option out there.

Let’s say it costs you $1 to produce a sticker, and you want to make a 50% profit. You’d price your sticker at $2. But if similar stickers are selling for $3-4, you might want to price yours a bit higher to stay competitive.

Just make sure your pricing aligns with the perceived value of your stickers.

Where to sell your stickers: Platforms and marketplaces

You’ve got your stickers, you’ve priced them, now it’s time to actually sell them.

The good news is, there are plenty of places online where you can hawk your sticky creations.

Here are a few options:

Etsy

The go-to marketplace for all things handmade and creative. Etsy is a great place to start, especially if you’re just getting into the sticker game. It’s easy to set up a shop, and there’s already a built-in audience looking for unique, creative products.

Redbubble

If you’re more interested in the design side and don’t want to deal with production or shipping, Redbubble is a solid option. You upload your designs, and they handle the rest. The downside? Your profit margins will be smaller.

Your own website

If you want full control over your brand and profit margins, setting up your own website is the way to go. Use a platform like Shopify or WooCommerce to create an online store where you can sell directly to customers. It’s more work, but the potential rewards are greater.

Social media

Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are great for showcasing your designs and driving traffic to your online store. Plus, you can sell directly through these platforms with features like Instagram Shopping.

Marketing your stickers: Getting the word out

You’ve got your stickers listed, but now what? If you just sit back and wait for the sales to roll in, you’ll be waiting a long time.

You need to actively market your stickers if you want to see any real success.

Use social media to your advantage

Social media is your best friend when it comes to marketing your stickers. Post regularly, engage with your audience, and use relevant hashtags to get your designs in front of as many eyes as possible.

Don’t just post product photos—show your stickers in action. People love seeing how your stickers can be used in real life.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with your content. Behind-the-scenes videos, design process reels, and even some humor can go a long way in building your brand and connecting with potential customers.

Collaborate with influencers

If you’ve got the budget, consider working with influencers who align with your brand.

They can help you reach a wider audience and give your stickers some much-needed exposure.

Just make sure you choose influencers whose followers are likely to be interested in your products.

Offer discounts and promotions

Everyone loves a good deal.

Offering discounts or running promotions is a great way to entice people to buy your stickers.

Consider running a limited-time offer, like a “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” deal or a discount code for first-time buyers.

Don’t forget about SEO

If you’re selling on a platform like Etsy or your own website, make sure you’re optimizing your listings for search engines.

Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to help people find your stickers when they’re searching online.

The more visible you are, the more likely you are to make sales.nding on whether customers are purchasing single designs, bundles, or personalized creations.

Follow this guide to boost your small business’s online presence

Shipping your stickers: Getting them to customers safely

So, you’ve made a sale—congrats!

Now it’s time to get those stickers to your customer without any issues.

Shipping might not be the most glamorous part of the process, but it’s crucial to get it right.

Choose the right packaging

Stickers might be small, but they still need to be packaged properly to avoid damage during shipping.

Use rigid mailers or bubble envelopes to protect your stickers from bending or getting crushed.

And don’t forget to include a thank-you note or a small freebie—little touches like this can go a long way in creating a positive customer experience.

Consider shipping costs

Shipping costs can be a deal-breaker for customers, so make sure you’re not overcharging.

If possible, offer free shipping or build the shipping cost into your sticker price.

And don’t forget to factor in the cost of packaging materials when calculating your shipping costs.

International shipping: Yay or nay?

Deciding whether to offer international shipping is a big decision.

On one hand, it opens up your business to a global audience. On the other hand, it can be expensive and complicated.

If you do offer international shipping, make sure you’re clear about any additional costs and potential delays.

And be prepared for the occasional lost package—it happens.

Final thoughts: The sticker hustle

Making and selling stickers online isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it can be a fun and rewarding way to make some extra cash—or even turn it into a full-time business.

The key is to treat it like a real business from the start.

Invest in quality materials, take the time to create designs people will love, and market the heck out of your products.

And remember, like any business, there will be ups and downs. Don’t get discouraged if your first batch of stickers doesn’t sell out overnight.

Keep refining your designs, learning from your mistakes, and pushing forward. Before you know it, you might just be the next big thing in the sticker world.

FAQs: Making and selling stickers

How do I make stickers at home?

If you’re looking to create stickers at home, here’s a simple guide to follow:

Begin by crafting your sticker designs using graphic design software or getting printable designs from the internet.

Once your designs are ready, print them onto sticker paper using a color printer.

Finally, carefully cut out each sticker shape using scissors, or utilize a cutting machine such as a Cricut or Silhouette for precise and efficient results.

How do I make stickers with a Cricut?

First, using a standard printer, you’ll need to print your sticker designs onto sticker paper.

Next, import your designs into the Cricut design software, where you can set the precise cut lines for your stickers.

Then, place the sticker paper onto the Cricut cutting mat and insert it into the machine.

Follow the prompts provided by the Cricut software to accurately cut out each sticker shape.

Once the cutting process is finished, delicately detach the stickers from the cutting mat.

How do I print stickers?

To print stickers, you’ll need to purchase sticker paper, which is available for sale online or at local craft stores.

Verify that the sticker paper you choose is compatible with the type of printer you have, whether it’s a laser or inkjet printer.

Alternatively, you can utilize printing services to have your stickers professionally printed.

How do I make vinyl stickers?

Creating your vinyl stickers is simple; just print your designs onto vinyl sticker paper.

You can purchase self-adhesive vinyl paper from online retailers, office supply shops, or craft stores. As another option, you can opt for custom vinyl stickers through a professional printing service.

Where to sell stickers online?

Here’s where you can sell stickers online:

• Etsy: Great for handmade items. Customize your shop and reach a large audience. Note: You handle shipping and customer service.

Redbubble: Upload designs and let them manage printing, shipping, and customer service. Less profit per sale but no inventory hassles.

Shopify: Build your own online store for full control over branding and sales. More effort and cost initially, but ideal for long-term growth.

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    Laudy
    Laudy

    I'm a graphic designer passionate about blogging and making money online. Through this blog, I share my journey and insights, helping others navigate the exciting world of online entrepreneurship.

    Join me as I explore the best strategies for earning online, enhancing your blog, and achieving financial freedom, all while enjoying the flexibility to spend more time with loved ones.

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