)
How to Create Stickers That Actually Sell
Ever wondered why some stickers fly off the shelf while others collect dust?
It’s not luck. It’s a curated mix of design choices, presentation, and knowing what makes people want to stick your art everywhere.
Whether you’re a small business owner or an independent artist, turning your ideas into sellable stickers is easier than you think, especially when you know a few tricks of the trade.
What are die-cut stickers?
Die-cut is a method that cuts through the sticker material and backing paper. This means die-cut or contour-cut stickers can be precisely cut to the shape of your design. Die-cut can of course be traditionally square, circular or rectangular. Still, you also have the option to have the cutline follow the contours of your artwork, adding the possibility to make them more visually appealing and attention-grabbing.
Contour-cut stickers can offer several advantages; their possibility of unique shapes has the potential to create a polished and professional appearance, elevating the overall aesthetic of your design. The high level of flexibility, as they can be cut into any shape, adds versatility which enables you to create stickers that perfectly align with your creative vision.
Die-cut stands in contrast to kiss-cut stickers, a technique that involves only cutting through the sticker/vinyl layer and not through the backing paper. Kiss-cut stickers are perfect for creating peel-off stickers, and it’s often used for sticker sheets with multiple designs on a single backing paper.
1. Make your stickers stand out
It all starts with a visual punch.
-
Make your design stand out both on-screen and in person. Think eye-catching online, and visible from a distance at markets or events.
-
Your art already holds the answers; you just have to unlock them. Lean into your natural style, whether that’s bold and simple or detailed and intricate. The secret lies in choosing materials and effects that enhance your art, not overpower it.
-
Consistency is key. By staying true to your signature style and creative quirks, you’ll create stickers that unmistakably say, “this is me.”
-
Choose shapes that match your art: square or rectangular for print-style designs, die-cut for fun characters, quotes, or logos.
Pro tip: Scroll your Instagram feed. The designs that stop you mid-scroll? Study why. That’s your sticker’s first job — to stop the scroll or the glance.
2. Make people care enough to buy
Once your design grabs attention, your next goal is connection. The best-selling stickers aren’t just eye-catching (though a stunning design can go a long way) - they resonate. They speak to someone’s thoughts, mood, or sense of humor.
Make your stickers feel familiar and human, whether they’re funny, inspiring, emotional, or deeply personal.
Ask yourself:
-
What emotion does your design spark?
-
Does it say something about who your buyer is or what they love?
-
Could it be part of a trend, inside joke, or community moment?
For example, a sticker that says “Support Your Local Artists” doesn’t just decorate a laptop, it shares a message. Your buyers aren’t just purchasing a cool design, they’re sharing their identity.
3. Storytell and show the real-life magic
Now it’s time to build the “I want that” feeling. Showcase your stickers in the wild, on surfaces people actually use: laptops, water bottles, notebooks, phone cases, lamp posts, etc. Use lifestyle photos or videos to bring your designs to life.
The storytelling part is yours to develop. And when it comes to transforming your ideas into real sticker products, that’s where we step in:
-
Premium materials make your designs pop with crisp color and sharp detail.
-
Durable laminates keep stickers water-, weather-, and scratchproof. Stickers ready for life’s wear and tear.
-
Fast printing and turnaround times get your stickers to you quickly, making the fun part, selling them, even easier.
In other words, your stickers will look amazing and last long enough for your customers to fall in love (and come back for more).
4. Time to get real
You’ve got the idea. You’ve got the inspiration. Now it’s time to turn that creative spark into something tangible: a sticker you can hold, share, and sell.
At StickerApp, bringing your design to life is simple. Upload your artwork, choose your shape, material, and size, and preview exactly how your sticker will look before it goes to print. Whether you’re testing your first batch or restocking a bestseller, every order is handled with the same care.
Pro tip: Not sure which material, laminate, or effect placement will suit your art best? Ask our sticker-making superstars for help!
Our customer and graphic support team is always happy to help with placement tips, setup checks, and creative suggestions.
Shoot an email to info@stickerapp.com.
Ready to make it stick?
Every great sticker starts the same way: with an idea and a bit of courage to bring it to life. Whether it’s your first design or your hundredth, what matters most is getting it out there.
Because here’s the truth: best-selling stickers don’t happen by luck. They’re created by makers like you who decided to start.
Your art deserves to be seen, shared, and stuck on every surface that needs a splash of creativity. Upload your design to stickerapp.com, make your selections, and watch your ideas turn into something real, and something that sticks.
