Okay, so we may be a little biased, but we genuinely do believe that stickers are the ideal thing to sell online.

Whether they end up taking centre stage on a water bottle, jazzing up a bland-looking laptop case, or adding some extra flair to a camper van, the stickers you design and sell will grab attention wherever they go.

Decided that custom stickers are the ideal low-cost, high-reward product for your business?

From file formatting to material considerations, in this post, we’ll be showing you how to design the kind of stickers that customers simply can’t resist.

What’s the best thing about selling stickers online?

Stickers might be small, but they certainly make a big impact.

Whether you’re an artist looking to monetise your work, a creative e-commerce company selling stationery, or a clothing business owner wanting to expand your product line-up, the best thing about selling stickers online is that it doesn’t take much to get started. As long as you've got a solid sticker business idea, you can transform simple concepts into sticky success stories.

Here's how to turn your sticker dreams into reality:

1. Narrow down your concept

The best stickers are like mini billboards — they demand attention, tell a story, and leave a lasting impression. But you have to do your research. 

Before you start designing, grab a pen and paper and take a moment to answer these questions:

Who is your audience? Are you targeting cartoon fans, fashionistas, gym bunnies, bookworms, coffee enthusiasts…? The more specific you can be, the better.

What theme or style of sticker will appeal most to your audience? Will it be funny slogans, niche illustrations, or contemporary graphics? Stick to a style you know they’ll love.

Where will they go? Will they end up on a gift, phone case, or car window? Knowing this will help you to make your design more intentional.

Why are YOU making them? This question matters most.

Want stickers to become your main source of income? Or will they be part of a wider product range? Knowing your goal will guide your design choices.

Pro Tip: If you’ve not already done so, browse platforms like Etsy for sticker inspiration. Search for trending sticker styles in your niche, but try not to copy too much — the best designs are those that stand out.

2. Nail the design basics

Okay, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. These simple design tips will help to make your stickers truly *chef’s kiss* worthy:

Take a “less is more” approach to your designs

We’re not saying your designs can’t be detailed, but remember that stickers need to shine in small sizes. Overly intricate designs can get lost, so it’s best to focus on clear shapes, clean lines, and easy-to-read text to ensure your message stands out.

Use high-quality graphics

Beautiful graphics deserve better than low-res images. For crisp, print-ready designs, ensure your artwork is at a minimum of 350 DPI (dots per inch). And for even better results, use vector files like .AI or .SVG, which can be scaled without losing clarity.

Prioritise contrasting colours to make stickers pop

The right contrasting colours will grab attention faster than you can say “add to cart”. But keep your audience in mind. While vibrant neons might appeal to Gen Z, a more muted palette, like earthy tones or monochrome hues, might resonate better with an older, more minimalist audience. 

Can’t settle on a colour combo? Use a colour wheel to explore complementary shades.

3. Choose the right sticker styles and materials

Here’s where the magic happens — transforming your designs into striking, sellable stickers.

Sticker formats that sell

• Die-Cut Stickers: These custom-shaped stickers seamlessly match your design’s outline. Perfect for standout graphics.

• Sticker Sheets: Sticker sheets are always a fan favourite. Great for giving customers multiple designs in one go.

• Holographic Stickers: Eye-catching and on-trend, holographic stickers add a little sparkle to your line-up. Pair them with contemporary illustrations for high-energy designs that draw instant focus.
  

Materials that shine

• Vinyl: Durable and waterproof, vinyl stickers are the perfect pick for packaging, sauce bottles, cars — anything that might get mucky or wet!

• Biodegradable Paper Stickers: Know your customers want sustainable products? Go for biodegradable stickers made from natural materials and make your stickers better for the planet.

• Pick your finish: Matte gives a soft, classy look, while gloss adds shine and vibrancy. Select a style that best suits your designs. 
  
  

4. Prep your files like a pro

Before you hit print, make sure your files are ready to go. You can find out everything you need to know in our Artwork Guide, but for now, here’s a quick checklist:

Use CMYK colour mode: This is the standard for printing, so what you see on screen = what you’ll get in print.

Add a bleed area: Leave a 3 mm bleed around your design to avoid white edges after cutting.

Save in the right format: Want the best results possible? PDF, AI, or EPS files are the cream of the crop.

5. Where to sell your stickers online

Once your sticker stash is ready, it’s time to get them into the hands of your customers. 

Here are a few handy platforms to consider:

Etsy — The go-to marketplace for all things handmade and creative. It’s a no-brainer. 

Shopify and Squarespace — Why not create a shop that’s 100% yours?

Instagram and TikTok — Don’t forget to take advantage of social media shops. They’re a goldmine for reaching even more potential customers.

Pro Tip: Always package your stickers with love. Think: stylish envelopes, custom address labels, thank-you notes, or freebies. This will wow your customers and keep them coming back.

Ready to stick it to the competition?

Whether you’re selling on Etsy or building your own shop, remember: every sticker you sell is a tiny piece of your brand or business sticking around in someone’s life. Pretty cool, right?

Need help getting started? Check out our blog for more tips on building your sticker business or shop by industry to get inspired.