Smart marketers use stickers...if they want more advertising

I read Andy Sernovitz's marketing blog this morning, and saw his post about using stickers to create a buzz. It reminded me that small businesses often overlook a relatively cheap and simple way to get more advertising.

In Andy's post he talks about visiting a Chicago street fair where people were walking around with "corn maze" stickers on their shirts. Sure enough, the hundreds of fair-goers who made it through the maze ended up becoming walking bill boards for the attraction.

If you think about it, stickers have been used for a long time to show political allegiance (and the fact that you voted). They're highly visible and get people talking.

So, how can you use this custom sticker idea and tailor it for your own business?

• Hand out stickers at trade shows

• Put some in goody bags at demos

• Hand them out at charity events in which you are a vendor

• Go a step further and make decals that loyal customers can showcase on their cars

• Craft a creative message