If you’re tired of creating TikToks for your brand and you’ve hit the wall with Instagram Stories, it’s time to switch things up. While social media platforms are an excellent way to reach people, sometimes a tangible, physical item can be a powerful addition to your marketing strategy. But what’s the best item to use?When it comes to niche branding products, there are three popular choices: pins, patches, and stickers.
These little items can pack a powerful punch when it comes to brand awareness and they’re the perfect way to show off your brand’s personality. But which one should you invest in? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each. This includes their pros and cons as a promo item and what factors to consider when choosing the best option for your brand.
Custom Pins
Custom pins are small metal objects that are pinned onto clothing or accessories such as bags. They have been around for centuries and they’re pretty much a niche marketing staple. They’re very easy to customize and there are lots of different styles to choose from. For example, you can design soft enamel pins, hard enamel pins or even die-struck pins. Let’s take a look at their pros and cons.
Pros
- Can easily attach them to clothing, making them a visible branding item.
- Fast to produce in bulk. Typically it only takes up to 2 weeks.
- Durable and long-lasting, which means you can wear them repeatedly.
- Very easy to customize. You have complete freedom with the shape and design.
- They’re having a “moment” right now. Alternative fashion lovers are big on pins!
- Highly collectable, which makes them perfect for limited-edition releases.
- Small and light, making them easy (and cheap) to ship.
Cons
- Limited space for design – small surface area.
- Can be expensive to produce depending on the style and design.
- Not everyone wears pins on a daily basis, so their visibility may be limited.
- Can be a somewhat niche item, so may not appeal to a wide audience.
Custom Patches
Custom patches are embroidered or woven designs that you can iron or sew onto clothing, bags or other fabric surfaces. Unlike pins, they have been around for centuries, but their popularity as a promotional item has grown in recent years. When you think of patches, you might just think of the classic embroidered designs, but there are actually many different types of patches to choose from. For example, PVC patches, woven patches, printed patches, and even leather patches. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of using patches as a branding item.
Pros
- Easy to attach to clothing or accessories with iron-on backing or simple sewing.
- Large surface area for designs, allowing for more details and creativity.
- Can be made with various materials such as PVC, woven fabric, or even leather for a more premium look.
- Durable and long-lasting, can withstand wear and tear over time.
- Can be used as a fashion statement, not just for branding purposes.
- Generally more affordable than pins
- Lightweight
Cons
- Harder to convey more detailed or intricate designs.
- May not have the same “collectible” value as pins do.
- More niche than pins, so they may not appeal to as many people.
- Limited placement options – usually only suitable for fabric surfaces.
Custom Stickers
Custom stickers are adhesive labels that you can easily apply to various surfaces. They have been used for promotional purposes for decades, but their popularity has also increased in recent years as “stickering” has become a popular trend. While it’s not always legal to slap stickers on any public surface, there are still many creative ways to use them for branding.
Stickers might seem like a simple and basic branding item, but there are plenty of ways to “spice” them up! Holographic details, vinyl material, metallic, embossing, UV lamination, epoxy resin, and many more options are available to make your stickers a standout piece. Stickers also offer a lot of versatility in terms of design and placement. You can stick them on almost any surface, including laptops, water bottles, phone cases, and even walls. Let’s get into the pros and cons of using stickers for branding purposes.
Pros
- Highly customizable in terms of size, shape, and design options.
- Can use them on various surfaces such as laptops, water bottles, phone cases, etc.
- Affordable and you can produce them in bulk for events or promotions.
- Easy to distribute and hand out to potential customers.
- Can be a fun and interactive way to engage with customers through sticker “hunts” or contests.
- Very lightweight and you can easily add them to other merchandise or packaging without adding much weight.
- Fast to produce and you can quickly restock them as needed.
Cons
- Less “valuable” compared to other branding products such as pins and patches
- Might not be seen as professional or high-end for certain brands.
- Can leave a sticky residue if removed from surfaces.
- Not as long-lasting as other branded items if placed on frequently used surfaces.
How To Choose your Branding Products
If you’re still not sure which item is the right fit for your brand, it helps to ask yourself a few questions to narrow down your choice. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Budget
Of course your budget will probably be top of mind when deciding on branding products. If you’re on a low budget, stickers might be your best bet as they are typically the most affordable option. But that doesn’t mean you should rule out their higher-end counterparts if you can afford to order them at a lower quantity.
Brand Image and Aesthetic
Think about your brand’s overall image and how you want to portray it. If you’re going for a fun and playful vibe, stickers can be a great choice. But if you want to convey a more high-value image, pins can be a better option. Custom patches are somewhere in between, offering a more casual but still high-quality vibe.
Target Audience
Who will you be giving these items to? Alternative items like patches and pins may appeal more to a younger demographic, while stickers are great for people of all ages. Women tend to be more likely to purchase custom pins then men. On the other hand, patches have a more diverse appeal. This includes everyone from bikers and skaters to fashion lovers of all genders.
Purpose
What do you want these items to achieve? Are they meant to be a fun giveaway at events, or are they being used as part of a larger marketing campaign? Stickers are by far the best option for giveaways, as they are easy to distribute and won’t break the bank. Pins and patches are useful in both scenarios. That said, you may not be keen on giving pins away for free if you’ve spent a lot of money on them.
Practicality
Will your audience actually use these items? You can easily fix stickers to laptops, water bottles, and notebooks, which is all great for visibility. Pins are a nice accessory to wear or display if that’s in line with your style. Custom patches are most commonly used on clothing, bags, or hats. But will your target audience actually stick them onto their belongings?
Current Trends
Keep an eye on current trends and popular designs in the market. Stickers with cute animals or witty phrases are always a hit, while pins with pop culture references or enamel designs are currently trending.
Design
If you have a specific design in mind, this will be a deciding factor in which item to go for. Stickers offer more flexibility in terms of design, as you can print them in a variety of sizes and shapes. Custom pins and patches have a slightly more limited space for design, so you’ll need to carefully consider the placement and size of your design.
Partner with a Custom Manufacturer: The/Studio
Have you made your choice and are now ready to start creating your branded items? You’ll need a custom manufacturer to help you realize your vision. Here at The/Studio, we specialize in creating stunning and fully customized stickers, pins and patches for companies like yours. We offer no minimum order quantities. This means if you’re not ready to make a huge investment, you can still get high-quality products with your branding.
Our user-friendly online design tool is perfect for creating your own designs in minutes, but if you need extra help, our team of expert designers are always happy to assist. We also offer fast turnaround times and worldwide shipping, so essentially, we are the full package! Simply create an account, upload your design and start customizing. It’s that easy!
FAQs
What is the difference between a pin and a patch and a sticker?
A pin is a small piece of metal or enamel with a design on it that you can attach to clothing or a bag. A patch is an embroidered or woven fabric design that can also be sewn onto clothing or accessories. Lastly, a sticker is a printed adhesive paper or vinyl design that you can stick onto multiple surfaces.
Are patches better than embroidery?
It depends on personal preference and the look you’re going for. Embroidering directly onto a garment creates a more professional and permanent look. Alternatively, patches offer versatility as you can easily remove and transfer them to different items. They also have a more “retro” aesthetic.
Can you put patches without sewing?
Yes! We offer iron-on backing for our patches, making it easy to attach them to clothing or accessories without sewing. Simply follow the instructions included with your order for the best results.
Should I choose a pin or patch?
This mainly depends on your target audience. Are they likely to wear pins on their clothing or bags? Would they prefer to customize their clothing with a patch? Are they into collecting pins? It’s always best to think about the demographic and preferences of your customers to make the best decision.
