At Websticker we’re always on the look out for actual data on the power of marketing with stickers. Solid research and studies are hard to find. One can assume hundreds and thousands of impressions are made from large vinyl graphics on the sides of vehicles, bumper stickers on the backs of cars, and even small die cut stickers on helmets, laptops, notebooks, etc. Depending on where the sticker is applied, the size and design of the sticker, and the travel routes and visibility of the sticker, there are just too many variables to get any accurate data on visibility and influence.
“The bumper sticker – based on the research that we have shows that if you put [a sticker] on the car of one of your constituents, it is worth between three and six votes.”
If Bumper stickers are worth votes, what is the best placement of a sticker on a vehicle to optimize visibility? I talk about this in this newer Blog Post: http://customstickers.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html
I agree that bumper stickers are a very important component to a campaign, as are yard signs. I question the amount of people that vote based on the prevalence of a candidate's name on cars in their community. Hopefully people make their decision based on the issues at stake and not who has the prettiest bumper sticker or because their neighbors all support the same person. Regardless, these mediums must be maximized to get the candidate's name in front of as many people as possible, so that those people can investigate further and figure out who has what it takes to earn their vote.
I've definitely been alerted to a political campaign via bumper sticker. I think having a clearly visible name and website on the sticker is the best way to get attention.