People are much less likely to put bumper stickers on cars than they were 20 years ago. Why? Well, there are a handful of reasons.
1) Cars have changed. With tinted windows, car colored plastic bumpers, higher costs, etc. we tend to want less clutter or “statements” messing with our ride.
2) We have changed. We increasingly have grown more divided into opposing parties, world views, opinions, etc. With a greater risk of road rage and conflict it seems, for many, better to keep a low profile and not broadcast opinions or preferences that are sure to upset someone, somewhere. It’s easier (for most people) to keep it clean (no bumper stickers on car) and not stir up trouble.
3) Bumper stickers and options to display them have changed. Smaller, die-cut stickers are much more common and affordable and there are many new preferred ways to showcase those stickers (and your identity) than just your car. Laptops, water bottles, sports equipment, etc. all offer better, more personal ways to promote your interests with custom vinyl stickers.
So, what does this mean for businesses, candidates, and organizations looking to take advantage of the mini, portable promotional billboards that are bumper stickers on cars? If you can get a spot on that car, laptop or water bottle it is more valuable than ever for increasing word of mouth marketing. But, the above societal and social trends must be considered in your sticker design and production.
Quick Bumper Sticker Design Tips:
• Make your custom bumper stickers versatile. Consider staying away from big stickers, clear window stickers, and permanent stickers.
• Stay subtle and stay positive. Bumper stickers that lean towards an artistic or non-divisive, positive sentiment are more likely to be proudly displayed. Remember, the idea isn’t to poke the bear, it’s to promote the brand.
If you need any advice or design help on creating bumper stickers on cars that bask in the sun instead of getting buried in the basket, contact the Team at Websticker.
Jeff Nicholson is the founder and Creative Director at 
2 Responses
Mr. Nicholson: I have a” LINE” for a sticker I would like to see circulated. What I do not have is graphic design background. So, I would just like to ask you for your assistance in producing this sticker or is it just better to stick with the usual design ? The “LINE” is just a statement. Your help would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Raymond – We include free layout and design work with every sticker we produce. Contact stickerteam@websticker.com with your ideas for possible size and shape so we can get you an initial quote and into our system and then we can pass you off to Brian, our head of design, to work on some mock-ups and possibilities. there is no obligation to buy. – Jeff