Way back in the mid 90’s when the internet was commercially just getting rolling we registered the URL websticker.com and trademarked “websticker”. Our original idea was that businesses would need to update signage, vehicles, paperwork, advertisements, etc. with their new domain names as they were acquired. A “web sticker” would be a sticker sign or label pointing people towards specific on-line websites and info. Little did we realize that by 2010 a sticker could do much more then point to or suggest websites – it could actually be the hyperlink to any content. With mobile tagging (2 dimensional barcodes) anyone could just point their smart phone at a QR coded sticker or tag and with one click connect to info, specials, maps, video clips, music downloads, e-commerce page… “virtually” anything.
While the technology had been around since the early 2000’s it was only really prominent in Asia… mostly Japan. Back in 2007 in Japan you could go into a McDonalds, point your phone at your hamburger wrapper and receive nutritional info on your phone. But, the technology did not become mainstream in various countries until software became standard on cell phones.
It took a while but mobile tagging finally built up steam in the US on many fronts. There are many different types of codes out there and each has its pros and cons for different uses. The QR Code has the most commercial potential and it is what we are finally starting to see become more prevalent on promotional stickers and in media advertising. The Pandemic and restaurants using the codes for virtual menus really accelerated the adaption and understanding of the codes usage.
QR codes can be used commercially on everything from business cards to billboards. The custom sticker and custom label applications are twofold for the mobile codes; one, to add codes as labels to existing print media like business cards, products, brochures, posters, media kits, etc., and two, to create a new medium to stick the mobile codes on storefronts, signage, equipment, and integrate with promotional campaigns.
We most often see the codes being used on the back printing of stickers with other information. When you hand out a promotional sticker as gifts you can also be handing out an easy direct link to your website or targeted content.
Any QR codes can have logos and graphics incorporated in sticker/label designs as long as a required “quiet space” is respected. For design and marketing campaign ideas for this sticker hyperlink, Websticker has the expertise to help further connect you to your prospects and customers with this sticky marketing medium. Whether it’s tagging your products that link to more information, or creating virtual outdoor links to video, websites, music, information, etc… we can help. “When you want your name (and info) to stick” contact Websticker.
Jeff Nicholson is the founder and Creative Director at 
2 Responses
I've seen these before in some magazines. I think it will catch on. It seems like a great way to draw people in for special offers and promotions.
Just downloaded the software to my iPhone and it worked!!! Can't wait to find more things to shoot. Thanks for the info