Enhance images for free with Upscale by Sticker Mule

If you work with images, you know how much quality matters. Our digital world relies on pictures every step of the way. As internet communication becomes increasingly image-based, our high-definition device screens demand more and more [high-resolution content](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "ai upscale image") to match. 

This brings us to a big new change in the world of image editing: the use of AI. From prompt generators giving wings to your fantasy (and creating some [pretty nightmare-inducing hands](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-does-AI-art-screw-up-hands-and-fingers-2230501 "ai art hands enhancement")) to new editors helping you clear out other pesky tourists from your vacation memories, machine-learning algorithms are changing how we work with pictures. But AI is also helping us fine-tune, filter, and improve the resolution of our photos — which is just where [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "free upscale image or photo with ai") comes in.

![ai upscale image for free](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a7188c0b-6a0b-4d64-828e-5bb233406ee7)

## What is Upscale?

You've got just the picture you need, but… it's tiny. Try to print it and you get a result more pixelated than a 90's arcade game. What can you do?

Well, this is the type of situation Upscale is here to help you with. With a few clicks, and little to no waiting time, Upscale will render your resolution image into an improved, high-quality one. 

The best part you already know: it's free.

## How does Upscale work?
It's simple. Or is it? Upscale uses machine-learning algorithms to increase and complement the number of pixels in your image, generating a sharper, higher-resolution version of your original upload.

Think of it not as zooming in, but as an [automatic filling in of the missing pixels](https://www.stickermule.com/support/how-does-upscale-increase-image-resolution "how upscale increases image resolution for free"). You know, basic AI magic.

But if you're worrying about complicated software, don't. Upscale is the definition of user-friendly: no downloads, installations, or technical knowledge required. Just upload your file, click a button, wait a sec, and download your newly-minted, upgraded image.

## Practical applications
Upscale comes in handy for just about any instance where you want to turn a low-quality image into a high-resolution one.

Need a printout with your business logo, but the graphic is too small? Upscale it and order your prints straight from our website.

Have the perfect sticker design, but the pixels are showing? Tip the Upscale in your favor!

[Dog photo too small for your custom t-shirt](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-print-your-dog-on-a-shirt-a-step-by-step-guide "how to put a dog photo on a custom t-shirt")? You know what to do.

## How to Upscale your image — A step-by-step guide

1. Go to the [Upscale page](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "free photo resolution increase by ai") and login. (If you don't have an account, it only takes a couple clicks to create one with your Google account or email.)

2. Click 'Choose files' and select the file you want to enhance. If you have several files you want to improve, don't sweat it — you can add them all at once.

3. Upscale will automatically start enhancing your image by 2x. Hold tight! This will usually take just a few seconds, but depending on the amount of files and the size of the redimensioning, it could require a few minutes. 

4. Once processing is complete, you'll then see the original dimensions of your pictures, as well as the projected dimensions after the upscale. You can then select to upscale increase the resolution further (4x or 8x) if needed. 

5. Your upscale is ready! Download your file(s) or select one of our custom products to send your upgraded image directly to print.

## Tips and best practices
Upscaling is a simple process, but you'll get the best results if you keep a couple of things in mind. 

First of all, well, don't expect miracles. Your image will be improved either way, but if the original is too far gone down the pixelation black hole, there's only so much AI can do for you. Beep bop, sorry.

With that in mind, make sure you get started with the best version of your graphic available. You know — better input, better output.

Finally, as Dirty Harry would say, [a man's got to know his limitations](https://www.stickermule.com/support/file-size-limits-in-upscale "file size requirements for ai upscale images free"), and for Upscale that means your maximum upload size is 5MB per file, with a maximum pic size of 3000 x 3000 pixels. Which is likely several times more than you need, so no worries.

### Before and after example 

Take this small photo of a room filled with cute animals. It's only 300x300px large but it's being expanded to fill your screen. 

![small unenhanced image](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bcdc8bb6-fc52-4307-8a13-1af97d2ae38c) 

Pretty bad, eh?

Now here's the same image, run through [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "free online photo resolution increaser"), that has a new 1200x1200 resolution. Doesn't that look better and less pixely? 

![upscaled image to increase resolution](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b421f94c-6559-4692-85da-514649b43a73)

## To cap off

Just a few years ago, upgrading your image resolution would usually mean no end of trouble, time, and frustration tinkering around with a variety of software. 

Now, a few clicks will do it. No software downloads. And, with Upscale, it's free. Not something everyone can say.

Progress? Technology? Call it what you like — I call it beautiful.

<ButtonCta text="Check out Upscale by Sticker Mule and see for yourself!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/upscale" />



Tired of low resolution photos? Learn how to enhance and increase the resolution of images for free with Upscale by Sticker Mule! 

Custom stand up pouches are here to help you stand out!

At Sticker Mule, we're constantly developing new and exciting products to help you customize your business as well as your day-to-day life. Now, meet the latest addition to our custom packaging product line: [custom stand up pouches](https://www.stickermule.com/products/stand-up-pouches "custom stand-up pouches")!

![custom stand up pouches for tea](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a80357df-19a6-4b4e-9254-7ee9c9b12d08)

## The rise of custom packaging
E-commerce sales have been on a [steep ride for the past several years](https://www.statista.com/statistics/379046/worldwide-retail-e-commerce-sales/ "ecommerce sales per year"), bringing big changes in the way both businesses and consumers approach packaging.

Now it's all about custom packaging.

You know how it is — they say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. And when your buyer's first physical impression of your product is picking it up in the mail (as opposed to handling it in a brick-and-mortar store), it pays to go that extra mile and deliver the goods in style. 

It's simple, really: quality custom packaging equals a better customer experience and helps drive brand recognition and client retention — studies have shown that as many as [72% of consumers are influenced by the product's packaging](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/Most-Americans-Say-That-the-Design-of-a-Products-Packaging-Often-Influences-Their-Purchase-Decisions "polls about ecommerce product packaging"). 

Would you miss a perfect opportunity to feature your logo, brand colors, or company slogan as you ship and deliver your products? 

One look at some of the world's most renowned brands is enough to drive home the point. From the iconic iPhone packaging to the colorful McDonald's Happy Meal box and the memorably spartan Amazon logoed wrappings, the value of a branded experience is not lost on companies playing the big game.

##Introducing Sticker Mule’s custom printed stand up pouches

Sticker Mule's custom-printed stand-up pouches are the perfect way to deliver food products—anything from nut mixes to tea leaves, coffee beans, or what have you.

Also, yes, they're [FDA-approved](https://www.stickermule.com/support/are-stand-up-pouches-food-safe "FDA approved custom stand up pouches for food and coffee") — and customer-approved! After all, who doesn't love the practicality of a reusable, resealable, zip-lock pouch?

But foodstuff is just one of their many applications. Stand up pouches are incredibly versatile, and are quickly becoming indispensable for a slew of different industries: they're used for personal care and cosmetic items, small electronic accessories, and pharmaceuticals, to mention just a few use cases.

<WistiaVideo videoId="vwxag5hk0l" />

Our [custom stand up pouches](https://www.stickermule.com/products/stand-up-pouches "custom printed stand-up pouches") are a simple, reliable, and user-friendly way to package your products. 

Made of sturdy polyethylene material, they are easily heat-sealed and provide perfect impermeability, keeping out moisture and any foreign substances. Once opened, they keep their contents fresh thanks to the resealable zip closure.

On top of being a great way to store foodstuff or other items (thanks to the bottom gusset keeping them upright), our standup pouches can be easily customized with any design you choose, on both sides. Like our other products, they can be printed in full color and with full bleed — it's all up to your creative choices.

##What makes stand up pouches outstanding?

Custom stand up pouches are practical — lightweight, easy to fit anywhere, and perfect for repeated use. 
They can even be more environmentally friendly, as making them generates [fewer greenhouse gas emissions and spends less water](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/07/09/they-finally-built-better-ketchup-bottle-soon-its-going-be-everywhere/ "stand up pouches are more environmentally friendly") than comparable traditional packaging alternatives such as cans or jars.

They increase your brand recognition and improve your customers' unboxing experience with their modern, trendy look. Yes, they stand up and stand out.

In short, stand up pouches hit that sweet spot where convenience and style meet, all while delivering your brand name, along with your products, to your customer's shelves and tables.

It's no wonder, then, that the global stand-up pouch market is projected to reach a massive $20-billion-dollar value by 2026, nearly double its 2018 worth.

##Design your own stand up pouch today with Sticker Mule!

Designing your own branded stand up pouches has never been easier, and can be done on our [free Studio tool](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool") in a few steps:

1. If you don't have a custom design ready, head over to our [stand up pouch templates page](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/packaging/stand-up-pouches "custom stand up pouches templates for printing") and pick one for a starting point.

2. Customize the template with your text colors, logos, and any other graphics of your choice — the drag-n-drop interface makes it easy to add and tinker with all the elements in your design.

3. Once you're happy with the results, you can download your design or click on 'Order prints', on the top right corner, to start your order.

4. Select your desired size. We recommend our smaller 5" x 6" if you're ordering a sample — it's slightly more consumer-friendly than our larger, 7.75" x 10" pouch, and can fit a wide variety of use cases. Here you can also opt to include a punch hole to the stand up pouch.

5. Click 'Add to cart' and then check out. In 4 hours or less, you'll hear back from us with a proof showing exactly what your stand up pouch will look like once printed. If there's something you'd like to change, you can ask for revisions to the proof for free — we're happy to do them for you and resubmit your proof.

Otherwise, confirm your order and your brand new stand up pouches will soon be on their way to you.

Ready to seal the deal? 

<ButtonCta text="Make your own custom stand up pouches today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/stand-up-pouches" />


Meet our custom stand-up pouches, where practicality meets style. Equipped with a resealable zipper and a self-standing gusset, these full-color printed pouches are ideal for coffee, snack, or anything else that needs to stay fresh!

How to make a custom dog shirt

Who doesn’t love a good ol’ [custom t-shirt](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts printing")? Since this simple garment rose to become the most popular piece of clothing in modern civilization, we've never stopped looking for ways to make it stand out — [far-fetched designs, bright colors, and unique graphics](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/the-evolution-of-t-shirts-a-decade-by-decade-style-trend-journey "t-shirt history through each decade"). The main thing is the pursuit of individuality, of a custom look.

![custom t-shirt with your dog photo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/003eb0ca-1a2b-47d4-b93e-14e983d5d6ef)

Our love of uniqueness is so great, in fact, that it seems to extend to our very canine companions. 

## Like person, like pet

Remember [the opening scene in The 101 Dalmatians](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulsjuiFO2J0) where a bored Pongo watches as women stroll up and down the street — each with a dog very similar to herself? Well, it turns out there is some scientific truth to this humorous observation. [People do actually pick dogs that resemble them](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20151111-why-do-dogs-look-like-their-owners). Subconsciously, we project something of our own unique features onto our dog friends.

![custom t-shirts of your dog photo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c76a1387-12d7-4043-8e10-884634db6039)

Yes, go ahead and look at your pet, look at yourself in the mirror. Now once you accept the unquestionable, uncanny similarity, what's next? 

The answer is obvious: Join your enthusiasm for custom tees with your appreciation for your loyal companion! Add your dog's mugshot to create your custom dog t-shirt and proudly flaunt it for the world to see. Better yet, order a few custom dog shirts to give as unique Christmas and birthday gifts to friends and family who share your love for your beloved pet.

###Step 1) Find a cool photo of your dog

That should go without saying, but it's still worth emphasizing — it's the most important step. So take your time and go through the hundreds of pet pictures we know you have on your camera roll, and make sure you really get the pick of the litter. 

For a great, natural shot, you want a photograph that checks all these boxes:

- Has great natural lighting 
- Your dog is the focal point 
- It captures a memorable pose or look 

If it's one of those hilarious, one-in-a-thousand moments, then all the better!

###Step 2) Use Trace to remove the background

![free background remover tool](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1a016d42-9b29-47d0-a0cd-d3e6787b1bc4)

[Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "free background remover tool") is one of the most popular tools in the Sticker Mule editing toolbox and for good reason. You upload your picture, click a satisfyingly orange button and, before your dog can bark twice, you've got yourself an outline of the main subject of your picture.

Another click and your picture is downloaded and ready for printing.

###Step 3) Further improve your photo with Redraw (optional)

If you want to make sure you get the best quality for your picture before printing, then [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw "vectorize an image") is here for you. It'll convert your file into a real HD-like vector picture to be printed at absolutely any size you choose.

Again, it's all a simple extra step:

- Upload your newly downloaded photo to [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw "image to vector") (use drag-n-drop to save some extra time, as we all know those dog reels aren't going to watch themselves) 
- Check out 
- Make yourself comfortable (dog-video time!) and wait for the shiny, super-HD vector file we'll send you in a while. 

###Step 4) Add text in Studio (optional)

If you prefer more than just your dog's face on the t-shirt, you can head on to Sticker Mule Studio to put some copy on the shirt. It might be your dog's name, his or her favorite expression, or an [inspirational quote](https://dogfriendlysanantonio.com/best-quotes-about-dogs/). 

###Step 5) Order your custom dog shirts via Sticker Mule

![print custom t-shirts at sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2835e0a4-8379-43e3-b8e5-1692ee0caaaf)

Now all that's left is to go to our [custom t-shirts page](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts online"), select the size and quantity for your order, the t-shirt color, and upload your dog picture. You can also add any specific instructions you may have for the printing.

After you check out, we'll get back to you with a free online proof showing exactly what your dog t-shirt is going to look like. At this point, you can either request changes or just go right ahead and confirm the order.

###Step 6) Share with the world!
Once you approve your designs, we'll start making your custom dog t-shirt, but you'll also now have a chance to share your brand new dog shirt design on your public profile page! 

To share your design on your Sticker Mule profile, just follow these steps;

1) Click on the "Share a design" link on your order confirmation page (see below)

![share designs on sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/38b79bec-be9a-4ea4-bdab-5e9e54feffba)

2) This will take you to your, reorder page. From here, hover over any past order and then click on "Share"

3) This is where you can select if you want to share your design with a secret link or publicly on your profile page

![share custom dog t-shirt design](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0208b5c8-2b2a-4a78-9b1a-519ac3218d28)

This neat feature allows you to share your awesome new dog t-shirt with the whole Sticker Mule community or privately with whomever you want to share a link with!

Need to share your dog with even more people!? Well then, it's time for a new social media post — preferably one on [Stimulus](https://www.stimulus.com/ "stimulus the happy social network giveaways"), the Happy Social Network! Just don't forget to tag us @stickermule so we can go check the results of your handiwork and give you a good ol' thumbs-up!

Think you've come up with something extra special? Sell copies of your masterpiece on your own [Sticker Mule Store](https://www.stickermule.com/stores/learn-more) and use your profits to buy extra treats for your star. 

<ButtonCta text="Create your own custom dog shirt today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts" />

Here's a quick guide on how to print a custom t-shirt of your dog. Learn tips & tricks on how to make your dog shirt really stand out!

Custom dog shirt: How to get your dog on a t-shirt

Upgrade your signage with custom acrylic signs from Sticker Mule!

Signage has an important place in business, in events, in stores, galleries, and offices. Its main function is to provide indications and to advertise, but more and more it's also being used as part of companies' branding efforts — orienting, while at the same time promoting your brand's visual style. It's at that intersection of utility and design where [custom acrylic signs](https://www.stickermule.com/products/acrylic-signs "custom acrylic signs for business") really shine.

![custom acrylic signs for businesses](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9127425d-0c95-4015-bcd7-70a40581145d)

Today, we'll show you how and why you might want to upgrade your signage with custom acrylic signs from Sticker Mule.

##First off: Why acrylic signs?

"We need to replace this acrylic sign — it's too old," said no one ever. Acrylic signs are famously durable — but that's just one of their many qualities. Modern look? Check. Professional aesthetic? You got it. Practical installation? Acrylic's your friend.

Acrylic never looks cheap, like plastic. It's [sturdier than most glass options](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poly(methyl_methacrylate\)), and certainly has a more business-like appeal when contrasted to metal or wood alternatives.

As an added bonus, an acrylic sign makes for a great melee weapon if you ever need to Jason-Bourne your way out of your office. We've all been there, haven't we?

##Introducing Sticker Mule's acrylic signs

[Sticker Mule's acrylic signs](https://www.stickermule.com/products/acrylic-signs "clear business signs") make it easy to display your custom designs on a clear and quality acrylic canvas. Ordering is as easy as entering your desired sizing, uploading your design, and confirming your order.

Alternatively, you can also choose from a range of standard sizes (6″ × 6″, 12″ × 12″, 18″ × 24″, 24″ × 24″, and 36″ × 48″), as well as benefit from our [stack of design tools](https://www.stickermule.com/tools) and [our seamless proofing process](https://www.stickermule.com/support/can-i-see-a-proof-before-ordering).

![wall hanging business signs made from acrylic](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/6648e1a1-d7c9-4acb-a124-c35215797759)

##Benefits of choosing Sticker Mule

Quality products and first-rate pricing deals are only part of the reason for Sticker Mule's popularity.

Central to our culture is a devotion to our customers, and that includes super fast and reliable support. We address your questions and provide quick resolutions to any issues that might come up. Our service includes providing an unlimited number of free online proofs before you order and working with you to make sure you get the best version of your product.

Add to that other factors that set us apart from the competition —  free worldwide shipping, progressive bulk discounts that can see you save up to 67% on your order, and low-quantity orders starting from just 1 acrylic sign, and you begin to see why people love buying at Sticker Mule.

##Acrylic signs are ideal for business owners and event planners

Shaping a consistent and recognizable brand identity is no easy task, but it is an essential one for business owners and event planners to get ahead in a crowded, competitive, and dynamic market.

Key in forming your brand identity is the use of custom merchandise and supplies — and that's where [signage can play an important role](https://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-signage-business-3348.html). Well-placed acrylic signs carrying your brand name, logo, and color themes can go a long way toward familiarizing the public with your brand —and [familiarity, as you well know, is half of marketing](https://newristics.com/heuristics-biases/familiarity-effect).

And if we're talking about events — especially more upscale ones, from [wedding welcome signs](https://junebugweddings.com/wedding-blog/7-wedding-signs-you-need/) to the schedule for a big product launch day, — there's nothing that conveys confident professionalism and competence quite as much as a well-designed acrylic sign.

![cool business signs](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/21bf9ed6-ee76-4b41-8fb3-1f063358c9e0)

##How to order your custom acrylic sign from Sticker Mule

We've said it before: Ordering at Sticker Mule is a breeze. But just in case you don't believe us, here are the steps you can follow to soon be the proud owner of your own custom acrylic sign:

1\. Go to [our acrylic signs page](https://www.stickermule.com/products/acrylic-signs). Pick quantity and size (either predetermined or your custom specs), then press "Continue".

2\. Upload your artwork with a couple clicks (or using the drag-n-drop function).

3\. Sit tight. Soon you'll be emailed a proof showing you exactly what your acrylic sign will look like once it's ready.

4\. Either request changes to your proof or approve and check out.

And that's it! With production in a few days and free, fast shipping, it won't be long before you're caressing your own acrylic sign and whispering, "My own… my precious!"

##Types of acrylic signs

Acrylic signs are naturally versatile and lend themselves to a variety of business uses. Typical acrylic signs include:

-   __Acrylic sign boards__: Coming in a variety of sizes, with both single or double-sided printing, acrylic sign boards are easily customizable with logos and graphics, and are a great means of providing information or creating business signage.
-   __Acrylic business signs__: These are designed for commercial establishments, and are most often storefront, window, or directional wall signs. They can display your business name, logo, and other info, and are sometimes paired with LED lights for greater visibility.
-   __Acrylic wedding signs__: Welcome signs, seating charts, and directions. Acrylic wedding signs bring elegance and clarity to your decor and can be easily personalized with names and wedding details.
-   __Acrylic wall signs__: Mount them indoors or outdoors, suspended with standoffs or fixed with hardware. A mix of durable and weather-resistant material with a sleek look and feel, acrylic wall signs can be a simple way to make your work environment look at once more sophisticated and put-together.

##Customization options

There's no lack of ways you can customize your acrylic signs. With Sticker Mule, you'll find it easy to play with an infinite number of colors, fonts, sizing, and graphic combinations.

And don't forget: You can make the most of our [free acrylic sign templates](https://www.stickermule.com/templates/acrylic-signs) to easily and speedily create your very own designs.

##Upgrade your signage today!

Whether for the office, for your storefront, for your art gallery, beauty salon, or any other establishment you run, you'll find that our custom [acrylic signs](https://www.stickermule.com/products/acrylic-signs "custom acrylic business signs") are a sure way to refine and improve your signage game. So why not try them today?

<ButtonCta text="Create your custom acrylic sign today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/acrylic-signs" />






First impressions are important! Displaying customized acrylic signs in front of businesses, events, and even weddings instantly sets an elegant and modern vibe. Try designing one today!

How to design custom t-shirts from scratch

There are few things as fun as literally wearing your own creation. This is perhaps why [custom t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts") have become so popular over the past few years — they're a way to showcase your creativity, have fun with new designs, and easily dress in a unique way.

![woman wearing gray custom t-shirt from sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b62d9766-23d8-4e3c-8df9-bda597865bf2)

It's perhaps no surprise, in fact, that the global market for custom-made clothes has been on a meteoric rise — worth $51.8 billion in 2021, it's [projected to reach no less than $131.6 billion by 2030](https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/custom-made-clothes-market-101188 "custom t-shirt and clothing market trends"). It's no secret: people want to dress custom.

##Designing your custom t-shirts

There are plenty of ways to design your own t-shirts, but few, if any, are better than Studio.

###What is Studio? 

Essentially, it's a canvas for your creativity — a browser-based, user-friendly platform for devising your own designs and creating your own custom-made products.

Unlike other, more complicated apps, [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool with free templates") removes all the hurdles from your creative process, at the same time providing an ample library of templates as a starting point for your creative endeavors. 

##How to use Studio

To work with [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool"), all you need is a browser and an internet connection. In fact, you can even create from your smartphone. Let's take a look at how that process works.

###1. Choose a template

![custom t-shirts free templates](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/66e723bc-d2e4-48d0-b857-735f0ffe24f6)

Studio comes with a [vast library of free t-shirt templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/t-shirts "free custom t-shirts templates"). Whether you are designing a t-shirt for a sports team, for your company, or just for good old fun, you'll likely find a Studio template that's just the right starting point for your needs.

And don't worry about spending time thumbing through templates either; just select the category you have in mind and browse the top templates for that particular subject.

###2. Edit your template

![editing a custom shirt template online free](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bc722438-7cb7-4047-87cc-3294b37c1d74)

Even if your template is nothing more than a blank canvas, editing is as easy as adding new text or drawing elements, dragging them into place, adding color… it's all done in a few clicks (or taps, if you're on your phone). 
While you're at it, keep in mind a few key points to ensure your design looks well put together and appealing, including:

- The right combination of colors. It's not about how many colors you work into your design, but the extent to which they match. You can do some research on how different colors complement each other, for starters, and play with several combinations as you go.

- Text is often the first thing that gets noticed in a design, so use fonts that match the vibe you're going for. We [wrote a bit on the subject of fonts](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/what-is-the-easiest-font-to-read-on-posters-and-flyers "best fonts to use for t-shirts and poster printing") before, but it is a topic worth exploring in depth, as it can make or break your visual style.

- Placement. How harmonious the different elements in your overall design look — that's also key to your success. You can find out a little more about the rules of design composition and layout [here](https://99designs.com/blog/tips/design-composition-and-layout/ "tips on design composition").

###3. Print it out

Once you're happy with your design, you can download it or send it straight to print with Sticker Mule. All you have to do is choose your t-shirt size, quantity, and order. Before your t-shirt is produced, you'll get a free sample proof showing you what it'll look like with your design — if need be, you can request further changes before giving the green light for the printing process. 

Once you complete your order, your t-shirts will be coming to you in just a few days!

##Printing your custom t-shirt

Did you know you can print your own custom t-shirt at home and at little cost to yourself? That's one of the options we'll explore below.

###DIY printing

If you're a fan of doing things yourself, why not try DIY t-shirt printing? It's easy, doesn't take long, and yields fairly good results for more casual use cases. 

Take a look at [this tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1QSgRSzoFY "create your own t-shirt at home tutorial") and you'll see you don't even have to invest in complicated equipment to print your own t-shirts (although you can get professional results if you're willing to fork out around $1300 as an initial investment for a shirt-printing machine!)

To print your own custom design onto a t-shirt at home, all you need are a regular printer, an iron and ironing board, a blank t-shirt, and some transfer paper.

The steps are simple, too:

1. Print your design onto a sheet of transfer paper
2. Lay out your t-shirt onto the ironing board and place the transfer area over the area you want your design to be printed on
3. Carefully iron over the design a few times, making sure you smooth out the whole of the design.
4. Remove the backing on your transfer paper and glory in your newly-printed t-shirt!

That's the gist of it, anyway.
 
##Going the professional route

![custom t-shirts of cats and pets](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9edbff82-a284-4b5a-a805-c8704fbe4859)

DIY printing is a fun way to personalize your tees at a low cost, but it may not be for everyone. For starters, the quality of the design will inevitably turn out to be inferior to the design on a professionally printed t-shirt — the shapes will be less crisp and nitid, and the design is likely to wear off faster. 

On top of that, it's a time-consuming process. If you want your design stamped on a large number of t-shirts, you'll find yourself spending hours ironing stuff back and forth. Maybe not the best investment for your time.

###Online printing services

With that in mind, there's a simpler alternative: [get your custom t-shirts printed out for you](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts printing") by a professional printing service like yours truly, Sticker Mule.

It'll save you headaches and the potential disappointment of making a mess of your design — and ruining a t-shirt. And that inevitably happens on a long enough timeline of printing your own stuff.

In fact, if you intend to print your design on a large number of t-shirts, you may find ordering your tees from an online service can be a lot more cost-effective. Just check out the mouth-watering bulk discounts we offer on [custom t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom shirts printing") — order enough and you can find yourself paying less than $10 for professionally printed, high-quality, 100% cotton t-shirts.

Order now and enjoy holding your crisp, nice new tees a few days from now!

##Conclusion

As you can see, designing your very own t-shirt with Studio is a no-brainer. All it takes is a browser, an internet connection, and a little bit of inspiration — and remember our 2000+ templates are all there to help you with that!
Plus, once you have your design ready, sporting it in quality-printed t-shirts is only a matter of a few clicks and a few days' wait. Your Sticker Mule-made t-shirts will stick around for years.

<ButtonCta text="Browse all the free custom t-shirt templates today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/t-shirts" />


Your step-by-step guide to designing your own custom t-shirts online for free. When you're happy with the design you can either order them online or print them at home!

Custom stickers in Chicago are easy with free & fast delivery

[Custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "print custom stickers chicago") have taken Chicago by storm!

![fast chicago custom sticker printing](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/53df84a9-9821-4fb9-9d0a-4fdb2ebbb8ff)

If you visit Chicagoland, you'll find artists lining the leafy streets of Logan Square. Businesses are bustling along the River North. Entrepreneurial students stroll Hyde Park and Evanston. 

People and businesses alike are expressing themselves with creative and colorful decals. And why not? With free and fast delivery across the city, snagging custom stickers has never been easier.

### Custom stickers take your branding to new levels

Custom stickers in Chicago are more than decorative elements. They are powerful tools for expression, branding, and even activism. Businesses use them for advertising, artists for self-expression, and individuals for personalization. In Chicago, the custom sticker trend is booming. Custom-printed stickers appear on everything from laptops and water bottles to cars and storefront windows.

## Meet Herman - the mascot of Sticker Mule

![print custom stickers in chicago with sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8d2608d7-283d-4c8d-a27a-0e030e89d44a)

One sticker you might have seen around town is Herman, the friendly mascot of Sticker Mule. Here he is at the Lake Michigan bike path near Fullerton Ave, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. 

Our Chicago-based employees really recommended trekking this area ([google map link](https://goo.gl/maps/jN5h7Jk6gCPbQ9i46 "relaxing area to see the chicago skyline")). Here, you can enjoy a unique vista of the Chicago skyline away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby Lincoln Park Zoo.

## Chicago highway billboards - A '__sign__'ificant presence

Custom stickers are even making their mark on Chicago billboards. Our second photo features a bright orange billboard on I-55 heading westbound from Chicago.

This billboard is visible to thousands of commuters daily. It advertises our fan-favorite deal where you can get 10 custom stickers printed for $1. It's one of dozens of billboards spreading custom sticker awareness across Chicagoland.

![custom stickers billboard for sticker mule printing on I55](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/363cf1c0-7cf8-4e62-bdac-203bd575c1b7)

## Our fan-favorite deal - 10 custom stickers for $1

This deal, featured on many billboards across the city, offers incredible value. [For just $1](https://www.stickermule.com/deals/4b02bdaf?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=chicagostickers "10 for $1 custom sticker deal in chicago"), you can get 10 high-quality, fully customizable stickers. In downtown Chicago near LaSalle and Ohio in the River North neighborhood, you can't miss the bold orange billboard advertising this deal. This billboard, like the one on I-55, is easy for any Chicago custom sticker fanatic to spot!

![custom stickers printing in chicago fast](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/55e6856c-baf3-4a24-9d84-1acbeaf6cafa)

## Endless possibilities with custom Chicago stickers

When it comes time to print your [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "sticker mule custom stickers"), the possibilities are truly endless. You can create custom stickers that celebrate the unique culture and spirit of Chicago. The city’s famous landmarks, slogans, and imagery provide the perfect inspiration. 

For instance, imagine a sticker featuring the iconic Cloud Gate, affectionately known as “The Bean”, with its mirror-like surface reflecting the city’s skyline. Or a sticker showcasing the majestic lions that guard the Art Institute of Chicago, symbols of the city’s rich cultural heritage 

You could also create stickers with popular Chicago slogans like “The Windy City” or “City of Big Shoulders”. Or perhaps a sticker featuring the four red stars of the Chicago flag, each representing a significant event in the city’s history. 

And let’s not forget about Chicago’s sports teams. From the Cubs and White Sox to the Bulls, Bears, and Blackhawks, you can show your team spirit with custom stickers featuring team logos or famous players. 

##Why choose Sticker Mule for custom stickers in Chicago?

So why choose Sticker Mule for your custom stickers in Chicago? First, our stickers are durable, weather-resistant, and feature vibrant, full-color printing. Second, we offer incredible value with deals like our [10 stickers for $1 offer](https://www.stickermule.com/deals/4b02bdaf?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=chicagostickers "10 for one dollar custom sticker"). Finally, we make the process seamless with easy online ordering, free and fast delivery, and exceptional customer service. 

How can we offer such an incredible deal? Because we are confident that you’ll love your sticker and want to come back for more. 

Custom stickers are transforming the cityscape of Chicago. They’re on our laptops, our water bottles, our cars, and our storefronts. They’re even on our billboards. And with Sticker Mule, getting custom stickers is easy, affordable, and fast. So why wait? Brighten up your summer with custom stickers in Chicago. 

##Start printing custom stickers in Chicago!

Ready to join the custom sticker revolution in Chicago? Order your custom stickers from Sticker Mule today and experience the quality and convenience for yourself. And don't forget to share your sticker stories with us on social media. We can't wait to see where Herman pops up next!

<ButtonCta text="Get 10 custom stickers for just $1!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/deals/4b02bdaf?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=chicagostickers" />


Experience the ease of getting custom stickers in Chicago with Sticker Mule. Get free and fast delivery of stickers and other printing in Chicagoland. Start your sticker journey today!

Custom stickers are easy in Chicago with free & fast delivery

How to build an email list with sticker giveaways and more

Email lists are a fundamental marketing tool in today's digital landscape. They're a valuable way of engaging with customers, building relationships, and driving sales. 

In today's post, we'll take a look at the impact email lists can have on your business and how you can work to deliver personalized and targeted messages right into your client's inboxes.

## Understanding your audience

The cornerstone of good email marketing is to understand your target audience. You need to know what your buyers like — what makes them, quite literally, click. 

To build a loyal customer base, you first need to gain a good understanding of their interests and preferences. There are more than a few ways of that, including:

- Market research: Market research gives you insights into your industry, competitors, and potential untapped customer bases. Your research can be geared towards demographics (age, gender, location, etc.), as well as psychographics — interests, values, behaviors, and the like.

- Existing data: Internet analytics tools are a great way to gather data from your website, from social media platforms, or from other marketing channels, with an eye to understanding your audience's preferences, browsing habits, and engagement patterns.

- Surveys/feedback: With surveys and feedback forms, you can get your customers to tell you themselves what works for them or doesn't. What could be better than hearing it straight from the horse's mouth?

- Social listening: Go on social media, online forums, and review sites. Check out relevant YouTube video comments or, yes, even Reddit subs. There's a wealth of information just lying around the web if you know what to monitor and where to look for it.

- Competitor analysis: While they say you should never blindly imitate your competitors, it pays to keep an eye on what they're doing — their audiences, their marketing strategies. What is their messaging like, and how do they engage with their customers? These and similar questions can provide useful insights into your own target audiences.

## The importance of email marketing

Email marketing is particularly relevant for small businesses and startups, as it's both effective and cost-efficient. But, if you're doing it right, it will never cease to bring you value no matter how big your company gets.

There's plenty to say about the value of email here. But if we were to list just a few key ways it helps you, we could say it:

1. Helps you connect directly with your audience. With email, you can reach people directly, as well as tailor your messages according to customers' preferences and purchase history. 

2. Allows you to build relationships. If you consistently deliver real value — whether that's timely updates, offers, or interesting content, — you'll find it easy to establish trust and loyalty, which in turn will increase your customer retention.

3. Is cost-effective. When you compare it with other marketing channels and ad campaigns, email marketing is extremely cost-effective. With a minimum initial investment, it nonetheless offers a very palpable ROI. In fact, a recent Litmus report points to an average return of 36:1. That is, for every $1 spent on email marketing, you'll make $36. Not too shabby, eh?

4. Increases conversion rates. Emails have a proven conversion track record of around 3%. While this may not seem impressive at first glance, get a hefty email list, do the math, and you'll see it adds up to a neat plus on your marketing game. In fact, [surveys have shown](https://www.salecycle.com/blog/stats/18-essential-email-marketing-statistics/) shown that as many as 59% of buyers are influenced by email in their purchase decisions.

## Strategies to create an email list from scratch

So you're bought into the whole email list thing, but don't know where to start? Well, perhaps we can offer a few handy ideas.

### 1. Sticker giveaways

![free sticker giveaway tips](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/82487dc9-bda2-4429-aff0-183b73f7911e)

Yes, we continue to think [stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "stickers custom") are awesome, but that's only because we've seen how well they work up close. And using them for capturing your customers' emails is a no-brainer, really:

- Design a few stickers. Not just any stickers, mind you: we're talking stickers that your target audience will find irresistible! Give it some thought, get creative, and — of course — make sure they relate to your brand or niche.

- Create a giveaway (duh). Then promote it on your social media, on your website, or heck, even on your [product shipments](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-package-inserts-that-work).

- The catch! Ask participants to sign up for your email list in order to enter the giveaway — or make it optional. Because remember: nobody likes to be tricked into these things. If you decide to make subscribing mandatory, at least make sure to tell them loud and clear that unsubscribing is a breeze and they can do it at any time.

- Honor your side of the deal and make sure your giveaway winners get their stickers.

<ButtonCta text="Create some stickers for giveaways today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers" />

### 2. Interactive quizzes

Everyone loves a good quiz — whether about news, popular films, or fun facts. But for our purpose, you want to create quizzes that connect directly to the industry or niche you operate on. Just make sure they're fun and not too long. Then share them on your site, on social media, and in ads.

Once you've got your quizzes figured out, add a final step where you request participants to provide their email addresses to get the results or rank on the leaderboard. Again, do all you can to avoid the impression that you're coercing users into giving up their emails. Best not to get started on the wrong foot.

And remember, quizzes are something that people just love sending to friends and family. Make sure yours is super easy to share.

Also, if you're looking for a way to get started creating your own quizzes, you can try [Quiz and Survey Master](https://quizandsurveymaster.com) — a great Wordpress plugin that will take the hassle away from your quiz-creating endeavors.

### 3. Email list swap

An email list swap involves partnering with another business or marketer in a similar niche to exchange email subscribers. Here's how it works:

- Find a reputable partner with a complementary target audience and email list.

- Collaborate on a joint promotional campaign where both parties promote each other's email lists.

- Set clear expectations and guidelines for your list swapping, including the number of subscribers to be exchanged and the duration of the partnership.

An important caveat here: Make sure you didn't tell your clients you'd never share their email. If you did, well, then this step is just not for you.

### 4. Collaborations or partnerships

![using partnerships and collaborations to grow email lists ](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e458ff28-c47d-4394-9af5-838c64ae93be)

Try collaborating with other businesses or influencers in your niche. This can be a brilliant way to tap into existing audiences and expand your email list.   

__Try things like:__

- Guest blogging: Feeling the creative mood? Write a guest post for a popular blog in your industry. And don't forget that sweet call to action to join your email list (offering goodies like promo codes or access to special discounts is a good way to seal the deal).

- Co-hosted webinars: If webinars are up your alley, you can partner with industry experts or complementary businesses to host events that will both provide value to your audiences and encourage sign-ups. Talk about a win-win.

- Social media cross-promotion: Talk to influencers or other businesses on social media. There are a myriad ways you can cooperate and generate value for everyone around, including joint giveaways or simple shoutouts that will drive traffic to your email lists.

Spend a few hours on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and other platforms to find influencers in your niche that can be great collaborators. 

### 5. Pop-up forms  

Nobody loves pop-ups per se — they're like someone holding you by the sleeve when you want to leave the damn place. But there's [evidence pop-up forms can work](https://www.campaignmonitor.com/blog/email-marketing/why-signup-popup-forms-work/). Try and see for yourself.

There are plenty of ways to use them. Exit intent pop-ups can grab the email of a visitor that might otherwise never come back to your site; time-based pop-ups allow you to not scare off visitors that have just only made it to your website. And similarly, scroll-based pop-ups let you present your form to readers that have already shown an interest in your content and are thus more likely to sign up. 

As always, though, be sure to keep a few best practices in mind: 

- Offer value. This can be a discount, exclusive content, or a freebie in exchange for an email sign-up.

- Use a simple, friendly design for your pop-up. Don't be obnoxious.

- Don't overdo it. One pop-up, every once in a while, is tolerable. Several pop-ups, or having the same one pop again every time like a mosquito that won't die? That's a surefire way to alienate users.

### 6. Landing pages

An optimized landing page can be a boon to your email list conversions. But you need to do it right. So it's more of the same:

- Keep the design simple, clean, and focused on your call to action.

- Clearly communicate the value proposition of joining your email list. Again, that could be early access to new products, special promo codes, promotions, and so on.

- Use persuasive, straight-to-the-point copy and visuals to encourage signing up.

- A/B test different elements — headlines, CTA buttons, and form placements — to optimize your conversions.

[Carrd](https://carrd.co/) is a user-friendly and free platform for quickly creating landing pages.

### 7.  Lead magnets 

Believe it or not, this time we're not talking about our very own [custom magnets](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-magnets). No, lead magnets are simply the "carrots" you offer in exchange for email addresses. That is something that actually is attractive or valuable to your target audience.

Examples of effective lead magnets include:

- E-books or guides related to your industry or niche. For instance, a fitness or health product website might offer users a free weight loss program or a recipe book for healthy snacks.

- Downloadable templates or checklists for a specific need your users are likely to have. An example would be a financial guru that offers a budgeting or expense-tracking checklist.

- Exclusive content. This could be anything from video classes to exclusive industry reports, case studies, and so on.

Also, remember: Lead magnets can be more than just a way to entice visitors to subscribe. They can provide value in their own right and be shared by your users, thus pushing your marketing strategy a further notch up.

## Final thoughts

![building an email list from scratch successfully](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/43f4d06c-d21a-47f1-aa60-1fcc38df1dd0)

It's never too early to start building your email list, and there's no wrong way to get started doing it. Whether you love the sticker giveaway idea or just want to annoy your customers with a well-timed pop-up, you have plenty of options to choose from above — and many others waiting for you out there.

So pick the strategies that work best for you and make them a focus of your marketing efforts. You'll be reaping the rewards for a long time to come.

And, just before you go, I guess it's our move: Did you know we have the best weekly promos in all of stickerdom? Of course, the way to get access to them is by subscribing to our newsletter — [click here](https://www.stickermule.com/deals) for that.

<ButtonCta text="Check out today's deal for promotional printing!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/deals" />



Building an email list from scratch may seem daunting at first but using sticker giveaways and these other tried & tested strategies will help grow your email list in no time!

Ultimate guide to aesthetic stickers: cute designs, trends, and tips

Home decor, DIY, crafts. Lately, these three uber-popular topics have converged somewhat over the humble sticker with a new trend: aesthetic stickers.

![cute and funny aesthetic stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2591d3d6-1699-4943-af68-c3f7c5f6a833)

What are aesthetic stickers? In a few words, they're stickers that help shape a certain personal style or vibe. They can be anything to express your current mood or vibe. The use of the word "aesthetic" here puts us right away in the mind of decoration, of shaping a specific ambiance. So that's what people are going for with their aesthetic stickers: imprinting their personality on their surroundings.

### Understanding aesthetic stickers

Aesthetic stickers are all about helping shape a certain tone or vibe — or, if you will, a certain aesthetic. Rather than isolated individual stickers, aesthetic stickers usually come in sets and follow a predetermined theme. 

You can have a set of fruit or emoji stickers, vacation-themed stickers, or even build a line of stickers for your favorite fandom or TV show. The main point is that the stickers must work between themselves to really create that feeling you're going for, whether it's excitement, tranquility, or fun.

With a kit of aesthetic stickers, you can really transform your belongings (think office or school materials) — or your environment. That's why people love them so much. A few stickers in a bedroom or home office, paired with some minor rearranging (and maybe some tidying up too), and suddenly your place looks refreshingly new. 

And that, for a very low effort and little time investment, can be an incredibly satisfying thing.

### Different types of aesthetic stickers and the latest trends

If you're making your own custom aesthetic stickers, there really is no end to the possibilities at your disposal. Popular styles, of course, often reflect existing trends in decor and fashion, such as:

- **Vintage aesthetic stickers:** Nothing is better for a vintage feel than a few choice items of daily use — daily use in another century, mind you. Oil lamps, old umbrellas and magnifying glasses, bicycles, old dial phones, top hats… the list goes on. 
- **Minimalistic:** Simple fonts, few-line drawings, plenty of white space. These stickers can go a long way toward showing off your minimalist preferences on your laptop or car bumper. Just remember not to overuse them — that goes against the spirit of the whole thing.
- **Nature aesthetic:** Leaves, trees, cacti, rocks, birds… If you're a nature lover and your living room looks like it might soon be taken over by the jungle, try a combination of these and other nature-themed stickers on your belongings to seal the vibe.
- **Bibliophile aesthetic:** Love books? Sure you do. Love flaunting your love for books? We suspect so. So order a selection of custom book- and stationery-themed stickers to liven up your desk, phone, or backpack. Just don't stick them on your books — those are sacred you know.

These are just a few examples. Can you imagine what you could do with your favorite aesthetic?

### Examples of cute aesthetic sticker designs
__Food, animals, and pets__
![food animals pets aesthetic stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2a72673b-e9a1-44b3-b51d-5fa764fc974f)
__Icons, logos and messages__
![Icons, logos and messages aesthetic stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0ba4ce4d-953c-4f4e-9935-7929037da576)

### Tips on using aesthetic stickers

Unlike rocket science, sticker science is pretty obvious. There are just a few things you can keep in mind when decorating with aesthetic stickers:

- **Give some thought to placement.** Do you want your stickers to stand out and attract attention or just provide a more subdued background? There's a range of options according to your answer: you can try laptop, phone, or water bottle stickers to simply decorate everyday objects, or larger wall stickers to really capture the eye.
- **Try a combination of styles.** Sometimes mixing individual aesthetic stickers from different styles or sets can work great. Just take your time and lay out a few combinations on your table before you actually stick them in place.
- **Help your stickers last.** Make sure you apply your stickers to a clean surface and smoothen out any imperfections or air bubbles right away. This will help them stick around longer. Give extra some love to static clings, as these are typically less durable than our more common vinyl custom stickers.

### Where to buy aesthetic stickers

It's not hard to find pre-made aesthetic sticker packages out there on websites like [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/aesthetic-stickers/s?k=aesthetic+stickers "amazon buy aesthetic stickers"), eBay, or [Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/market/aesthetic_stickers "buy aesthetic stickers on etsy"). But if you find it boring to buy combinations that maybe hundreds of others have already on display, there's always the option to [print your own stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/ "print custom stickers").

After all, that's what we're all about here!

At Sticker Mule, you can order your own custom stickers in any shape, size, or style. You can also use our own free tools, like Studio, to design the stickers yourself and order them with a click. Before we print, we always send you a proof showing what your stickers will look like, and you can request changes until you're 100% happy with the result. It's fast and easy.

### Conclusion

Not just a nice little trend, aesthetic stickers can be an incredibly fulfilling way to let your personal style come through in your environment. Whether you like modern minimalism or elegant vintage styles, you'll find stickers the perfect medium for your creativity and personality.

Think aesthetic stickers are just the thing for you? Then go over to [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool") and start creating your own [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom stickers best and fast") today! Our broad array of design templates are a perfect starting point — and they're waiting just for you 😉

<ButtonCta text="Design your own stickers at Studio!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/stickers" />




What are aesthetic stickers? Are you looking for sticker design inspirations? Here are examples and tips to make your stickers the most aesthetically pleasing!

How to start a candle business at home: Step-by-step guide

Who could have predicted that candles, of all things, would be increasing in popularity in 2023? 

![starting a candle business online with no money](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3ef64d91-8c77-45f8-bccc-68933f32d85a)

Our age is one of plentiful lighting, as [an image of Earth's light pollution map](https://www.cleardarksky.com/maps/lp/large_light_pollution_map.html) will show you. But not even the uber-cheap and ubiquitous LED lamps that illuminate our interiors managed to snuff out the humble candle from our homes.

No longer relevant for lighting, this [5000-year-old invention](https://candles.org/history/) found a new purpose in decoration and lifestyle. Modern home décor tendencies and well-being practices such as aromatherapy have fueled the demand for artisanal and scented candles — a tendency compounded by the [pandemic-inspired rise of wellness trends among millennials](https://www.vogue.in/beauty/content/heres-how-candles-lead-the-wellness-industry-during-the-pandemic). 

With the current $12.88 billion global candle market burning bright and [an expected growth rate of 5.7% from 2023 to 2030](https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/candles-market), the popularity of candles is as far as ever from dying out and the moment is ripe for aspiring chandlers everywhere. 

Want to know how to start a candle business at home? Then light yourself a candle and read on as we provide an overview of the main steps for starting a candle business.

## __1) Choose your niche__

![a woman wondering which candle to choose](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/16ae8c1d-a082-4ea9-a64a-f8e700670a90)

Before you get started with your candle business, determine what will your niche be. It's best to start small and do one thing well, keeping the alternative to expand to other candle types later on.

### Main types of candles

As candle aficionados know, candles come in diverse shapes, sizes, aromas, and materials. Let's go over four common types.

#### Scented candles

Scented candles are a great way to relieve stress and create a relaxing environment. Alongside essential oils, they make up the core of aromatherapy and have also grown in popularity as we spend more time at home and are more concerned with how our dwelling spaces smell. 

Research has even [shown the right smells can increase our productivity](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61708789). All of this makes aromatic candles a great candle-making niche.

#### Decorative candles

All candles are extremely versatile when it comes to decoration, but you can choose to make candles targeting a special kind of décor or style. Decorative candles such as the ones used in hygge trends tend to be odorless, as they're meant to be just a small part of your home environment.

If you choose to work with decorative candles, you'll find it a perfect opportunity to play with shapes and colors. You can even choose to make candles for special seasonal events, such as orange pumpkin-shaped candles for Halloween or green pine-shaped ones for Christmas.

#### Beeswax candles

Beeswax candles make up a special — and expensive — niche in the world of chandlers. The high melting point of beeswax means these candles will burn longer than regular paraffin ones, but that is far from their only advantage. Beeswax candles release less soot and emit more light, while not having a strong scent, which makes them perfect for a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.

Beeswax is also said to have a positive effect on the quality of the air in your home — as the candle burns, it releases negative ions which neutralize various air pollutants. 

The thing to have in mind here is that beeswax is a more expensive material, which may require more careful sourcing and planning.

#### Soy candles

Soy candles are another in the category of so-called "happy wax" — non-pollutant wax made from natural materials. Because they don't burn petroleum-based paraffin, their flame is cleaner, with a better impact on both your health and the environment. Plus they're sourced from soybeans, which makes them better for the environment.

Similar to beeswax, soy candles also burn longer than paraffin ones. Add that to the fact they're "green" and you have yourself a nice niche for environmentally-conscious customers.

----

## 2) Create a Unique Selling Proposition

A Unique Selling Proposition (or UPS, for short) is essentially telling your clients why your product is worth their attention and money — why they should buy from you, and not the competition.

A USP is essential for any business, and for a good reason: Having a good product means nothing if you can't convince your customer to acquire it.

To formulate a compelling USP:

- **Identify your target market.** Understand what demographic is likely to buy your product. In the case of beeswax candles, that could be middle-class, environmentally-conscious female millennials.
- **Determine what makes your product unique.** This will be the focal point in your marketing to that audience. Going back to beeswax, it is unique because it is eco-friendly, lasts longer, and is a traditional, timeless product.
- **Write a USP that highlights these benefits** in a clear and concise way. 
- **Promote!** Your USP can be the focal point of your company's "About" page, your slogan, and even your logo.

----

## 3) Develop your product line

![materials for candle business](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/98257d9d-42a9-4e34-bf9b-3ec39c62cfdc)

A company is only as good as the product it sells. Once you have arrived at your unique selling point, it's time to develop your product line so it matches and exceeds your customers' expectations.

Here, you'll want to experiment with the many scents, colors, and candle styles available, finding high-quality materials for each aspect of your candle line. The combinations here are pretty much infinite, and with enough planning and testing, you'll soon be on your way to crafting your very own brand of candles.

Consider carefully each element of your candles.

### Waxes

We already saw how important it is to choose the proper wax for your candle niche. Among the types of candle waxes to consider, we've got:

- **Paraffin wax:** Also known as mineral wax, it is cheaper, more easily available, and better for strong fragrances. However, it burns faster, releases soot, and is sourced from non-renewable petroleum.
- **Soy wax:** A perfect environmental-friendly alternative to paraffin wax, albeit less conducive to smells. Burns very well, with little soot.
- **Paraffin-soy blend:** Blends are often used to bring together the benefits of two materials, as in the case of slow-burning aromatic parasoy blend candles.
- **Beeswax:** The best-burning type of candle material, it is also one of the most expensive.
- **Coconut wax:** Another expensive, but eco-friendly alternative that lends itself well to different blends.

### Wicks

Wicks can be chosen based on the type of wax or container being used, as well as simply with an eye to aesthetics. The main types of wicks are as follows.

- **Flat:** The most common type in taper and pillar candles, flat wicks are made up of two or three fiber strands knitted together. They curl into the flame for an effortless self-trimming effect. 
- **Square:** Braided square wicks are often used with beeswax, as they clog less than other types of wicks.
- **Cored:** Cored wicks are braided around a central piece, usually made of cotton, zinc, or paper, which helps keep them erect. They're popular in jar candles and votives.
- **Wooden:** Made from wood or combinations of wood fiber and cotton, these wicks have gained in popularity due to their aesthetic effect and the gentle crackling sound they produce.

### Fragrances

A powerful, but woefully underused sense, [smell is processed differently from any other sense](https://www.discovery.com/science/Why-Smells-Trigger-Such-Vivid-Memories) — which is just one of the reasons for the popularity of aromatic candles. Used well, the right scent will help shape unforgettable moments; your scented candles can spark vivid emotions and become connected with precious memories. 

Candle fragrances are also a brilliant way to set a mood of relaxation or create an atmosphere for concentration, among many other uses — all of which you should have in mind as you go about choosing, mixing, and inventing your own fragrances. 

Don't forget to name your fragrances in original and memorable ways. That can be a nice way to strengthen brand associations, set your product line apart, and explore your creativity.

### Containers

The containers you use for your candles should also hinge on your target market and the general style you're going for. Mason or jelly jars have a more rustic appeal, whereas tumbler jars can be directed at a public with more refined tastes. Similarly, the colors you employ should also be in touch with your general branding, candle type, and market.

----

## 4) Branding and packaging

![design logo and packaging for candle business](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/4a4b17b7-b261-4de4-81b8-c0a468127f36)

Branding is a key aspect of your home candle business — it can be the decisive element that makes customers pick your shop among a multitude of others and keeps them coming back.

While branding doesn't have to take a lot of your time and effort, it does need to be well planned. You want to convey a consistent image and message that will be firmly lodged into buyers' minds, and this means attention to a few key elements.

### Designing your logo

Your logo is your brand's calling card. Make it simple or fancy, but make it memorable and in tune with your brand's overall look and feel. If you need help designing your logo, you can check out some of the [many templates available in our free Studio design tool](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/search?group=all&q=logo).

### Making good use of candle labels

[Candle labels](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/candle-labels) can be a key branding item that is well worth your time and attention. Besides sharing your logo and brand name with the world, they also help create the general feel you're going for — rustic, refined, modern, or classic.

### Choosing the right packaging

Packaging is another often overlooked, but major factor in your overall branding effort. Factors to keep in mind here include:

- **Packaging material:** Boxes, paper bags, and mailers are just some of the most common options.
- **Customization:** [How do you make your packaging stand out?](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/5-inexpensive-ways-to-make-your-packages-stand-out) Among other ideas, custom tags and personalized packaging tape can go a long way toward creating a unique brand look.
- **Pricing:** An important factor for home businesses. But no worries, there are plenty of ways to use unique packaging material and customization while keeping a tidy budget!

----

## 5) Set up your online presence

![setting up an online presence](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/698bbaa7-1dba-4ff9-a252-a9385a426693)

Now that you have your niche, product line, and branding elements figured out, it's time to make sure customers know where to find you. For that, you can create your own website or choose to go with an e-commerce platform. 

### Creating a website

Having your website makes you independent of other platforms and is a sign of professionality, but it also takes a bit more effort. You'll need to register (and pay for) your own domain and choose a web design for your site — something you can build by yourself, buying a [pre-designed theme](https://themeforest.net/category/ecommerce), or simply pay a freelancer on outsourcing platforms such as Upwork to do it for you. 

In order to sell on your own website, you may need to integrate it with a plugin for e-commerce websites. Popular options include:

- **Woocommerce:** An open-source plugin for Wordpress-based websites, Woocommerce is completely free to use and can be a great way to manage your own website.
- **[Bigcommerce](https://www.bigcommerce.com/ "Bigcommerce"):** Bigcommerce is an all-in-one e-commerce platform with a big stack of customizable themes, product management, order processing, payment gateway integrations, and marketing tools for online stores. Pricing plans start at around $40/month.
- **Magento:** Also open-source, Magento provides customizable themes, product management, order processing, customer service, and marketing tools for e-commerce websites. It is great for technical people that want to be able to do everything but can be cumbersome for others to use. Pricing varies according to the services you use.

### Using an e-commerce platform

An e-commerce platform can help establish an early presence in the market while sparing you the trouble of creating a website. Selling through a platform [such as Etsy](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-sell-on-etsy-a-guide-for-designers) can also help you shape a reputation through user reviews, as well as smoothing out the ordering process — all of which is great news in case you're starting your company solo and don't have that much time to spare.

On the other hand, platforms will usually shave a fixed fee or percentage fee off your sales earnings, so keep that in mind. In the case of Etsy, that's 6.5% of each transaction.

### Setting up social media profiles

Social media is [a growing force in the e-commerce landscape](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1251145/social-commerce-sales-worldwide/), and a valuable tool for your home candle business. Make sure to set up pages across all major social media in your country, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Regularly posting on social media will help grow your following, besides showcasing your products, and providing a channel to answer customers' queries and collect feedback.

### SEO and content marketing strategies

Once you've got your website up and running and have established a presence on social media, remember to keep the content coming — that's how you stay relevant and in front of customers.

For search engine optimization (SEO), it can be a good idea to incorporate a blog into your website. You can post about new product releases, interesting facts or how-tos, or just about anything connected to the world of candles. And make sure to post regularly — twice a month or so, at least.

Another great way to stay in touch with your customers is by setting up a newsletter where you share releases and promos with your subscribers. Just take care not to overdo the frequency of your emails, though — two or so a week, tops.

----

## 6) Pricing and shipping management

![determining packaging and pricing for a candle business](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c7ece126-c6dc-43e3-8f9f-de9322d2e4ab)

Last but not least, let's take a look at two key aspects of your candle business: pricing and shipping.

### Pricing

Pricing your products can be quite tricky at first, but you'll soon find your way around. A few key elements to consider:

- **Your total cost in making the candles.** This includes your average spend per type of candle (including packaging and shipping) + time investment. You should also have an idea of how much your time is worth — what is the minimum that this job should pay hourly, as well as your target hourly earnings.
- **Your target market.** Here we go back to your chosen niche, as the purchasing power of your target customers also plays into your pricing strategies.
- **Your perceived value.** This is how much people think your products are worth in comparison to other, similar products. Although it'll be hard to evaluate when you're starting out, you'll eventually be able to factor perceived value into your pricing as you build your customer base and find out where you stand before the competition.
- **The competition.** All of the calculations above have to be grounded in reality. That means understanding how much the competition is pricing their products, and adapting your price accordingly.

There are plenty of other pricing aspects to keep in mind, including bulk sale pricing, whether or not to offer free shipping, loyalty discounts, promo codes, and a lot more. But you don't need to tackle it all at once; just start with the essentials and enrich your pricing system as your business grows.

### Shipping and order management

The importance of shipping cannot be disregarded. On the one hand, the cost and speed at which you ship directly affect your customers' willingness to buy with you. On the other, you need to factor in how much you spend managing order shipment — in both money and time.

With that in mind, make sure you plan your shipping strategy well. One idea can be to manage your shipments through a fulfillment or shipping platform, such as Shipstation or our own free tool: [Ship, by Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/ship). A management platform will help you streamline your shipping, which can be particularly helpful when dealing with increased seasonal demand (such as the crazy peak time in November-December).

Finally, remember that shipping is a unique chance to impress your customer. You can find out ways to [captivate your buyers with a memorable shipping experience](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-make-memorable-shipping-experience "memorable shipping experiences") in a recent blog post of ours.

----

## Quick recap

| Step | Things to do                     |
|------|----------------------------------|
| 1    | Choose your niche                |
| 2    | Create a unique selling proposition |
| 3    | Develop your product line        |
| 4    | Branding and packaging           |
| 5    | Set up your online presence      |
| 6    | Pricing and shipping management  |

----

Starting your own candle business from home may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be that way. Just take things one step at a time. Remember to consider your niche, plan your product line and branding, establish your online footprint, and have a well thought-out plan for shipping and pricing.

Go after your entrepreneurial dreams and you find that not only is it a feasible way to start making money from what for many is just a hobby, but your candle business just might turn out to be the [moonlighting effort](https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/career/how-to-moonlight-your-way-to-your-dreams-case-studies-from-famous-men/) that transforms passion into a livelihood.


<ButtonCta text="Create your own candle labels today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/candle-labels" />


A detailed guide on how to start a candle business. Even if you have little to no money, this guide will help you on your journey to create a great new candle business!

Mule madness = Unbeatable deals on online printing all week long!

Hey there, fellow online printing enthusiasts 👋 We at Sticker Mule are excited to announce our latest promotion called Mule Madness! As one of the leading [custom sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom stickers printing") and label printing companies, we are committed to providing our valued customers with exceptional quality and unbeatable prices. Each weekday during this promotion, we'll be unveiling a new and irresistible deal, so be sure to visit [StickerMule.com/deals](https://www.stickermule.com/deals "online printing deals") daily to see what surprises await you.

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![mule madness schedule of custom stickers deals](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3f620c58-41c9-40a6-bf6e-8e689bd6384b)

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<ButtonCta text="See the current Mule Madness deal!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/deals" />

It's Mule Madness week here at Sticker Mule ⛹️🏀 Find out how to get huge savings each day on some of our most popular items!

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