Café branding is more than just creating a unique menu, a catchy slogan, or a cozy interior. Branding must combine visual and communication elements down to the smallest detail if you are to stand out among competitors.
For cafés and many local businesses, using custom stickers and decals is one of the most versatile ways to reinforce their brand identity. They are cost-effective alternatives to custom-printed cups, boxes, and bags that typically require high-volume orders.
In this article, we share some café branding ideas using custom stickers and decals.
Custom Stickers for Branded Packaging
Custom stickers have many uses, from turning kraft bags and takeout boxes into branded to-go packaging to sealing coffee bags and delivery orders.
Sticker Size Cheat Sheet for Branded Packaging:
Here’s a quick reference to standard sticker sizes and shapes and their common uses. This cheat sheet can help you when ordering custom stickers or planning a design that fits your packaging:
| Standard Sticker Sizes and Shapes | Common Uses |
|---|---|
| Round Stickers (1″, 2″, and 3″) | Brand logo stickers for various packaging and tamper-proof seals for boxes, jars, and bottles |
| Square Stickers (2″ x 2″ and 3″ x 3″) | Accent stickers for packaging, minimalist product labels, and product identification (e.g., price, weight, and size) |
| Oval Sticker (1.5″ x 2″ and 2″ x 3″) | Coffee cups, jars, and containers with curved surfaces |
| Rectangular Stickers (3.5″ x 2″ and 3″ x 4″) | Labels for takeaway bags, bottles, jars, pastry boxes, coffee bags, clear plastic food containers, and tamper-proof seals |
Sticker Branding Tips: Stickers are available in various materials, including paper, vinyl, and BOPP. The ideal choice depends on the product’s intended environment (fridge, display shelf, outdoor, etc.), desired durability, brand aesthetic, and budget.
As a general rule, BOPP is suitable for food and drink labels, especially if they will be exposed to water, oil, and cold temperatures. Paper, meanwhile, is a cost-effective option for short-term indoor use, such as paper cups, takeout boxes, and other single-use containers.
If you need to label large quantities of cups and boxes, roll labels are the ideal option because they are compatible with automated dispensers. Plus, they are available in durable materials that are resistant to water, scratching, and fading.
Promotional Stickers for Brand Awareness and Recognition
You can use custom stickers to promote your brand, products, website, social media hashtags, sales and discounts, or upcoming events.
Promotional stickers are often printed with eye-catching designs to encourage employees and customers to use them on their laptops, water bottles, notebooks, and other personal belongings.
Sticker Branding Tip: If you are promoting your website or social media, consider QR code stickers to give customers quick and direct access to online content with a simple smartphone scan.
Custom Window Decals as Storefront Displays
Custom window decals have many uses, from displaying store hours, free Wi-Fi, and amenities to elevating your storefront. They can also be used to create privacy for employees and customers without completely blocking natural light.
Window decals are made from durable vinyl, which is available in various types, including clear, opaque, perforated, and frosted. They are also designed for indoor and outdoor use and can typically resist rain and snow.
Decal Branding Tips: If you want visibility and natural light to pass through your window, clear decals are a great option because the areas with no design are see-through.
By contrast, consider using perforated window decals to make a strong promotional statement on glass windows where visibility and natural light are not a priority.
Opaque and frosted window decals, meanwhile, are a suitable option if you want to reduce glare and provide some privacy to your customers or staff without blocking natural light.
Related article: Designing Café Window Decals That Invite and Inspire
Custom Wall Decals as a Statement Piece
You can use wall decals as a statement piece in your café — they can be a catchy slogan or quote written in beautiful typography, a whimsical art, or a large mural-style image. Wall decals are also available in custom shapes and sizes, allowing you to cover entire walls if needed.
Decal Branding Tip: Choose wall decals made from low-tack adhesive vinyl, a durable material that you can remove and reposition many times without damaging paint and drywall. Signs.com offers custom decals that are easy to install and reuse.
These café branding ideas prove that it doesn’t take a huge budget to boost brand awareness and visibility. With unique and eye-catching sticker and decal designs, you can help your business stand out from the competition.
Signs.com offers stickers and decals in various materials, shapes, sizes, and finishes, allowing you to customize them for specific needs. If you don’t have a print-ready design yet, you can use our online design tool to upload images, add text, and change colors, among other things. We also offer professional design services if you need help translating your abstract ideas into compelling visuals.
