As my views go up, I'm looking for ways to determine where they are originating. I'm thinking about creating various discount codes so that I can track how my buyers found out about my shop. I'd love to hear how you do this!
Thanks SakuraDesign...I need to play around with that some more. Do you have a tactic for buyers that find you through business cards that you left places?
My buyers find me online, usually through pet-related forums.
Recently, I ran a special limited-time promotion -- I teamed up with a non-profit animal rescue, where they did some very nice advertising for my shop, and I donated 30% of the sales to them. It was fun, I gained some new customers, and my shop has been exposed to a new crowd. The 30% donation also helped some needy animals!
I haven't tried leaving business cards, but that is something that I see often mentioned by other store owners. :)
If it's a new customer, I ask them. lol. I just write them a personalized message thanking them for their order, telling them when it will ship, and asking how they heard about me. :)
Sakura, I have worked with Alpacas for Autism before and your right, banding together with a charity is great for them, and you, and your brand. :) It helps you support what you love while spreading the word about your business!