Finding my target market

[Former_Member]

I am gradually building my shop and marketing it to the wider world but am struggling to define my target market. My thoughts so far are that my shop would appeal to:

- Women, especially mothers or those with friends with young children age 30+

- Probably age 30+

- Quite traditional types, i.e. not too high fashion but appreciate pretty, feminine things with quite a 'British' feel

- Have a good level of disposable income so they are happy to pay a bit more for something that is handmade and unique

- Enjoy buying gifts for others and are happy to spend £15 to £30 ($25 to $45) on a gift for a friend/relative

- Like brands such as Cath Kidston, Emma Bridgewater etc. that have a cottage/shabby chic style and are a bit preppy

Would you agree that this should be my target market? Do you think my shop would appeal to other groups, enough for me to specifically market to them?

Would appreciate any thoughts and suggestions, good or bad!

P.S. I appreciate my shop still needs a lot of work on photos, SEO etc. and I should probably be concentrating on that more than my target market for now!!

[SnarkFactory]

Finding your target market will help you do everything else!

I'm not familiar with your target market since that's about the furthest thing away from my target market, but I think you're on the right track.

Find out what they are reading and listening to as well!
I'm submitting my items to blogs and things and it's been working well for me.
I'm checking out national brands that my target customer frequents and taking note of trends, price points, and successful branding.

Find out what they need and their problems and then figure out how to solve it for them...
So my target customer is most likely young, in college, liberal, broke, loves art and literature and they feel the need to express themselves or make a "statement" with their appearance...
My shop offers low priced pop art/pop culture jewelry.

I'm pretty new too, but I hope this helps!

[Former_Member]

I would suggest working on your SEO first and then trying to find your target market along the way.
The nice thing about SEO is that you are getting in front of people that are ACTIVELY searching for you, which can help you figure out your target market even deeper.
Google Analytics is great because you can see where people are finding you, where they're from, among other neat little bits of info!
I wish you the best of luck along the way!
Kelly @TheGussyOwl

[Former_Member]

I have been trying to figure this out and all I have come up with is: Women who are 18-24 that have a job and don't mind spending a bit more for unique handmade jewelry.

[Former_Member]

@Camilla - I think you're on the right track with your target market - but keep going. I owned a photography business for a few years and had a mentor walk me through an exercise for finding your target market - give them an age, a name, kids names, where they live (specifically what neighborhood), what do they read and do in their free time, etc. Describe this persons hopes and dreams and fears. Once you've described this person to the core you will suddenly see a million ways to advertise to them!

@Karina - I would raise your age, when I looked at your shop I saw a lot of items that my friends would like (29), and my mom (55)! I would at least say your target should be 30, if not 35! They are more likely to have the money to spend on your items anyway!

[FreshFromtheFlame]

I was just thinking about this subject the other day. Trying to determine my target market before I put a lot of time into Blogs, Facebook or any specific social media. CamillaBDesigns I would say looking at your shop you are probably right on with your target market. I love the dogs by the way.

[Former_Member]

Thank you so much everyone, this is really helpful.,I agree that SEO is more important but I'm pleased I seem to be on the right track and haven't missed anything glaringly obvious!

Thanks again and good luck to you all!

[Former_Member]

This is interesting, as for me I really have no idea what my target market is! I think more women than men but when it comes to age I really have no idea? Perhaps 18-30 year old women? But even having that information, what do you really do with it?
Took a look at all of your shops, they're all lovely!