How Do You Find Your Target Customer

[PioneerFundraiser]

Hello Etsy Experts!

I am trying to understand how do you go about finding and promoting to your "Target Customer". I have found that most who buy from us on Etsy are buying for someone else. So, how do you promote to that audience?

We have been promoting on FB and Twitter the last 4 years with no success. We blog and do classified ads off and on to free sites.

Where do you find your target customer?

Where is the best social media to promote?

What free ways do you advertise your shop?

Thank you in advance for your help!

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

I'm still working on my target audience, and I was able to find a good free way to advertise on a knitting pattern website for some of my stuff.

But for social media, FB and Twitter yielded me with low views and no sales. I have a lot more luck with Pinterest and Instagram.

I hope others have more advice about finding your target market. i need advice on that too!

[PioneerFundraiser]

Thanks Nikki. We have started using Pinterest more the last few weeks. We are hoping to see good results soon.

[Mzcarley]

I am still working on that too. I have been on Etsy for three years. But with each sale on and off Etsy I analyze the gender, where they are from, and who they are buying for. In my recent sales I have seen a trend of moms from the east coast buying for daughters.
I have a lot more luck with pinterest, instagram and anything social media that is picture based. Facebook is still my best out of all of them.

[RobertsKulins]

Easy!! Anyone with money :D

[PamsFabPhotos]

That's a 'loaded question' !
Chuckling here...I DO know who my target customer is but getting to them via the internet takes A LOT of work.
When I first started my Photo Greeting Card business, I created an (offsite) email list and I add to it anyone who is even remotely interested in what I am selling or what I am doing; such as a new item or participating in a local craft show.
I post on FB (both personal and business pages), Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, Google+ and an occasional blog from my personal website. I do all of this to stay 'relevant' and for exposure. This is how I start every morning (when I have a 'fresh brain') and, yet, my sales through Etsy are very slow.
When people see my products in person, they sell. However, I find it a 'tough go' on the internet.

[KiltedWoman]

First you have to define who your target is. I do best when I stick to my niche. I love making different crafty things but if I stray from the Scottish theme I am wasting my time. People usually come to my shop looking for a gift as a travel souvenir or because of their heritage. They don't want a fimo clay pen, soy candle or many of the other unsuccessful things I've tried. Hone your shop down to a specialty, be unique and research your keywords.
Pintrest is my most successful format. Lots of Scottish fans out there!