Hi Bonters, and congratulations on your startup. Like you, the majority of my customers are in-person customers, though my product is completely different than yours. I also have some wholesale customers in local boutiques and a couple hotel gift shops, as well as a couple markets that specialize in local products.
As far as expanding my client base goes, my daughter and I pounded the pavement and walked into shops asking if they would be interested in carrying my products. If a shop was interested I gave a couple sample items for them to try as well as my contact information, and got their contact information stating I would give them a chance to try the products and follow up with them in a week.
I have a booth at a few farmer's markets in the area and I advertise that I do products for weddings and other events at discount pricing (that pricing is different than wholesale, but it's still a good deal). I have some infographics and flyers for those things, as well as some products set up with example event and wedding labels and such.
As far as the website goes, I do list my products on there, and I can ship if needed, but that isn't my primary focus. I use the website more as an information hub for people who have purchase and are interested in learning more, or want to see photos of my goats, or check out the complete product line, or what have you. I also use the website for selling tickets to events I hold. I don't think I have ever actually made more than a couple sales off my website, but it's worth it to me to have and to pay for so the Square branding is removed and I can use my own custom domain so it's nice and professional looking.
I hope that helps. Please feel free to reach out if you want to discuss further.
~ Angela
I never thought I'd be a sexy goat lady. And yet, here I am.
