All of my business has been word of mouth. I have given out cards with my name and phone number, but have no from replies there.
I am reluctant to put up a web site or advertise because I am afraid to take the step into becoming a business and have to pay all the fines and taxation and insurance that goes along with it. Plus my home is in a residential zoning, and not an industrial zone.
I started as a hobby builder of leather stuff with no direction at all. Just for fun, and to keep busy in my retirement. Along the way I have made everything from little simple pouches that hole coins and such, to guitar straps, holsters and knife sheaf's, spur straps, chaps to repairing boots and western saddles.
So I would say that my clientele is from word of mouth. I do go to a few local horse shows with my chaps and western horse items to sell. But all the while I am there, I am hopeful that a code enforcement officer wont pounce up on me and write me a fine for not playing by their government made up rules.
It's a sad way to do a hobby business, but oh well.
Joel