Surely you've heard people talking about the international market, and today digital advertising makes it easier for almost any business to think outside geographical boundaries when looking for new customers.
In this article, we will address the opportunities and realities of international Marketing, focusing on how to evaluate international markets, based on your product, and the practical and cultural issues that you need to prepare for.
International marketing opportunities and realities
To begin with, let's say you own a reputable vintage record store especially that your high-end equipment and experience have helped you stand out and attract an elite customer base.
Now that your business is good, you want to reach more customers, and after watching some markets abroad, you find that the next step for your business is to sell your products in other countries.
How to evaluate international markets
Where do you start then? First, you will need to know more about the target market in each area that you are considering expansion, and the best ways to reach them.
For example, with digital advertising, tracking of search traffic, competition and pricing, a clear view of your potential markets can be created; So you can determine where your products will be well received.
You can also use search trends reports, geographic data in web analytics, and marketing analysis tools; To help you decide which markets will be the best place to start expanding your business.
Once you know where you want to head, you may need to cross the language barrier.
How can you communicate and market to potential clients without your message losing any meaning in the translation process?
So you may need to do the translation and local adaptation of your website content, but machine translation services are rarely accurate, so you need to work with a professional translator to make sure the content comes out the right way.
Your new and potential customers who are from different cultures and languages will need to communicate with you as well.
So you should have a plan in place from the start to support these customer service needs, then think about the infrastructure and systems you will need to adequately support your expansion into international markets.
Practical and cultural matters that you need to prepare for
Don't forget about fragile packaging, VAT and any legal or regulatory considerations, once you've settled that it's time to review your e-commerce and payment solutions.
Although a lot of e-commerce systems can do international deals, you will need to customize your payment options and other settings, but even with premium e-commerce systems, you will need to think ahead about your next step, which is to get your products to your new international customers.
You have to answer questions like:
- What is required for shipping and delivery of orders?
- How about refunds and customer support and service?
Marketing to new clients in international markets is an exciting prospect that can expand your business massively, but outlining your plan in advance paves the way for success.