Whether you are a new business ready to launch into the great unknown or you are established and are now ready to take on the world, taking your passion globally is smart business planning. Providing and marketing your product to the world may seem a little daunting until you realize there are a few main areas of concern that, if done correctly, are the only things standing in your way.
Don’t let the thought of taking your concept world-wide scare you. Carefully consider and decide on marketing essentials such as checking with the agencies that dictate and assist with global trade, understanding foreign currency, accommodating for different languages, and e-commerce. Throughout the world, the way people do business, how they communicate, and the point of sale procedures may differ.
However, what remains the same is the concept of exceptional customer service. With over half of internet purchasers buying from foreign companies, your business has a great chance to grow globally in a very short amount of time if done properly.
Always consider the need
At the heart of every successful business is whether or not it has a product that is marketable. Consider whether your product is actually something that other parts of the world need, want, and are actively searching for. There must be a demand for what you have to offer, otherwise failure is imminent.
Once you know your wares are global commerce, then you must find a way to get the word out to your world-wide consumers on their terms. Marketing your product with the different forms of communication like copy, words, pictures, and videos that appeal to your varied culture of customers helps you reach them personally and makes them feel they can trust you and your product.
Use agencies and resources
You will find that the rules abroad are similar to the established rules locally. The Federal Trade Commission and the International Trade Administration are concerned with honest and safe practices no matter where your business takes you. Avoiding false advertising, using clear marketing, respecting customers’ privacy and protecting children are at the heart of their concerns.
If you are already established, chances are you are currently following these practices and can easily slide into the global market without changing the way you do business, at least on the platform of integrity. Do your due diligence and research the rules and guidelines while also tapping into any help they offer.
Consider other resources as well. Research successful companies and owners like Sjamsul Nursalim to see what steps they took and what tools they used to become successful on a global basis. Sjamsul Nursalim is one of Indonesia’s most successful business men. His portfolio is diverse and his business habits unique. Never underestimate the power of research and examples to take your company as high on the ladder of success as possible. Use every resource you have to learn and become as successful and compliant as you can.
Meet them where they live
Currency and language are closely paired as they relate to what the world considers important throughout the purchasing experience. Many consumers in countries other than North America won’t even consider a purchase if it doesn’t list a currency they are familiar with, or only lists American currency.
Keep in mind the three most popular forms of payment are credit cards, digital payment, and cash on delivery depending on where your consumers live. By ensuring these forms of payment are always an option for your global business, you secure the sale and create a positive buying experience.
Additionally, it should go without saying that every customer desires to see product descriptions in their own language so the message is clear and suitable for them. There are many companies that can help you tailor your message to the group you are marketing to. Research the different options you have and you may discover it costs less than you may think to positively reach your customer base, wherever they may be.
Make e-commerce your priority
Probably your single most important partnership is with the company that will help you with e-commerce. With this company by your side, you easily have all of the hassles of taxation, shipping, and even marketing in the bag. There are many options for companies to handle your beginning to end experience for your global customers. They can do everything for you, or only the parts you want them to handle.
These companies become your specialists in
- Customer Service
- Warehousing
- Shipping
- Tracking
- Returned Purchases
- Inventory
Look into all of the options you have for this and make it a priority to save much time, money, and hassle as your business continues to flourish. This partnership helps ensure excellent and timely customer service, as well as country-appropriate advantages to keep your global clients happy and returning.
Going global is just the next natural step in today’s internet-based world. Don’t find yourself left behind just because the world seems unreachable. There are plenty of resources to tap into and partners who will come alongside you to help you become successful and keep your customers returning.