An increasing number of modern retailers and merchants are finding out about the perks of going international with the launch of localized websites and implementing their ecommerce strategies into global markets. It is indeed a smart bet and if done properly, this online expansion can provide a sustained and immediate impact by increasing both profits and customers.
However, this type of growth does come with its own worries as after all, international markets are much like unexplored territories for any business. To ensure that you are able to launch a successful eCommerce site for your business’s expansion and to fulfill cross-border orders, you will need to adhere to the following tips:
Localizing your sales campaigns
When you are ready to tackle new international markets, always bear in mind that you should leverage on the power of promotional campaigns. They can include anything from free shipping to price breaks. While you are at it, do not forget to consider the nuances of the various international cultures you will be exposed to. Remember that some major western holidays are just another day in another location. Hence, you will need to invest some time researching the culture of a particular market. Understand things like their gift-giving holidays and major travel holidays. There are also holidays when people do less shopping, thus always time your important sales properly.
Localize your payment options
Other than just accepting credit card payments, there are many other alternatives that customers around the world prefer as well. You will want to ensure that they see their preferred payment options on your own eCommerce site. Otherwise, they will not do business there. It is pertinent that your company adapts and supports more options such as mobile payment solutions.
Shipping and checkout
It is very important that you assess all existing order fulfillment processes before setting foot into new online markets. For instance, you should find out if your current processes accommodate global customers and international orders. Your expansion efforts will be in vain if your products can’t be bought by customers in the new market. Hence, ensure that you provide shipping options to your new markets. While you’re at it, be sure to also consider factors such as average order sizes and weights, and average order values. Your eCommerce site should also provide international shipping forms that can accommodate each country’s particular address format as well as other customizable fields.
Increase awareness
It is pertinent that your customers are well-informed that your new site exists. You can do so by configuring your site to notify regional search engines that it has international versions. This will help you bring in organic traffic. Additionally, your site must provide an intuitive user experience which also allows visitors to elegantly and easily switch between different languages.
Localized support and contact information
If your business provides phone or email customer service, it is essential to provide appropriate channels for feedback opportunities – in the markets’ languages of choice. As it may require some effort to translate incoming mails, it will be good to have fluent employees on board to answer them directly. Likewise, the customer service phones should be manned by fluent or employees. If you have a contact web form on your site, it must be culturally appropriate for the specific target market as well.