For any company, entering the global e-commerce market is a key goal. E-commerce has reached the global marketplace status and allows companies worldwide to access an international public. The customer is a click away, waiting for a company to provide them with the product they need. Internet expansion has transformed the economy by tightening ties and encouraging companies to form a network where goods can move seamlessly across state borders. All industries are growing by bounds and leaps annually and contribute to the global economy.
But for some ventures, international expansion isn’t a luxury; they need to enter sustaining economies and markets to grow their success. International e-commerce rescues companies and turns them into profitable brands. The growth of the international e-commerce market has been phenomenal, and all businesses should consider it if they intend to expand.
Supposedly you run a business and want to get into the global e-commerce market. It’s easier said than done because the process requires plenty of research and planning to make such a successful leap. This article rounds some guidelines to help you build a global e-commerce website. Keep reading.
Image source https://unsplash.com/photos/5E5N49RWtbA
Identify the target market
International e-commerce selling is vital for an online retailer. But it’s a very broad goal to set because it’s impossible to sell in every country worldwide. Research is essential to help you identify the target markets, and regions open to welcome your business. Evaluate different markets to understand where your brand has the best chances to perform before deciding to target that area.
Go beyond the figures to understand what products are famous for your target public and where the market is profitable and feasible for your business.
Set website options for local audiences
Each area has particular idiosyncrasies that impact the expansion. For example, an e-commerce platform successful in the UK may not function for the public in Australia. For successful growth, you need to provide different website pages for different markets.
Most businesses start their international e-commerce strategies by translating their websites into the local language of the country they target. Still, the process requires a complete redesign to ensure the websites work within the market.
To boost the success of the page, get a local domain for the website. It will make it easier to promote it to local markets and capture the trust of the audience.
Set up multiple payment options
During the research, you will discover that buyers in various markets prefer different payment options. You can lose on sales when you limit the payment solutions because your clients want fast checkout. US buyers prefer credit cards, but Chinese opt for digital payment solutions. Each region is different, and when you integrate multiple payment options to your platform, you can boost your sales.
You may need to partner with a company that provides broad payment solutions for e-commerce platforms to expand your options. When you expand the business to the international public, set up the preferred payment options for buyers from areas worldwide to encourage sales.
Provide international shipping options
International shipping is mandatory for a business that provides services worldwide. It affects the bottom line and levels of customer satisfaction, so find a solution to serve locals from each area you target.
Find a fulfillment partner with a warehouse close to your target region so that you can ship the goods fast. This method allows you to compete from a favorable ground with local retailers.
For small businesses, e-commerce is a goldmine waiting to be tapped, but don’t allow an obstacle like a shipping cost to stop you from exploiting it. Local shipping is affordable, convenient, and it improves delivery time.
Focus on mobile commerce
It’s not only desktop traffic to your website you should worry about, but it’s also mobile traffic you need to grow. In 2020, mobile e-commerce traffic will account for over 70% of online sales. The need to match the rising customer shopping preferences on mobile devices puts high pressure on companies. Having a well-optimised website isn’t enough; you need to design a clean mobile-first page and personalise the experience for users in different regions. An enterprise platform like Shopify Plus allows you to build a responsive design with a headless CMS. As technology progresses, you will have to progress into integrating IoT features and optimising content for smartwatches and VR.
Mobile websites offer multiple opportunities to make money if you exploit them. Prioritise your mobile website for a customised user experience that creates loyal buyers and drives them down the sales funnel.
Use social media to expand influence
The main challenge brands face when they expand internationally is to grow an audience for their products. Social media can provide the answer because billions of users access social media platforms daily, and each of them can provide valuable information on how to create buzz around a product. There’s enormous potential in social media to find the tools to boost your reach. Build a global presence on social media and create dedicated pages for each country. Follow Red Bulls' example and sponsor events in different regions to maintain your global presence working.
Social media accounts allow you to acquire and engage international buyers. You can use customised messages to target clients and LinkedIn and Facebook’s geotarget features to personalise content. You can also expand your reach by registering with social networks for specific regions.
Collaborate with local influencers
Influencer marketing is one of the most powerful tools businesses can use right now to reach their public. 90% of the companies that use influencer marketing find it compelling, so it can also help you if you want to attract an international public.
For international campaigns, collaborate with local influencers to gain following in the new market. Use people the public trusts to draw their attention towards your products. CocaCola is one of the brands that use this strategy, and they partner with influencers around the world to get in touch with their clients. The purpose of the method is to create a genuine connection with your audience wherever they are.
