Online internationalisation is the process by which companies start selling their products or services in international markets. This is also known as e-commerce (electronic commerce). In other words, it allows you to launch a borderless business.
The globalisation of online sales is the visible face of this process. Keep reading to find out the 10 benefits and challenges to bear in mind as well as strategies implied in a smooth global expansion of your virtual brand.
1. Internationalisation is key
The world has undergone some significant changes over the last two decades. Globalisation has been extremely beneficial, yet quite demanding for retailers.
Arduous local trade and economic crises have pushed many businesses to expand overseas. Europe is a particularly attractive market to sell in since the free movement of goods, services and people within the EU is an enormous advantage that facilitates trade.
Internationalising your e-commerce business has countless benefits. You enter a fast-growing market with low operating costs, gain new customers and boost your revenue!
2. Are you ready?
Don’t forget that prior study is a must if you want to globalise your business. Bear in mind the decision must be meditated and the process is not at all straightforward, not to mention linguistic and cultural barriers.
To begin with, we recommend performing market research to find out the consumption habits of your potential customers, decide whether to sell the product or service abroad and whether you can compete in the international market; if you cannot, figure out how you can adapt to compete with success.
3. Market research is fundamental
Market research will force you to face tricky questions objectively. Identifying and anticipating problems is critical for continued growth; it’s the only way to plan strategies for the challenges ahead.
At Overseas Translations we have been helping businesses go global for more than 10 years. We now know inside out the diversity of international markets and our professionals how varied colours, writing styles, fonts and images can be between different cultures. These are just a few examples. Find out more here!
4. Don’t overlook your marketing strategy
A marketing strategy helps to showcase your brand across borders. The way we publicise ourselves has changed. And the circumstances and challenges we face require marketing strategies in different languages. It is essential that you get your message across flawlessly and effectively in the international arena.
Overseas Translations works with mother-tongue translation professionals who—besides mastering their source and target language—have expertise in marketing and international trade. In this blog entry you can find out the importance of localising your website and e-commerce business.
5. Have you considered advertising?
As we have explained above, a well thought-out marketing strategy is key to trade in the international market. And advertising is the cornerstone of marketing. Nowadays, companies are engaging in a novel form of advertising. No more expensive and overly broadly targeted ads;
instead, numerous and varied advertising services in search engines and social networks. They allow for cost-effective promotion with messages aimed at potential clienteles whose profile and consumer behaviour interest the company.
Take advantage of algorithms and focus on translating your ads—but be careful! When faced with short texts, you may be tempted to resort to a machine translator. In our blog entry on commercial texts in the ceramic industry, we explain why translating ads can be very tricky. Find out here!
6. Keep it simple
In our daily lives we are overloaded with information. How many times has it been enough to read a headline and not the whole story? In our fast-paced world, it’s better to keep messages short and sweet.
That’s why making your website simple and clear is essential, and so not only in the local language. Our translation professionals know very well how to write texts that stand out in today’s flood of information.
By the way, keep things straightforward in the purchase and checkout process as well. The fewer clicks to the payment method, the better. Complicated process and access to the checkout deter the customer from purchasing.
7. Quality multilingual customer service
Quality service is what your customers deserve. Nobody likes to be poorly served when they face an issue with a product or service. In the local language it is easier to define the steps to problem-solving for each case. Make it simple in a foreign language as well.
Did you know that our professional translators can also translate short messages within tight deadlines? Do not hesitate to speak to us to avoid any misunderstandings due to language barriers.
8. Legalities
Don’t let a foreign language stop you from expanding your e-commerce business internationally. Legalities can be intimidating and even more so if you don’t understand them. Our legal translators have extensive knowledge of both the Spanish legal system and that of the target country. Make sure you understand what requirements and conditions you need to meet in the international sphere to avoid any surprises.
Want to learn more about legal translation and why it is so important? Find out here.
9. Invest in security
Having an online business is not all rosy. You have to be ready to face many challenges. Firstly, you have to protect consumer data. To ensure transparency and maintain a professional image, it is important that the privacy policy and terms and conditions are translated into the customer’s language.
Also, make sure to invest in keeping payment methods safe. Unfortunately, consumer-threatening cyberattacks are on the rise. Prevent your customer from having an unpleasant experience in your online store.
10. Focus on your product or service
Are you considering expanding globally your e-commerce business and its amazing products or brand? Nobody will value the time, effort and financial investment dedicated to this business more than you.
That’s why it is so important that you prioritise the excellence of your products or services. While you concentrate on what you have to sell, Overseas Translations will make sure to erase all barriers between you and your customer to guarantee a seamless internationalisation of your e-commerce business.
Are you ready for a global expansion of your e-commerce business? Are you ready to face challenges in exchange for an investment that will yield an increase in customers and revenue?
At Overseas Translations we make sure that your brand enjoys the success it deserves without cultural or language hindrances getting in the way. Get in touch now without obligation!
