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How To Set Your Website Up To Do Business In Different Territories

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July 05, 2017


The internet world has rewritten the rules of how people conduct business. Real-time communication and interacting with customers from different regions is now possible because of modern technology. When you combine digital marketing with the right online tools, you can serve customers from different regions which translate to a bigger customer base. Installing a simple addition like social media plugins can make your website more interactive and desirable. The following are essential tips on how to set your website up to do business in different territories.

➢    Accept Different Payment Modes

Some of the most common modes of payment in most online platforms are PayPal, MasterCard, and Visa. The biggest misconception among many online vendors is that the above modes of payment can make your business global. About 11% of the UK population does not have bank accounts. Japanese businesses prefer payment on delivery, and Germans are well conversant with ELV bank transfers, while the French consider Carte Bancaire. The African market prefers mobile money transfer while real-time bank transfers are well known with some sections of the US and UK population. Make sure you show logos of all the payment options on your website. Your website should also show the final cost in different currencies. The chosen mode should be easy and secure to ensure that customers’ details do not land in the hands of third parties.

➢    Translation

You can prove to international customers that you understand them by simply communicating in their language. The website theme should be able to cope with different dialects with ease. You have to also understand the culture of different regions as well. The translation should capture the target population especially when it comes to the selling of products. The content should also be acceptable in the target region. Also be willing to translate your emails, newsletters, marketing and social media campaigns.

➢    Customer Service

It is preferable to reply to customers’ queries in their local dialect, but it is hard to master all the dialects. Employing native speakers to tackle customer queries can be very costly for small firms. You can employ virtual assistants to talk to customers in their dialects through live chats and phone calls. You can also outsource such services to a professional firm that specializes in your field. The firm will respond to phone calls, social media comments and queries on your behalf. They can always seek clarification from you when needed.

➢    Domain Extensions

Some of the most common region specific domain extensions are .co.uk for the United Kingdom, .us for the United States, .ca for Canada and .nz for New Zealand, just to mention a few. These extensions will help to identify your business within a specific area. It is, however, worth mentioning that some potential customers may ignore your business due to its domain extension. A potential customer may assume that a website ending with .nz extension serves clients in New Zealand alone. Some of the globally accepted extensions are .com, .net, .org, and .shop. According to Brendan Wilde, Marketing Director at www.Umbrellar.com, “you can also have multiple domains that forward to your primary website address. All of the different domains will point to a website with the same content and solutions.”

➢     Taxes and Duties

Tax requirements vary from country to country. VAT registration threshold is an important consideration that you should make. Some countries expect one to pay duties at the point of shipment while others at the collection point. You should also use delivery modes that are easily accessible to the preferred regions. You can sign up with delivery companies or let the buyer link up their preferred delivery partner if you sell physical products. Include the final delivery costs inclusive of tax at the checkout to help customers make informed decisions. You must also include your terms of returns depending on the legislations in different countries.

Entering an international market does not happen overnight. You have to arm yourself with the right tools such as a good domain name and hosting from a reputable company, and back it up with the right market research. You have to get local support and invest in internal planning to succeed in a global market. Expect some challenges and come up with possible solutions when you take your business international.


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