Want to position your business for selling products overseas? Here are 5 steps to successfully selling internationally in 2018 and beyond...
5 Steps To Successfully Selling Internationally In 2018 And Beyond
Selling products or services internationally is becoming an integral aspect of a sales strategy for many companies. Strangely, only 1% of US companies have decided to sell products overseas, which means there is much-untapped business potential for all businesses, regardless of size.
If you are thinking of selling your goods or services overseas, find out how to start selling internationally in 2018 and beyond.
Pick An Overseas Market
The first step you will need to take is to identify the country or region you plan to market and sell your products or services. Your choice will more than likely be determined by culture, economics, politics, and the market risk.
In addition, you will need to identify if there is a customer demand for your goods.
Conduct Market Research
Don’t jump into a new market without doing your homework. Conducting market research can help you decide whether to export to a new country, as you can:
- Identify your competitors
- Average product pricing
- Wants and needs of consumers
Aim to collect the data via telephone interviews with prospective customers and government representatives.
Identify How You Will Connect With Overseas Customers
Have you thought about how you will connect with your target market?
For example, if you are running a B2B company, you will want to make cheap international calls to communicate with your overseas clients. In turn, if you want to build a professional relationship with a client in New Delhi or Mumbai, you might consider Viber rates India.
Create An Export Strategy
Improve your success when selling overseas by developing an export plan that outlines information regarding your business goals, financial plans for expansion, and how you intend to market and sell your products or services abroad to your target market.
Questions to answer:
Will you introduce an international sales teams?
Will you produce specific marketing campaigns for your target destination?
Will you need financial investment to make your international goals a reality?
Adapt Your Website
If you are currently running a business, you more than likely already have a website up and running. Fortunately, it can be easy to adapt your website to an international audience.
A talented web designer and SEO manager will have the knowledge and skills to promote your existing site to overseas customers, so they can shop on your website just like your domestic customers. However, you will need to identify the best overseas shipping processes, and you’ll need to learn more about foreign taxes, duties, and custom laws.
It might also be helpful to introduce third-party payment systems, such as PayPal, to securely accept different currencies.
Also, consider offering translation services on your website when marketing to a new foreign market. There are many fantastic translation software tools on the market. Alternately, you could employ a translator to write content for your website, social media posts, and marketing materials.
Final Thoughts On Selling Internationally
Many companies eventually consider opportunities for selling internationally. Following the steps above will help your business successfully prepare.
Do you have any expert advice on how to sell goods and services overseas?
Write a comment below to share your tips.
