From the detailed analysis of your target markets and your resources, to the localisation of your website and your social media accounts, there are numerous details that form an integral part of the international development process.
It is essential not to overlook a single step in order to be sure of establishing yourself correctly in your new markets and of attracting and retaining target consumers as far as possible.
To ensure that you don’t overlook anything, check out our infographic on the 10 commandments for successful international expansion:
1. Understand your target market
Will the market in which you want to establish yourself be receptive to your offer? What are the local particularities that you need to take into account? Which languages are actually spoken there?
2. Analyse your resources
Are you equipped to accelerate production, deliver to other countries and comply with different international regulations (standards, return policies, customs etc.)?
3. Translate and localise your website
This not only includes translation of your website but also conversion of currencies, delivery and return policies, etc.
4. Implement a local SEO strategy
Identify the most relevant keywords (which aren’t always a literal translation of those in your language), create quality content and develop inbound links to the local version of your website.
5. Translate all your content
Blog posts, images, white papers, infographics, videos…The range of content is wide and varied, make sure you don’t forget any of it.
6. Localise your website content
Use local expressions, vocabulary and cultural references (public holidays, school holidays, national days, etc.).
7. Communicate in the target language
Newsletters, automatic emails and invoices are all communications with your customers that you need to translate and localise.
8. Localise social media
Create local accounts on social media for each market. You need to translate the content posted for each region (don’t forget to adapt your seasonal content!).
9. Provide multilingual support
At a minimum, you must translate your customer service emails, if you haven’t got dedicated in-house teams. Don’t forget to localise telephone numbers and adapt your opening hours.
10. Develop linguistic skills in-house
Multilingualism within teams promotes understanding and facilitates the development of new markets. Any entrepreneur who has succeeded internationally will advise you to recruit locals.
Do you want to develop your business internationally? Check out our guide:
