10 Tips for Global E-Commerce Success

According to PostNord Group AB, A lot of Europeans spend money online, therefore the e-commerce keeps on growing year after year. The United Kingdom and Germany have the highest proportion, in comparison to other European countries, in online shopping – they are leading the way and they will continue to lead the way in the future. The most popular items shopped online are clothing, footwear, home electronics, and books. It is no longer a taboo to shop online, the future of European e-commerce is expanding into cosmetics and skincare as well. UK residents buy online products mainly from the USA. What are you waiting for? 
Are you ready to scale your business globally? Are you itching to take the next step? We hear you! The opportunity is definitely out there. Each country differs in purchasing behavior and shipping standards, no country is one size fits all. It is in your best interest to get an in-depth overview of the country you plan to sell to. Let’s take a look at some key points that you should keep in mind when expanding into new markets. 

#1 Market Demand

Research the country’s demand market thoroughly and learn everything about it. Start with the basic research questions. Who is my target market? Is my product in demand? How much are people willing to pay for my product? 

#2 Cultural Trends

Consider cultural norms and shopping preferences, customers don’t want one size fits all experience. Tailor your product specifically to the region’s audience. Learn about customers patterns, their motivation, and local buying trends. Identify customer habits and how often do the habits change over time. Where do trends come from – North America, England…etc? How do people react to trends? What influences a consumer to make a purchase in the particular country that you planning to expand your business to?

#3 Multilingual Settings

Optimize your website for international buying experience. Install WooCommerce multilingual settings, such as WPML multilingual CMS. WPML includes more than 40 languages. Other useful WooCommerce plugins include; Loco Translate, PoEdit, and Polylang. With time, consider incorporating functions like product listings in local currencies.

#4 Payment Options

Offer payment and delivery options that suit the target market. A credit card is a universal payment method that is used in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Another option is the use of e-wallets, which is an electronic card and is used for a transaction that is made online. Make sure you choose a trustworthy payment option such as PayPal and Venmo. 

#5 Language

Language continues to develop, the use of Google Translator isn’t always the best approach, instead talk to a local in order to gain a better understanding of language trends. As much as digital technology has evolved, translator apps will never do the justice of helping with slang and local aesthetics of language. 

#6 Delivery Options 

Delivery options are as important as the actual product itself, customers choose to buy on their overall experience. Shipping plays a major part in customer decision-making. Incorporate fast and preferably low-cost delivery options when the product is high-quality material to mitigate the cost.

#7 Sell Lifestyle

Sell a lifestyle that your products enable your customers to have. People develop brand habits based on how the product makes them feel, the product resonates with the individual’s choices, therefore, their identity. Strive to connect with your customers on a personal level.

#8 Customer Service

Your customer service team should have a good understanding of English and should be available to answer questions whether it is through Facebook Messaging, email and/or phone. 

#9 Budget

As a startup, don’t spend all your money on perfecting your website (WooCommerce) use some of your budget to generate traffic to your website. In order to make good money from e-commerce, you need to optimize your website for the customer’s best interest. 

#10 Education

As an entrepreneur, you have to know it all, educate yourself in communication, digital marketing, logistics, finance, customer support, administration, and taxes. Everything interconnects to make you a successful entrepreneur.