Gone are the days when businesses only catered to a local clientele or worked within a single country. Today, even small businesses and startups have a presence in many countries with a huge customer base. When you plan on expanding your business to a wider and diverse audience, you have to develop strategies that suit the local market. You have to localize to globalize. In other words, you have to tap into local markets to expand your business globally.
Here are 7 tips to align your products and services with a global audience.
1. Research – The first step in your growth plan should be meticulous research. Knowing if your services are suited for a global market, what works in certain countries, the legalities involved in each region, what people like in that particular region, and other factors will help you develop a successful strategy. Diving into a market without proper research can prove costly for your business.
2. Localize your website and apps – The fastest and easiest way customers will find your business is through the internet. So, make sure your website and apps are tailored to the local audience. Everything from color to search engine usage differs from one country to another. Ensure these differences are included in your website and app design.
3. Tailor content to the market – It’s not enough that the design of your site/app meets local standards. Even the content you put out should be tailored to suit the market. The language, idioms, phrases, trends, currency, keywords, and language should be that of the native region. By using generalized content, you will alienate a large section of the market. Even in places where the primary language is the same, such as the U.K and U.S.A, you can find a significant difference in interpretation and usage of many words and phrases. Therefore, choose your content carefully.
4. Hire local talent – If you want to grow your business in the United Kingdom, hire someone from within the United Kingdom. If France is your target, hire someone within France. The same goes with any country. When you hire local people to hand your business, you tend to make fewer strategic and marketing mistakes. A local manager is able to understand what works best for their region and develop the business accordingly.
5. Respect cultural differences – Respecting local customs and culture is important if you want your business to thrive. What works in the U.S.A and Europe may not work in Japan or India. Obeying the sentiments, traditions, habits, and dress code of your target market can have a largely positive effect on your business. Work with local people to understand the region’s culture and avoid making generalizations.
6. Follow trends – Global trends grow out-of-date quite fast. Keep your eyes and ears open for the latest trends and events around the globe. By staying current with technology and content, you will be able to update your offerings and stay with the times. Having an outdated website or talking about trends that are no longer relevant can make your business look lazy. Customers appreciate businesses that provide them the latest and most pertinent services.
7. Take regular feedback – You’ve done all the above steps, but how do you know if customers are satisfied with your business? Take feedback, of course. Ask your customers what they like or dislike about your website, store, content, services, and products. Make changes based on their feedback. This way, you not only build your business for success but come across as a people-centric brand.
By following these simple tips, your business can cater its services to a wider market and become visible on a global scale.
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