International online sales can no longer
be ignored! And global online marketing is no more about U.S. or Canada only!
Last year, U.S. holiday sales was about $30.1 billion, a
clean 30% up from 2004. And this trend is world wide and not just limited to the U.S. An
example is, U.K. holiday sales clocked an increase of 50% in 2005 and Brits spent close to
£5 billion!
According to 2CO.com, more than 80% of 2CO vendors now
sell in more than one country and nearly 40% of 2CO sales results from about 200 countries
other than the US and Canada.
The picture is crystal clear.
Update your global internet marketing services!
International buying is on the rise and Internet marketers
can no longer afford to ignore the needs of these buyers. Internet marketing have become
more challenging and multi-focused when dealing with customers from cross-cultural groups.
And here are some tips on improving your international
sales.
1. Security Aspect
International buyers are worried about the security of
their credit card. And alleviating this fear is your FIRST selling point when dealing with
them! 42,000 interviews conducted in 37 countries makes it plain that the security
concerns is the limiting factor when it comes to online purchases.
Regardless of their location, you must provide solid ways
for them to shop with confidence. Make sure that you have the top security standards that
is seen, evident and can be confirmed with third parties.
2. Provide Suitable Currency Choices
Enable your site to accept multi-currencies. You can set
your prices in US dollars, but have a mechanism where your international customers can
view the prices in their own currency. For instance, $19.99 for U.S. customers, £9.99 for
U.K customers and so on. If possible make this automated so that your customers can browse
your products priced in their own currency without doing anything else.
3. Circumvent The Language Barrier
Let your images describe your products. Instead of making
the customer read your product, show what it is to minimize the reliance on language. Make
your Web site language simple. Avoid using slang and Cliché. Keep your sentences short.
4. Create Country-Specific Websites
What if you can communicate with your buyers in their own
sweet language?
The result is obvious. More sales. This will empower you to
price your product for each country targeted, not by exchange rates. You can also be price
sensitive and flexible with each country's competition and income levels.
One good example of a country-specific website is:
http://www.brilliantsmiles.net/
5. Shipping Ease
Make shipping as easy and safe as possible for the
purchaser if you are selling tangible products. Provide different shipping options for
your international buyer that he can choose. While shipping expensive items, use a package
service that provides proof of delivery. Make sure that customers are completely familiar
with your shipping methods they order. Also insure the shipment.
6. Multi-Lingual Help Center
How much will your sales will be if you can provide support
in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French? You can appoint tele-commuters the respective
countries to do the servicing. The cost factor will be much lower than from U.S. As an
example, you can get remote staff from India for less than $20 for an 8hr work schedule.
Once you gain the confidence of your international target
group, there is no reason why they shouldn't buy from you in the changed global economy.
Good luck with your International online sales.
(c) Copyright S. Kumar 2006 http://www.learnhomebusiness.com |
