{"id":467,"date":"2022-05-30T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-30T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/?post_type=blog&p=467"},"modified":"2023-10-27T15:55:13","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T19:55:13","slug":"the-4-biggest-challenges-facing-international-e-commerce-growth","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/blog\/the-4-biggest-challenges-facing-international-e-commerce-growth\/","title":{"rendered":"International Ecommerce: A Guide to Digital Global Expansion"},"template":"","blog_categories":[4,107],"resource_categories":[],"targeted_localized_audience":[],"document_categories":[146,170,136,164,171,159,163],"class_list":["post-467","blog","type-blog","status-publish","hentry","blog_categories-e-commerce","blog_categories-translation-technology","document_categories-blog-post","document_categories-business-leader","document_categories-consumer-goods-manufacturers","document_categories-discovery","document_categories-marketer","document_categories-operational-challenges","document_categories-research"],"acf":{"blog_short_description":" Learn how to take advantage of international e-commerce and understand key considerations when developing an international strategy.","news_inline_styles":"","blog_video_id":"","article_body":"

It\u2019s<\/span> easier than ever to connect with new customers (and generate more revenue!) by expanding into new international markets\u2014especially through online channels. By 2023, global online sales will reach <\/span>$6.169 trillion<\/span>, accounting for 22.3% of total retail sales. This is an increase from <\/span>$3.351 trillion<\/span> and 13.8% in 2019<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

E-commerce sites can achieve growth in new markets when they are published in local languages. Around 60% of global audiences prefer websites in their native language over English. Additionally, these individuals may completely avoid English websites<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

What is International E-Commerce?<\/b><\/h2>\n

International e-commerce is the process of selling products or services across borders on an electronic platform. Unlike the physical retail industry, e-commerce can access new and growing markets with <\/span>relatively minimal<\/span> investments, like through <\/span><\/span>website localization<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Why should you invest time and money into international e-commerce? The world is wide open for business, and the possibilities for growth are immense. You don\u2019t need a brick and mortar store to sell products internationally, and your customer base can expand exponentially, if you take the time and effort to develop a thoughtful global e-commerce strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n

International E-Commerce Tips and Best Practices<\/b><\/h2>\n

Everything Starts with Research<\/b><\/h3>\n

Before you jump into an international market, you must conduct research. Research is important for <\/span>finding out<\/span> barriers to entering a market, competition, or demand for your product. You can save time and money in your new market expansion efforts if you are prepared for roadblocks<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the most important research relates to your target customers, including shopping preferences and habits. Ideally, you should have flexibility to engage international shoppers from different cultures and locations. Understanding potential customer expectations, habits and motives are crucial to successfully expanding internationally.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One way to assess the potential of a particular market is to explore the online search demand around your product or industry. Tools like Google Trends show you internet search trends in various markets.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Keyword research tools like KWfinder can give you estimates of keyword search volume by country to help you develop marketing campaigns and strategies.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using survey companies like SurveyMonkey can help assess international demand and find opportunities not available locally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, it\u2019s essential to research compliance laws and regulations specific to countries where you want to do business. Import and export regulations can be confusing and are constantly changing. This includes learning about import regulations as well as which export regulations may apply to your products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Craft an International E-commerce Strategy<\/b><\/h3>\n

After you lay research groundwork for your business on an international level, transform your findings into an actionable strategy. A solid international e-commerce strategy develops plans to achieve reachable goals for your business. Ask yourself and explore:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n