The growth of the internet has led to a world without borders. Businesses are no longer confined to specific regions. E commerce has provided an opportunity for sellers to explore new markets and attract customers from all over the globe. If you wish to grow your business to the next level, going international might be the best bet. How do you do it though? With proper homework and following the below-mentioned pro tips. These tips can significantly simplify the process of expanding your website to international markets. 

READ MORE: Infuse International Flavors to your Website

Multilingual Content

It’s very convenient for users to get the content in their native language. The first and the foremost step of global expansion is to create different versions of the website in languages, that are most commonly used in the target geographies. A global site needs to effectively communicate with the worldwide audience in the most understandable manner. An identifiable language can create the connection customers need to feel comfortable and trust your business.

Remember, more than the language, the quality of content is imperative. Poor website content presented in native languages is of no use. Never compromise on the quality of content. It’s sporadic to have a translator in the team, so consider taking services of a professional translation company. Their experience will come in handy.

Optimized Content

Ranking in Google searches is essential for businesses to grow and achieve success. It all begins with finding the right keywords through in-depth research. Different keywords may be popular in different countries. An international SEO strategy is essential for a global website. It will drive more traffic to generate leads. More visibility, more leads, better conversion ratio.

Global websites must use multilingual SEO meta tags, so that Google picks up the language of the site. In an ideal world, there should be a separate website for every country, but different languages are good enough for starters. SEO is tricky and requires constant modification in the approach; however, it’s very rewarding.

Faster Page Load Time Across Platforms

People on the internet are impatient. High-speed internet access and plenty of options have spoiled them. If your web-page doesn’t load with a blink of an eye, they will go to the next best option available. Speed is a crucial factor to consider when going global.

Moreover, your website will be accessed from many geographies and through various devices. So, it becomes crucial to optimize the site, to offer consistent performance and experience across all channels and devices like tablets and mobile.

According to a study, when a site doesn’t load in three seconds, 53% of mobile users leave the site. Losing so many potential customers is lethal for the business. It gives a wrong impression of your brand too. Users assume that you are not a serious brand and even doubt your credibility.

No Text in Images

You got to be smart while designing global websites. Translation can take care of the content in terms of text, but images can be troublesome. Avoid using text in images as much as possible. This can protect your brand image in the long-run. A website that uses too much text in its pictures can be problematic.

Design elements play a vital role in online purchasing decisions of consumers; undermining its potential is a big mistake. An appealing website is a mix of excellent content and attractive visuals.

Handling International Currency 

You don’t want your users to sit with a calculator trying to convert the dollars into pounds. A website that doesn’t display prices in local currency ends up confusing the customers. When expanding the site on a global scale, online businesses need to accommodate customers. Showing the prices in their own currency is necessary.  It creates a seamless experience for the customers and rewards your business with increased revenue. A suitable API tool can be useful for currency conversions. 

Suitable Payment Options

The payment process and options must be more accessible to a global audience. The standard payment is mostly convenient, but in some cases, they might not be suitable. For example, German consumers prefer ELV bank transfers, while African consumers prefer using phone credit. Based on the region, the website must tailor the payment process.

The checkout process is a crucial point in the customer’s journey. Ensure that all the additional charges, if any, that a customer may incur, are clearly mentioned. Making the checkout process simpler will drive more sales for your global website.

Local Laws and Regulations

Rules and regulations differ from country to country, and they all need to be abide. The formalities must be completed in full, when conducting business in different countries. Do your homework, conduct thorough research and find out the laws and regulations that might affect your business in other nations. 

A website that caters to international clients must be aware of all the legal requirements and charges, taxation, shipping, freight charges, fees etc. The more you know about these details, the better it is for your business.

The global expansion of your website will need understanding the requirements of the worldwide audience, analyzing the challenges, and tailoring the site based on it. Looking for global expansion? Talk to our experts.