Whether you are launching an entirely new venture or expanding an existing one, the decision to enter the global marketplace by processing payments in monetary denominations other than your own is a big one. Just as you should never start any business without a solid plan in place, it is important to come up with a strategy in advance that will ensure that your overseas payment processing goes smoothly. Because this may seem like an overwhelming project, we’re here to help with real suggestions that are sure to get you on the road to international ecommerce success.

Do your research.

Before you make this bold leap, it is important to understand exactly what you will be jumping into and, for that matter, whether the customers you are targeting want to buy what you have to offer. Taking advantage of a tool called Google Trends gives you a way to learn whether buyers in your area of choice are currently showing an interest in your type of merchandise. Next, conduct more in-depth data analysis to get answers to questions such as the following.

• What countries do your visitors represent?
• In what parts of the world are people buying products similar to yours?
• Who are your main competitors?
• Are the prices you plan to charge in line with the market?
• What taxes, duties, and other costs will you incur?

With this information in hand, you will waste less time and money while gaining insights you can use to grow your business. 

Plan to start small.

Although it is tempting to take these juicy details and run with them in a big and splashy way, you will be far better served if you begin modestly. Try testing your product in one or two markets first. That way you can iron out the inevitable kinks that will occur. By only investing a minimal portion of your resources in the beginning, you can make better use of the rest of that pot of gold once your confidence and competence are established.

Use well-established international marketplaces.

There is enough to do as you launch your international ecommerce business and begin to accept multiple currencies. Instead of reinventing the wheel, take advantage of the highly trusted platforms that are already used by hundreds of millions of buyers worldwide. Amazon Global, for instance, takes care of order fulfillment and shipping, removing a huge headache from your priority list. In addition to more well-known platforms like Amazon and eBay, also consider looking into the local marketplaces in your target countries. In that same vein, make it a point to create individual websites for each country that are tailored to its unique customers, culture, and preferences, whenever possible. 

Set payment preferences by country.

Customers respond positively — and are more loyal — if they feel good about your checkout and payment process. Nowhere is this more true than in the realm of ecommerce. Do your homework to learn what platforms and payment types your international buyers prefer, and you will reap the rewards.

Offer local shipping.

Plan to spend time finding an international fulfillment partner who has access to a warehouse location in or near your target country. When customers’ items arrive faster, more affordably,  and conveniently, you will be in a better position to win the battle against local competitors.

Cater to your international customers with mobile design optimization.

The use of tablets and smartphones is growing with each passing year. Just as is the case with customers in your home country, you should set up your website to ensure that mobile device users are not only considered but prioritized. This involves more than ensuring that your site is scaled to fit screens of multiple sizes, or is clutter-free and organized with buttons that are easy to see and press. In addition, the information and icons should be positioned to maximize the mobile shopping experience, and checkout should be minimal and fast while remaining secure.

Harness the power of social media.

Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube represent terrific vehicles for international marketing, especially given the ongoing increase in popularity of mobile technology. Just as you customize payment, language, and currency options to meet a country’s unique culture, needs and preferences, you can tailor your social media pages with each nation in mind. Set up a distinct page for every area, and also consider using local platforms if they exist. Examples include VKontakte, Taringa, and QQ for Russia, Latin America, and China, respectively.

Harness the power of influencers.

People are far more likely to place their trust in your business if they know someone who has had a positive experience with you. Online influencers are the next best thing to direct local contacts because their fans already know them and believe them to be credible and worth listening to. While it will probably cost you some funds to link with these people, the newfound relationship may be worth its weight in gold when it comes to potential new customers.

Investigate financial options.

It will come as no surprise that you will need funds to make your international expansion happen in the right way. The good news is that you may not need to come up with all of the cash from your core investors. Be sure to also look into government-sponsored grants and outside private entities with access to resources that will help you get started.

Taking your goods and services overseas with secure international ecommerce payment processing gives you both access to a vast pool of potential new customers, and exciting opportunities to turn your brand into a household name all over the world. Although your ultimate success can’t be guaranteed, executing an organized plan of action as you work to get your overseas ecommerce operations off the ground will maximize your chances of flourishing. With research, a measured pace of growth, and the use of tools and mobile optimization, you will soon begin to reach your overseas customers with the merchandise they are demanding.