4 essential factors for international e-commerce success: Localisation and Technology

Written by Max Riis Christensen

Is your webshop ready to conquer foreign markets? While challenges like international VAT handling and privacy policies may seem daunting, they are not the sole determinants of success. To thrive abroad, you need to consider other crucial factors that give local competitors an edge. Let's explore four areas that require your attention:

Competitive Advantage

Evaluate your webshop's offering against local competitors. Can you match their prices, assortment, delivery times, return terms, and instil trust? Understanding the competitive landscape is essential for positioning your webshop effectively.

Seamless Buying Experience

Invest in a platform that provides a seamless buying experience for customers. Avoid compromising on payment methods, returns, and other crucial areas, as even small shortcomings can impact conversion rates. Prioritise a user-friendly and intuitive interface to enhance customer satisfaction.

Budget for Marketing Investment

Launching in a new market requires a marketing investment. Attracting visitors to your site and converting them into customers takes time and resources. Consider working with an online marketing specialist who possesses local expertise. Remember, building a customer base and achieving a strong conversion rate will require initial financial commitments.

Understanding the Market and Competitors

Before entering a new market, conduct thorough research on the competition and market dynamics. However, your efforts shouldn't stop there. Continuously monitor the market and stay updated on your competitors' actions. This will help you maintain your competitive advantage and maximise the effectiveness of your marketing strategies.

In addition to proper planning, consider leveraging the expertise of a "local hero." Whether it's through freelancers or native shop managers, having a local specialist on your team ensures that you make informed decisions and keep your webshop professional, localised, and appealing to the target customers.

Remember, success in international e-commerce requires a holistic approach. By addressing these key areas, you'll be better equipped to overcome challenges, outperform local competitors, and thrive in new markets.