Going global with your business is no longer an intimidating task in this era. Shopify markets have made it all the easier for merchants to expand their market and reach out to global customers. However, while trying to expand your business globally it is essential to consider the preferences, shift in the behavior of the local audience, and many other considerations. This is the reason why Shopify web design agency advises merchants to adopt the localization strategy.
Adopting the localization of your online store will derive you various advantages that will prove to be beneficial for the growth of your business. Some of the major benefits are:
- Expansion of business cost-effectively
- Increasing brand awareness
- Reach out to new potential customer
- Increased conversion rate
- Increased brand loyalty
Speaking of localization, identifying it as a one-to-one content translation would be the wrong concept. It is to ensure that your online is tailored according to the taste, needs, and requirements of the local audience. Every potential customer across the globe looks forward to a digital that is seamlessly easy and pleasurable. And with the way e-commerce is outgrowing the traditional need for business, so is the requirement for content localization.
E-commerce Localization Defined
So as to facilitate your online store to reach out to a large audience, it is important to use localization for your website. When you plan to expand your business to a new geographical location, it is important to adapt, translate and execute it in accordance with the respective area. And this process is referred to as localization. It involves:
- Translation of the content in different languages
- Adjustment of coding elements for currency symbols and dates
The aim of localization is to facilitate cross-cultural translation and multilingual features. To successfully implement this process, besides understanding and modifying the site, the following pointers are also required:
- Website Language – Translation of the content of the website to multiple languages.
- Cultural Value – People of different cultures might perceive your product or service in different aspects. Therefore it is essential to understand such perceptions before you set out to market your products globally.
- Design – When we speak of design, it literally means the look and feel of your website. Based on the preferences of the color and images of the local area, it must be integrated into your website in such a manner that every culture you target finds it suitable.
Merits of Ecommerce Localization
One of the most beneficial points of this process is that it helps in increasing the reach of your business. With the global marketplace ever increasing, the competition is also increasing. Therefore to keep up with the pace of the competition, it is essential for you as a merchant to think globally. Following are some benefits of Localization:
Increase in Reaching Potential Customers World Wide
It widens the scope of your business by increasing your connection worldwide and connecting you with potential customers across the globe. As per statistics, china alone has more than 2 billion internet users making it one of the most potential markets for online business. So if you plan to expand your business there but do not have your website in the local language then you are losing out millions of customers.
Facilitates Connection with New Target Customers
Localization is the key to expanding the base of your customer and at the same time, it will also help you increase sales. The advent of the internet has widened the opportunity for companies to reach out to potential customers globally. However, to ensure that you do not lose out on potential customers, it is essential to make the service available in the local language of the region. An accessible, easy-to-use website can have a strong impact on your sales and also, promote your brand.
Strive for More Conversions
A website available in multiple languages will definitely provide a better user experience for worldwide customers resulting in increased sales. As per user reports, localize content can increase the conversion rate of your website by up to 70%.
Personalization of the Website is Essential
It is crucial to ensure that the visitors to your website feel at home and welcome. And the first step o achieving it is using their native language, time zone, local currency, and other details that are important for personalizing the website. This will be helpful in making your website easy to use and improving the user experience. Also, it will help the customer to quickly find what they are looking for without the need to spend much time searching for it. There will also be clarity on both your and the customer’s end right from the beginning.
SEO Rankings Must be Improved
SEO is an integral part of online marketing. It is essential to establish an SEO strategy that is tailored to the requirements of your business. This will be helpful in ranking higher on the Google search engine. Thus a localized version of your website will also contribute to it.
Build Trust Among the Customers
Customers look for brands that are able to identify their needs and requirements according to their culture. Therefore, the localization of your e-commerce website will be helpful in building a good rapport among your customers. It will also facilitate you to meet the requirements of your customer by making your website available in the local language.
Lastly, you should be aware of the fact that what entices a consumer may differ based on the geographic location. Some may be looking for offers or discounts, while others might consider shipping options. Therefore it is important to conduct thorough market research before you start venturing into the international online market. For a small business merchant, it is indeed challenging to grow and thrive. But Shopify has made it all the easier for every business irrespective of whether big or small to expand the business and reach out to new customers.
