|
Website Globalization
by NotePage, Inc.
Globalize Your Website
The Internet has unlocked a wide array of markets and knocked down barriers
that previously prevented merchants from marketing their products on a global scale.
There are a number of ways to 'globalize' a website and broaden a businesses general
appeal to an international audience.
1.) Payment Options - vary from country to country, therefore offering
flexible payment options are important. While PayPal might be a good option for
consumer-oriented products, this service is not widely used by businesses and is
only available to customers in specific countries. In order to attract global customers,
businesses must provide a variety of payment options that customers, in different
countries, are familiar and comfortable with.
2.) Currency Distinction - provides added convenience to a potential
customer, and shows an understanding and respect for global audiences. A currency
converter is a good option, especially for large companies who may be dealing with
many countries. When listing prices clearly indicate the country currency, such
as between US dollars and Canadian dollars. This distinction will prevent misconceptions
and prevent customer dissatisfaction.
3.) Contact Information - should be given for a country code, along
with the area code, when listing phone numbers. It should not be assumed that customers
know the numbers to dial foreign calls. Since the standards of address formats can
differ from country to country, ensure that the mailing address listed on the website
is properly formatted. In this time of rapidly expanding use of numbers, if your
area code changes, don't forget to change the information on your website.
4.) Delivery Options - should make sense for all customers. Ensure
that they have full knowledge of shipping information to avoid delay and error.
If a shipping option is not available for a specific region be sure that is clearly
stated on the website. Provide estimates as to when the product will arrive to various
regions, so that customers have appropriate expectations about delivery time frames.
5.) Order Forms - when creating order forms use terminology that is
universal; if possible, where relevant, refer to postal codes rather than zip codes.
The terminology on the order form should support the fact that the company sells
to an international audience.
6.) Payment Policy - clearly state payment policies on any order pages,
if purchase orders or wire transfers are not accepted from specific countries be
sure that the policy is clearly stated. Prepare an explanation as to why the policies
are in place. Customers understand that foreign purchase orders are not legally
binding and will not feel alienated if an explanation is offered and clearly stated.
7.) Spelling - can vary, so avoid using terminology on the website
that would cause confusion or look like careless spelling mistakes. Be clear and
concise as many customers may be viewing your website in their second language.
A website that can be viewed in different languages is all the better for communicating
with foreign customers.
Ultimately the goal is to make purchasing the product or service easy for a customer.
A website that respects cultural differences, as well as the nuances of language
and terminology, will go a long way in attracting an international audience.
About the Author -
Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net a company specializing in alphanumeric
paging, SMS and wireless messaging software solutions. Other sites by Sharon can
be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com
, and http://www.small-business-software.net
RSS Marketing Feed
|