Free Website Content - Globalization
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
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is included and the links are active. A courtesy copy of
the issue or a link to any online posting would be greatly
appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
.
Additional articles available for publication
available at http://www.small-business-software.net/free-website-content.htm
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