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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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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