International sales has been a rapidly growing component of online businesses. Shopify noted that retail eCommerce sales have increased dramatically over the past six years. In 2020, retail eCommerce sales are expected to exceed $4.1 trillion.
These numbers are only expected to grow. As internet usage and availability spreads to even the most remote parts of the world, international eCommerce represents a massive opportunity for merchants everywhere.
“International?” you might wonder. “How can that benefit my Shopify store?”
Establishing a presence in other countries shares huge benefits for small and large businesses alike. Amongst these benefits, the ability to discover untapped markets with new customers, increased brand exposure on a global level, and cashing in on the rejuvenating effects on the momentum of your store’s success.
(If you own a Shopify Plus store, Shopify offers a very extensive handbook on going global. )
“OK, but how can a small business expand globally?”
Online articles are helpful in providing guidelines on how to prepare for your store’s international expansion. Shopify itself provides a wealth of resources to make this transition, with their resource center and merchant forums, the community is ready to answer your international e-commerce questions and needs.
Finally, Shopify’s App Store plays a key role in helping the SMB merchant expand globally without a bank-breaking investment. There are four primary aspects to take into account when preparing your store for international expansion:
1. Speak the same language
Having access to multiple languages for not only your store, but all content related to your store (emails, availability to search engines, etc.), is an absolute must to open that gateway to international customers.
Luckily, the Shopify app store has access to many apps that will cover all of your language setting needs. These apps are vital for allowing customers to understand the store and what they’re purchasing. It is wise to look into the different features that each app may offer. Some apps may offer automatic translation settings while others rely on a language selector.
For a list of language translation apps, you can click here.
2. Use a currency converter.
The reassurance of seeing a product in a currency that a customer is comfortable with will help secure international sales. Since Shopify supports selling in only 11 currencies at this time, utilizing currency converting apps will create a shopper-friendly, localized experience for customers.
There are a variety of currency converting apps out in the Shopify App store which will help you with this. We suggest using Coin as your currency converting app. It comes with a 14 day free trial. Coin has support for over 190 currencies and can automatically convert your store’s prices into the customer’s local currency based on IP detection. Plus: Coin is compatible with Shopify’s multi currency feature which requires a few easy steps!
3. Think invoicing.
It should also be noted that having a way to track these currencies and languages through your store’s invoices is an important asset to managing your store’s sales. Automating this service and having it adhere to the language and currency settings you need is the perfect addition to seamlessly transition to a global optimized store.
Need some recommendations for invoice apps, you can click here.
4. Offer international tracking.
When it comes to International sales, being able to track the status of a package directly from your online store is key to gaining trusting customers who will stick with your business. With tracking service apps from Shopify, your store will be able to track information from carriers from around the world.
We suggest using Tracktor as your Shopify order tracking app. Tracktor is a powerful app that decreases how often your customers ask the most popular question “Where’s my order?” dramatically and maintains a professional look for your international customers. An app that can build your trust with your customers is a worthy investment.
