Virtual tips for the savvy business owner!

Imagine yourself working, or simply living, in a culture much different than your own. Millions of expatriates are currently residing in foreign language countries. Perhaps you’re actually living that experience, but if you’re not, take a moment to make a list of the essential things you might not be able to find in another country.

Does that list spark a thought about how to expand your own business? I hope it does, because “expats” could be a whole new group to market to online.

Take mental stock of the products you sell that might be in scarce supply outside your home country. Clothing brands, for example, or items related to national holidays. If what you sell online is easily shipped to most countries, you should definitely be highlighting that ability to people living far from home.

Think of it this way…if Americans working in Kurdistan or students from India in the States wish to have the comforts of home, shouldn’t you be the one supplying them? Marketing, after all, is targeting the perceived needs of specific groups of consumers. What better way to expand your business than supplying a taste of home to “expats?”

Consider how your online services company can also tap into the expatriate market. For example, professionals living in a foreign country often prefer a Virtual Assistant from home. Stretch your creativity and consider what other services people might feel more comfortable having handled in their country of origin.

Here are four easy ways to start marketing immediately to expatriate communities:

1.      Add a section to your website announcing your ability to ship worldwide. If you aren’t certain your products are welcome globally, a great place to check is the USPS International Shipping Restrictions page http://pe.usps.gov/text/Imm/immctry.htm.

2.      On your webpage, start using the words “expats” and “expatriates” within your marketing content, so the search engine spiders will start showing your results to those seeking products from home.

3.      Blog about how your products have helped expats feel at home. As you build your expatriate client base, add their testimonials to your website.

4.      Consider placing ads in online expat directories like Expatfinder.com < http://www.expatfinder.com/>.

The global economy has increased both ease of business online and relocation to foreign language countries. If your business is Internet-based, you’re in the best of all possible worlds. Start marketing soon to expats to see your customer base expand around the globe.

Filed under: Sales Strategies