There was a time when only bigcompanies with deep pockets could consider developing and participating in
international business relations. Today, the internet has transformed the way
we do business. Even small and medium firms with limited resources can access
global markets and do business with international clients. All a business needs
is a well-designed and functional website.
Benefits
of having a business website
In a world where the internet has
become the preferred medium of international communication, your website
functions as the global face of your business. Your website will be used as the
benchmark to assess your firm’s credibility and professionalism. A business
with a poorly designed website filled with obsolete information and broken links
is unlikely to succeed in building international business relations.
A good website frees your business
from all geographical and physical limitations and obstacles. Potential clients
located in a different country or continent can assess your business, its
credibility, and its future potential without ever having to step away from his
or her office desk. Your potential clients need not bother about differences in
time zones, or wait for your employee to reach his or her desk. All the details
of your business will be available to any interested parties at the click of a
mouse.
The website fulfills an important
function with respect to international clients. An informational website with
all the relevant details about your firm will be indicative of the overall
credibility of your firm. Your website can help assuage concerns and allay
fears involved in a transaction where the parties are separated by thousands of
miles. Having a website has become imperative if you wish to foray into newer
markets in foreign countries.
Elements
of a good business website
A shoddy business website that is just
thrown together is going to do more harm than good for your prospects. Don’t
treat your website as a passive or static channel of communication. A website
that incorporates all of the essential elements can make a huge difference to your
firm’s prospects.
Comprehensive
information
Your website should be comprehensive
and include all relevant information and details about your business. Ideally,
no visitors should have to rely on any other online resource or website to
learn more about your business. Every business site must contain the following
details:
·
The history of your
business.
·
Details of your products
and services.
·
Overview of your
team.
·
Registration number
and other details.
·
Testimonials from
clients and stakeholders.
·
Detailed contact
information.
Simple
language and uncomplicated style
What is the point of having a business
website where visitors cannot understand its contents? This is a particularly
important point for websites designed to cater to a global clientele. The
content should be written in a style that can be easily understood even by
those who are not proficient in English.
Avoid slang, excessive use of jargon,
and other words and phrases that may confuse your visitors. Stick to the basic
rules of English and ensure that visitors can assimilate all the information
without any inconvenience.
Brief,
precise, and to-the-point content
While the site should be
comprehensive, you should ensure the information is provided in a brief and
precise manner. A site with multiple pages containing excessively detailed
information is likely to confuse your target audience.
This aspect is particularly important
for a website that aims to connect with potential clients all over the world. A
long-winded and rambling website may cause the reader to doubt your intentions.
A visitor who gets confused by your site’s content is unlikely to consider
doing business with your firm.
Localized
versions
It is natural for people to prefer
dealing with companies and firms that operate in the same cultural environment.
Financial details apart, social and cultural factors often play a significant
role in influencing the final decision. This is where website localization can
make a huge difference.
Creating multiple versions of your
website in the languages of your target markets can make a huge difference to
your prospects. For starters, the mere act of creating translated versions will
make you come across as a sensitive entrepreneur. Secondly, localization will
convey eagerness and commitment to doing business in a way that appeals to your
potential customers. Thirdly, you can provide information to potential
customers in a familiar and comfortable style.
Localization is not just about
offering a translated version of your English site. It is about conveying
information that is in sync with your customer’s language, style of
communication, cultural influences, and business environment.
Ecommerce
& online trade
Consider customizing your website to
incorporate the option of accepting online orders through your site. This will
transform your site into an active and dynamic tool that can go beyond mere
dissemination of information. Allowing customers to place orders from the
comforts of their home or office can help you stay a step ahead of your
competitors. This option will also help you to lure undecided foreign customers
through offers, discounts, freebies, and other marketing tactics that may not
be available when doing business in the conventional way.
Running a global business is far more
complicated and challenging compared to catering solely to domestic clients.
Differences in laws, social cues, business practices, culture, and even style
of communication can lead to numerous complications. A good website can help
bridge all these obstacles by facilitating simultaneous communication to all
target audiences in the world.
Indeed, the internet has enabled
non-commercial, philanthropic organizations or foundations to establish
international relations. Websites of individuals like Sukanto Tanoto
enable people to look beyond international business and even consider
international charity without even stepping outside the door.
Conclusion
A good business website will not
guarantee success in the international market. However, not having a website or
having a bad website is the surest way to fail in business. Having an online
presence through a website and supplementing it with social media accounts will
help you target newer markets and expand your business around the world in a
competitive, sustainable, and profitable manner.
Source: CSSmania