Do I need a different website to sell my products abroad?
Ready to go global? Congratulations – that’s a big step for any business to take. The question is, how are you going to get there? If you’re not yet sure whether your current website will support international sales, we’re here to help.
It depends on the platform your site is built on
If your website is old, outdated or built on an antiquated platform, you may need to invest in a new one in order to sell your products overseas.
However, most of the popular ecommerce website platforms can be quite easily configured to facilitate orders from around the world. All of the platforms listed below can be set up to support international sales:
- WooCommerce
- Magento
- Shopify
- Bigcommerce
- OpenCart
So, if yours is built on any of those platforms, international expansion is within your reach. There are a few other things to consider first, though.
What payment system does your site use?
If your current website only accepts one or two different payment methods – Visa and Mastercard, for instance – you should consider adding additional options to your site. It’s worth adding additional debit and credit card companies to your roster of supported payment methods. This will help open your site up to as many potential customers as possible. This applies whether you’re selling globally or not.
PayPal is becoming a must-have for global ecommerce businesses, however, as it’s now available in more than 200 countries and regions across the globe. And because it supports 25 different currencies, offering it on your site is a great way to expand your international appeal.
Should I get a new site or upgrade my current one?
This is the big question many businesses find themselves faced with. Even if your current website is serviceable, if you’re planning to expand, now might be the ideal time to consider investing in a newer, more user-friendly site.
It really boils down to your budget, the state of your current website and the extent of your future plans. Although your current site might support international sales, a brand-new one could help drive them.
