So, you’ve established a small business. You’ve got something of value perhaps it’s hand-woven fabric, organic seasonings, or bespoke leather boots. You’ve sold in your local market, perhaps even across the country. Now you wish to go global.
Thrilling, yes? But also a bit daunting.
The best part? You don’t have to be a giant corporation with deep pockets to become international. With intelligent marketing, even a small business can create a global customer base.
This blog is your easy step-by-step guide to import export marketing tricks that really work for small business owners. No gobbledygook. Just genuine ideas you can implement today.
Start Small, Think Global
You don’t need to begin by selling to the whole world. Begin with one or two countries first. This makes it more manageable and allows you to find out what will work.
Example: If you’re shipping handmade Indian candles, perhaps begin with Canada or Australia, where people welcome handmade, green products.
Tip: Consider where your product is either different or popular. Begin there.
Know Who You’re Selling To
Before you sell, you must know whom you’re selling to. Various nations have varying habits, tastes, and cultures.
Suppose you export snacks. Spicy flavors might be very popular in Southeast Asia but not quite in Europe. A bit of research will save you from expensive blunders.
How to do it:
Use free tools such as Google Trends or YouTube comments to view what others discuss.
Subscribe to Facebook groups or forums about your product in the destination country.
Look at competitors’ feedback on Amazon or Etsy and determine what customers like or dislike.
3. Share Your Story Online
Customers don’t buy products—customers buy stories. Particularly in international markets, your story is important.
Are you a business with family roots? Do you work with local craftspeople?Share that. Share pictures, behind-the-scenes video, or plain blog posts on your website and social media.
Example: A Rajasthan small business shipping block-printed textiles abroad could demonstrate how every print is hand-stamped by a local craftsman. That’s strong.
Bonus Tip: Use Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube Shorts to demonstrate your process in short, visually compelling videos.
Create a Simple Website
A neat, easy-to-use website can make all the difference. Even a simple site establishes trust.
What your website needs to have:
Don’t overcomplicate it. Even a one-page site with your story, product list, and contact details can serve you well to begin with.
Leverage Social Media But Wisely
You don’t have to be on all platforms. Concentrate on 1–2 where your purchasers congregate.
Instagram: Excellent for visualizing, telling stories, and growing a following.
LinkedIn: Ideal if selling in bulk or seeking distributors.
Facebook: Still widely used in most nations and suitable for community building.
Tip: Post more than just your products. Post tips, behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials, and even your small business owner journey.
Sell on Global Marketplaces
You don’t need to create everything from scratch. Leverage platforms that already have international buyers.
Some popular ones:
Etsy – Best for handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind products
Amazon Global – Large reach, but requires more configurationeBay – Still used extensively, particularly for niche products
IndiaMART, Alibaba, or ExportersIndia – Suitable for B2B (bulk) transactions
Tip: Don’t upload and forget. Optimize your product name and description with easy keywords. e.g., “Organic Coconut Shell Bowls – Eco-Friendly Kitchenware.”
Gather and Display Reviews
As soon as you get some international buyers, ask them (politely) for a review. A quick sentence, a picture, or a short video from a satisfied customer counts a lot.
Display these reviews on:
Trust is everything when selling internationally
Your website
Your product listings
Your social media
People trust people – more than they trust ads
Offer Flexible Shipping
Shipping can be tricky in the export business. So be clear, upfront, and flexible.
Features:
- Who you are
- What you are selling
- Good quality images
- Pricing in various currencies (at least USD) Shipping details
Location
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