Potential customers we approach often cite a lack of contacts, insufficient market information or intelligence and inadequate finance as the main reasons they don’t export. The unsuitability of exporting their product or service is also a factor.
The internet plays a crucial role in attracting international customers, and a localised google ad campaign can go some way to compensating for a lack of international contacts. The DIT can also help to connect UK businesses with industry contacts in other countries.
Knowing where there is demand for particular products or services is a further barrier for businesses targeting new markets.The level of risk involved in exporting means that businesses want to be certain that there is demand for their product or service in a particular market and access to market information is seen as crucial. The DIT publishes statistics to steer businesses in the right direction. Another way to test the market is with a microsite, which Web-Translations can help to create. A translated microsite, with appropriate marketing, can indicate whether there is demand in a particular country. Contact us for more information.
Insufficient finance is also cited as a barrier to exporting. Adopting a reactive approach to export could require very little investment or resources, other than shipping and taxation considerations. However, adopting a more proactive approach could require additional finance. If a bank loan isn’t right for you, consider peer-to-peer lending. A local Leeds-based company, Rebuilding Society, is a good option for small business loans.
24 July 2018 11:50