The global digital transformation of the last few years has revolutionized how companies operate and expand internationally. Businesses can now be run remotely and staffed by teams spread across the globe, and international transactions can be sent and approved instantly. Companies have unprecedented opportunities to connect with diverse customers through localised and culturally relevant content. Cloud computing has also made supply chains more resilient through real-time tracking, enabling companies to optimize their operational efficiencies.
So how can your business harness digital tools to enhance its international presence? Here are my top tips.
Run Your Business Remotely with Digital Payments and Fintech Innovations
Digital payment platforms and fintech innovations have significantly lowered the barriers to cross-border transactions. Tools like OFX and PayPal enable businesses to make and manage payments almost instantly, eliminating the need for physical presence in another country.
This trend is only set to grow. By 2027, 60% of global transactions are expected to be digital, signalling a massive shift in how businesses handle financial interactions. For companies of all sizes, this growth translates to faster, more convenient financial operations regardless of location. Whether you’re a small business owner in North America or a multinational corporation expanding into Asia, digital payments simplify global commerce.
Consider Mastercard’s partnership with JazzCash in Pakistan, which brought affordable digital solutions like QR codes and “Tap on Phone” to small businesses, enabling them to join the digital economy. Similarly, Visa has invested $1 billion in Africa to enhance digital payment infrastructure, ensuring small merchants can access these services.
What This Means for You:
- Digital payment solutions empower you to streamline your financial operations and serve international clients efficiently.
- With features like real-time transaction tracking, you can better manage cash flow, monitor budgets, and ensure financial transparency—all critical for sustainable growth in new markets.
- Digital payments allow your business to scale quickly across borders while delivering a seamless payment experience to your customers
Reach Diverse Audiences with Localized, Culturally Relevant Marketing
As businesses like yours expand into new global markets, the importance of cultural sensitivity and localisation becomes ever more crucial. Research has found that 76% of online shoppers are more likely to purchase when information is presented in their native language. Thus, by using digital tools, you now have the ability to create marketing campaigns tailored to the preferences, behaviors, and values of local audiences. It’s no longer enough to simply translate your messaging from one language to another; you must understand the cultural context behind the content to resonate with each market. Through social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WeChat, you have the power to build relationships with your customers based on shared cultural touchpoints. Personalizing your content for specific regions can help your brand feel more authentic and connected to the audience. For example, Coca-Cola’s Share a Coke campaign replaced its logo with common names in local languages, creating a viral sensation that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Additionally, the campaign sparked a massive social media buzz, with over 500,000 photos shared featuring personalized Coke bottles, and Coca-Cola’s social media mentions grew by 7%. The hashtag #ShareACoke became a global phenomenon, significantly increasing Coca-Cola’s brand visibility.
But be cautious—while localization helps you build rapport, the wrong message can backfire. What works in one country may be completely offensive in another, so it’s essential to evaluate the cultural landscape before launching a campaign. Take Pepsi’s experience in China as an example. When the company translated its slogan “Come Alive with Pepsi,” the message was rendered in Chinese as a promise to “bring your ancestors back to life.” This mistranslation not only confused the audience but also touched on deeply rooted cultural sensitivities about ancestor worship. The blunder highlighted how a simple oversight in language localisation can undermine trust and damage a brand’s reputation.
What This Means for You:
- By leveraging localized marketing, you make your business more relatable, allowing you to speak directly to the needs and desires of different regions.
- Tailoring your content ensures that your brand resonates with diverse audiences, ultimately fostering deeper connections and boosting customer loyalty.
- When done right, localized marketing isn’t just about translating content; it’s about creating a genuine, culturally relevant experience for your customers. This personal touch will set your brand apart in a competitive global marketplace.
Strengthen Your Supply Chain with Cloud Computing and Real-Time Tracking
As global supply chains become more complex, companies are turning to cloud computing to stay ahead. Cloud platforms provide businesses with the ability to track their products in real time, offering visibility into every stage of the supply chain. Whether you’re tracking inventory, deliveries, or supplier statuses, cloud computing makes it easier to manage the movement of goods across borders and across various international markets. Real-time tracking is a game changer for businesses that rely on global logistics. It allows you to respond quickly to any disruptions, changes in demand, or unexpected supply shortages. With cloud-based solutions, you can avoid bottlenecks and make data-driven decisions that keep your operations running smoothly.
For example, by leveraging AWS cloud technology, Amazon maintains unparalleled operational efficiency by optimizing delivery routes and inventory management with data-driven insights. This has significantly boosted Amazon’s bottom line; in Q2 2024, AWS generated $22.1 billion in revenue, contributing to over 60% of Amazon’s operating income.
What This Means for You:
- Embracing cloud-based supply chain management helps you mitigate risks and streamline your global operations.
- Real-time tracking gives you complete visibility over your supply chain, enabling you to make informed decisions and improve delivery times.
- By reducing disruptions and increasing operational efficiency, you’ll be able to deliver exceptional customer service and outmaneuver your competitors.
