When you first launch a business, your goal will be to make it a success, and with success comes growth. Many businesses choose to expand internationally to increase their reach and revenue, whilst also hoping to boost their reputation. There are a few factors to consider when trying to expand overseas, with the key being how to navigate the language barrier. Read on as we take a closer look…

Translation services

Translation services are one of the most helpful, and important factors when your company is considering expanding into another country. These translation and interpretation services can be used to help you build relationships with customers and clients from overseas more easily, without having to take the time to learn an entirely new language yourself. Interpretation services give you access to professionals that speak a range of languages fluently – they can help you to talk on the phone, face-to-face or via video chat so that your customers can communicate with you clearly. They can also offer translation services if you need to re-write a contract in another language, write a letter, or redesign your packaging.

The benefits

As one of the most important tools to help you with international expansion, it goes without saying that translation and interpretation services should play a role in helping you reach your goals. Here are a few of the benefits that come with the service:

  • Accurate translations: No more questionable translations and language barriers – these services mean you can benefit from accurate, clear interpretation and translation so you can enhance your company’s communication skills.
  • Tone of voice: When learning a new language, it can be difficult to portray a specific tone of voice, which makes it harder for empathy and personality to shine through. Translation experts can make sure your tone of voice is accurate and suitable for the situation.
  • Localisation: You can go beyond simply learning a new language, localisation means you can benefit from experts that understand the local culture, giving your company a boost, and allowing you to be more successful in your chosen market.

Translation and interpretation services can save you time and allow you to create a company that can thrive overseas. But there are a few more factors to think about to help you become successful in other countries, such as:

Develop a business plan

Just like if you were starting your first business in your home country, you should develop a business plan to help you get an overview of the processes that are going to help you in expansion of  your business overseas. Your business plan should include your needs, your goals and how you’re going to achieve them. There are other factors to consider like distribution methods, pricing and how you’re going to finance your expansion. Having a business plan in place also means that you can show your chosen lender that you’re using for finance and that you have planned how to tackle expansion. Making a plan means you’ll be able to weigh up all of the aspects of growing your business overseas, and the problems that you may face.

Look at trends

Before you expand, looking at trends in the countries that you’re hoping to do business with is helpful. Your business may be doing well and growing in the country you’re based in, but that doesn’t mean the market works the same way overseas. Your customer’s needs may be different, and the demographic may have changed. The strategies that you implement in one country, may not work in another. It’s so important to do your research before expanding so that you can understand the messaging and marketing that will appeal to your overseas customers.

Consider differences

No two cultures are the same, which means the need for a product may be different from one country to another. Think about how your messaging, products and services will contribute to the country you’re expanding into. Get to know more about the culture and customs within the country and understand how your product or service could fit in. Researching how the people and the market differ from country to country means you can adapt to suit each.