Moonstruck Market Solutions!

If your home business is internet-based (and these days what business isn't if you’re reading this?), you've instantly propelled your company into a global marketplace. As you know, E-commerce is comprised of international audiences, all of which likely fit into one or more of your market segments. Now think: Are you maximizing your total profit potential? Chances are, if you're not developing marketing materials that speak directly to international audiences, you're losing more than 50 percent of your business.

By tapping into international markets, you expand your opportunities for more sales. Even though global competition is stiff between large companies, small companies don't have nearly as much competition simply because many home-based business owners don't actively pursue international markets.

However, when you set out to promote your products and services to international markets, you'll discover how quickly and easily you can increase your sales potential as well as gain access to those high-price markets who seek products and services from companies they plan to do business with long-term.

Your payoff? Customer loyalty that brings steady residual income and frequent referrals. Now here's the warning: In order to grab and hold on to these markets, your promotional materials must make a relevant and instant connection, typically one that is culturally-based, with your audience. In other words, your greatest opportunity strongly lies in your ability to develop marketing materials that speak to both the hearts and minds of your international audiences.

LANGUAGE POINTS TO DEEM:

Before you set out to write a promotional piece of any kind, one of the primary things to keep in mind is language usage. Most of us whose native language is English take for granted that our meanings come across loud and clear. But this is not the case when we develop content for international audiences. In fact, we must take extra precautions to ensure that our word choices say what we actually intend.

Using metaphors and slang that is common to Americans can be confusing to international audiences and actually cause them to look elsewhere for products and services. Instead, strive to ensure that all of your promotional materials are inclusive, and when you are specifically addressing international groups, look for ways to convey that you are aware of cultural norms as they highly influence the way international audiences perceive messages as well as how they conduct business.

CREATING THE PERFECT PITCH:

When you're developing marketing content, pay close attention to your word choices as well as the tone and style of your language. One of the things we always have to be mindful of is that we conduct the same level of service no matter where our customers are. Customer service quality is the same regardless, and this is what we expect when we deal with others' businesses. The way that companies characterize their customer service means a great deal to me, and their level of sincerity, not puffery, is what stands out when I read web sites and other sales pieces. It's what leads me to deciding if the company is one that I want to do business with.

TAKING AN EXTRA STEP:

Even if your written content is tightly-focused and engaging, it may not be enough to give the sense that you understand your customers' needs. Go beyond and business speak. Since it's customary that people prefer to do business with someone they know and trust, allow your web site, sales letters, brochures, and print ads to solidify your willingness and ability to conduct business with global customers.

For instance, if you're thinking of introducing a product to an international market, before you "go live," do a little research to get the feel for the overall attitude the market has about a similar product currently being used.

Find out as much as you can about your markets' buying habits. This helps you adapt your product accordingly, and it gets you well-prepared for any customer service issues later on. Don't readily assume that your product will have the same usage in an overseas market as it does in your local region. Recently, a colleague whose home country is Singapore shared with me that convenience-type beverages, like instant tea and coffees, are not used as frequently in Singapore homes as they are in American homes. He said such items are perceived as "short-cuts" and "lazy-aids," and the items send the message that one doesn't care about presentation or creating the ambiance which is customarily associated with enjoying a cup of aromatic tea—even though the instant beverage may be well-liked and more convenient!

CHOOSING IMAGES THAT CONNECT:

When it comes to communicating to international audiences, images take on a bigger role of adding meaning to your words. It's important that you choose images that connect without stereotyping. High quality stock images are relatively easy and cheap to find over the Web, but before you select one, make sure your choice adds relevance and that the meaning won't be misinterpreted in a negative way. For example, a home business owner who specializes in designing one-of-a-kind cell phone carrying cases should choose to illustrate her products being used by a group of individuals in one setting rather than using an image that shows a single individual, as some Asian cultures prefer to think of themselves as part of a collective group and tend to stay away from things that make them stand out from others.

A large part of your ability to connect with international audiences involves your comfort level. Of course, the more you learn about doing business with other cultures, the more at ease you'll feel. While the internet is a viable resource, don't overlook others that can help you develop a well-rounded picture. For example, travel brochures and guide booklets are ideal for getting up to speed about what type of promotional content is appropriate and how it is used and structured. The images are generally current and high quality, so you are able to get an accurate account of the physical surroundings which you can make reference to in your own promotional materials.

Trade shows are another option, because they enable you to see your competitors as well as your potential customers face-to-face. Fiction books and foreign films are good sources, too, because they provide insight into how people behave in common situations, allowing you to get a sense of what types of gestures and phrases are used.

WHEREFORE:

Now that you have some bit of insight of developing marketing content, pay close attention to your word choices as well as the tone and style of your language. A lot know me as a “say it like it is” person. However if there is a market I’m after surely you’ll see the other side of me, very aggressive and go getter.

We hope you enjoyed this bit of advice that was mentioned.

If you are wanting to get more serious on how to Market the Moonstruck way, feel free to purchase our newest of all eBooks from us at $9.99 here. (Note: 10% or $10.00 whichever is greater, of all proceeds after expenses will go towards Moonray Espresso's Legal Defense Fund as in showing our support for their being bullied from a "Down South Corporate Bully")

"Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either. ~Albert Einstein~"

"Famous Quotes"

All these constructions and the laws connecting them can be arrived at by the principle of looking for the mathematically simplest concepts and the link between them.

~Albert Einstein~

© Moonstruck Market, 2007