1) Know Your Market
Before selling overseas, it is essential to research the markets where your target customers are underserved, and where there could be a gap for your product to fill. Be careful also to research competitors and identify the places where you may face pressure from local rivals.Should you have the necessary resources, travelling overseas can be a great way to familiarise yourself with each market, tap into local know-how and immerse yourself in the unique conditions you’ll face. Of course, this first-hand experience will also help you when marketing to overseas buyers – a little effort and knowledge can go a long way.
However, if international travel isn’t possible, there are plenty of other ways to educate yourself about new markets. The Department for International Trade, for instance, provides excellent country guides, giving a clear overview of the markets that could work for you and your product. You could also consider running a low-cost survey on social media, to get feedback on your product directly from target overseas customers.