International Business and Technology Blog

Germany is the largest economy in Europe, fourth largest in the world and among the top 3 exporters of the world. It is also a massive importer. The powerhouse of Europe, Germany is a priority destination for many exporters. German consumers and businesses are wary of the internet but are nonetheless ardent users, with 90% internet take-up. Ready to do business with US companies, Germans look to the internet for information before buying. Make sure your business is credible to your German prospects: get online, get localized websites! 

Use online tools to your advantage to be found, understood, and transact your business in Germany. 

Domain registration is one of the first steps you need to take when creating localized websites for your export markets. South America is not an exception, but which domains should you register?

Germany is known as an export power-house. But did you know it is also the 3rd largest importer in the world? A localized German website lets you reach +100 million consumers and engage with this affluent, huge market.

Germany is known for being a huge exporter, but businesses importing to Germany also know that it buys a lot of non-German products. In fact, Germany is the largest single importer in the EU and the third largest importer in the world. So for businesses looking to grow their sales and brands in Germany, what’s the best way to be found, understood and do business? Get a localized German website. In this blog we share some of our experiences in helping exporters get great German websites. From German language characteristics to German market expectations, we show you what you need to know to grow your sales, brands and businesses in Germany.

The Florida Online Global (FOG) program has delivered for Avionics Support Group year on year export sales, business and brand growth. In 2017, ASG benefited from their first 2 online global websites in China and Mexico. Returns were rapid, proving a huge export success and ASG followed up with websites for Japan, Brazil, the UAE and Russia. Exports have grown by almost $5 million over this time frame.

How did this mid-sized Florida company do so well globally? With great management, great products, a great sales team and great international websites. ASG took advantage of the Florida Online Global Program to get international localized websites, allowing them to get found, be understood and do business globally. The Florida Online Global program: online tools to help Florida exporters grow their business, their sales and their brands globally. Let’s follow ASG’s journey to see how it’s done… 

Want your videos to deliver global sales, brand and business growth? Then make sure you have the right platform! Online video platforms (OVPs) have come a long way, in terms of commercial communications and business functionality, in the last 10 years. Today, we have real choice, with multitudes of OVPs vying for space in what is currently the fastest growing trend of our digital era.

What are the most spoken languages in the world? 

When your company decides to increase its exports, chances are language plays a key role in choosing which markets to target. Investing in that export market means investing in that language - and what are the costs and benefits of adding a language to your export base? Focusing on four of the most spoken languages globally, this blog sets out some of the main linguistic issues exporters face when expanding their businesses into new markets with different languages. What are the most spoken languages? How many countries speak Spanish, or Arabic or French? What knowledge of the language do you need to be competitive? How different is the language to your native language? And what about English – is it really a global language?  

Canada is the United States' second largest trade partner in the world, and number one importer of US goods. Canada has a population that is well connected, close-by, and ready to do business with US companies. With a large population of English speakers, and 90% of them on the internet, it is a great market to enter for exporters!

Use online tools to your advantage to be found, understood, and transact your business in Canada. 

When going global with your website, language and translation is unavoidable. What are your company’s choices and what makes for great translation? Let’s discuss some of the key issues you need to have in mind when thinking about going global online. A website that your international prospects can understand and engage with is essential for today’s exporters. Your company’s international websites need to have local content, culture, language and demand preferences, to ensure your company gets found and gets understood. With website translation, localization and a focus on the target audience, misunderstandings can be avoided, and a unique online experience created for your customers:

“Localisation involves many tasks including translation, multilingual project management and software engineering and testing. […] For companies wishing to attract and hold international customers - either through traditional shops, e-business, or a combination multilingual sites and localisation are vital.” Bert Esselink, author of ‘A practical guide to localization’

Farécla Products Limited (Farécla) had decided to invest in a website for one of their most important export markets, China. But the website was not localized or optimized for the Chinese market. The contents had been translated into Chinese characters but without background expertise in how Chinese websites actually function or how to connect with prospective Chinese customers: the website was not fit for purpose. Management began reviewing possible solutions with IBT Online and we are proud to have helped Farécla build a great Chinese online platform for doing business: a fully localized, optimized and functioning website that acts as a springboard for social media, online marketing, ecommerce – in line with the company’s strategy to grow their sales, brands and businesses in China.

Reach new export customers and grow your business rapidly with the Michigan Online Global program. The top 3 benefits are: 1) attracting new international clients and growing your exports with global websites and social media programs 2) Online Global export, sales, brand and business success and 3) matching funds to invest in your business development ($6,000, $3,000 and $15,000…). How does that work for you? Make the internet work for you globally: help your international prospects, customers and partners find you, understand you and do business with you…