As an ecommerce manager, international expansion may be one of your primary concerns.

With a Shopify store, you have the opportunity to market your product to potential customers from around the globe. However, like millions of other international businesses, you are faced with one problem – communication.

It goes without saying that buyers won't purchase if they can't read and understand the content of your page. 

Fortunately, there’s a solution in place to prevent massive bounce rates and cart abandonments from your international customers – Localisation.

In this article, we’ll give you an actionable checklist of how to localise your Shopify store and how it can benefit your business.

 

A Short Guide to Shopify Store Localisation

As promised, here is a detailed guide on how to go about localising your Shopify store:

 

1. Currency Conversion

  • Change product prices into local currencies.

2. Product Information and Marketing Translation

  • Translate product details, titles, and specifications into the local language using professional language translation tools like Wolfestone's Shopify Translator..
  • Adapt ad copy, email campaigns, and website content for cultural relevance and clarity.

3. Localisation of Labels and Guidelines

  • Ensure product labels, instructions and guidelines adhere to local regulations using customisable templates.
  • Make sure that labels are easily understood and comply with local requirements, building trust with customers.

4. Imagery and Cultural Context

  • Use visuals that resonate with the local audience's preferences and values, and also align with your product offering.
  • Customise visuals to mirror the local lifestyle and context and to also foster relatability and engagement.

5. Payment Methods and Gateways

  • Use Shopify's diverse payment integrations to offer local payment methods preferred by customers.
  • Ensure seamless compatibility with local banking systems and popular online payment trends.

6. Shipping and Fulfilment Options

  • Provide shipping choices that cater to the specific requirements and expectations of local customers.
  • Display accurate delivery estimates and provide tracking information for a transparent shopping journey.

7. Local Customer Support

  • Set up dedicated support channels through Shopify for direct interaction with local customers.
  • Train customer service representatives to address inquiries in the local language and according to cultural norms.

Perks of Store Localisation

Here are some of the benefits that localisation brings to your e-commerce business: 

Sales Growth

Having localised content on your page will enhance the shopping experience for local customers. 

Part of your localisation framework should include tailoring your page content to suit the interests, location and needs of your potential customers. 

Personalised content keeps the customer happy and interested. This, by extension, builds customer loyalty and triggers repeated purchases from these satisfied customers. 

Also, according to research, you have a better chance of meeting your growth goals when you have Localisation frameworks in place.

Market penetration

Every business needs that competitive advantage that helps them stay on top.. And, localisation can be the advantage you need to penetrate new markets and leave your mark.

The world of e-commerce is an ever-expanding one. With a market cap of over 69 billion, Shopify ranks as number 4 on the list of top 5 e-commerce platforms. Its large market presence is a big advantage for people who want to tap into both big and small e-commerce markets using localisation. 

If you're trying to sell stuff online using localisation (making your store fit the local culture and language), being part of this big hub gives you an advantage. 

It's like having a prime location in a crowded marketplace. People are already there, so it's easier for them to find and buy from you, helping you tap into both big and small e-commerce markets effectively.

Nevertheless, when a product or service is localised, it is more likely to be seen and recognised by potential customers. This is because the product or service will be tailored to the local culture and language, making it more relevant to the target audience.

Higher conversion rates

Localisation helps to reduce cart abandonment. When the site visitors can comprehend the content of the page, they are better convinced to take the desired action. 

That's not all. Localised content convinces the visitors of the site's legitimacy. If you tailor it to suit their interest and needs, then it's easy for them to make a purchasing decision. 

It's best to invest in quality translation tools and translators. This way, you can completely eradicate the possibility of errors since mistranslation is a total turn-off for local shoppers and the fastest trigger of bounce rates and lost conversions.

Lesser Marketing Costs

Seeing as 47% of shoppers say that localisation was the primary trigger of their patronage, it’s safe to say that localisation can reduce the cost of customer acquisition. 

Businesses need not spend as much money on advertising and marketing to reach potential customers because their localisation initiatives already give them the penetration they need to leave a mark in the market. 

Understanding the ROI of Store Localisation

The performance of your ROI is largely dependent on the intensity of your market research. The potential for a substantial ROI is possible, but achieving it necessitates careful planning and precise execution. 

Localisation involves more than just translation. Every element, from product information to imagery, and even payment methods, plays a crucial role in creating a seamless shopping experience and one that resonates with your target audience.

Before you start localising your store, it is important to do your research and understand the local market. This includes understanding the local culture, language and customs.

Wrapping Up

If you’re anything like the average e-commerce owner, expansion will be your top priority. While localisation offers you a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore already successful and growing markets, the success of your expansion depends on how much effort you put into it.

For best results, invest in high level tools and resources that allow you to leverage localisation to the maximum. Remember, customer satisfaction is your priority.

Interested in translating and localising your Shopify store? Schedule a demo today to try our Shopify Translation tool.