A guide to international e-commerce trade

It was evident that even before the start of the global pandemic, e-commerce and international businesses were on the rise. The COVID-19 pandemic has only pushed this growth even further, with consumers turning to the internet for their trading needs, and businesses fuelled by the need for competitive growth, as they seek to tap into new market segments.

According to an analysis of Indonesia’s e-commerce market by Practical Ecommerce, Indonesia is the ninth largest market for e-commerce. Statista further corroborates that claim, stating that Indonesia is projected to attain sales of at least USD $59 billion by the end of 2022.

This growth is attributed to the country’s large population and the increasing purchasing power of its citizens. The same report goes on to state that the country has a relatively young population, with about 25.8% of Indonesians belonging to the millennial generation. This is a very important target market for businesses as they are the most active users of the internet. Additionally, the increasing use of mobile phones and other devices that can access the internet has made it easier for people to shop online. This provides a very big opportunity for businesses, both small and large, to grow their operations by selling their products and services online.

However, for new businesses, it is not advisable to venture into the e-commerce industry and international trade without making the necessary preparations. Otherwise, you will be competing with well-established brands and market-ready competitors who are familiar with the sector. Here are some things to take note of.

1. Establish international e-commerce plans

Before entering the international e-commerce space, it is crucial for businesses to have a solid business plan in place. This should include an understanding of the target market, the products or services to be sold, the competition, as well as the company’s budget and resources. Additionally, businesses need to establish robust logistics and customer support systems to ensure that they can meet the needs of their customers. With these in place, it will serve as a foundation for businesses to grow their international e-commerce operations. And, as you progress, you will also be able to create customised strategies for your business as you formulate definitive plans for market entry arrangements, pricing strategies, finances, and long-term goals.

2. Select the most suitable e-commerce platform

The next step is to select an e-commerce platform that will enable businesses to start selling their products and services online. There are many different types, each with its own set of features and capabilities. As such, businesses will need to carefully consider their options and select the platform that best suits their needs.

3. Develop and build your website

After selecting an e-commerce platform, businesses will have to start developing and building their websites. This will be the face of the company and will serve as the main point of interaction between the business and its customers. As such, businesses need to ensure that their websites are well-designed, user-friendly, and informative. Additionally, businesses should also make use of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) techniques to ensure that their websites appear prominently in search engine results pages.

Drive organic traffic

To drive your e-commerce business growth internationally, it is essential to generate traffic to your website organically. This can be done through various marketing channels such as content marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing. By creating quality content and promoting it through these channels, you will be able to attract more visitors to their websites. Additionally, businesses should also make use of Google Ads and other paid advertising platforms to drive traffic to their websites.

Provide different payment methods

In e-commerce, businesses need to provide different payment methods to cater to the needs of their customers domestically and internationally. The most common payment method is through credit cards. However, there are also other options such as PayPal, bank transfer, and e-wallets (Eg. PayPal, Doku, GoPay, DANA, and LinkAJA). By providing different payment methods, businesses will be able to attract more customers and make it easier for them to complete their transactions.

Invest in customer support

Another important aspect of driving growth for your e-commerce business is to invest in customer support. This is important because it helps to build trust and credibility with your customers. Additionally, good customer support will also help to improve customer satisfaction levels, which can lead to repeat purchases and referrals.

4. Analyse your e-commerce business performance

Once you have started your e-commerce business, it is important to analyse your performance on a regular basis. This will give you insights into areas that are working well and those that need improvement. Additionally, businesses should also track their key metrics such as website traffic, conversion rate, and revenue to ensure that they are on the right track. By analysing their performance, businesses will be able to fine-tune their operations and strategies both domestically and globally to generate better results. Leveraging tools such as Google Analytics will make tracking across different countries more convenient and accessible.

5. Protect your packaging

The final step to take when expanding your e-commerce business globally is to protect your packaging and product quality. This is important because it will help to ensure that your products are safe and of good quality when they reach your customers. For instance, heavy-duty goods would require extra protective layers such as packing peanuts and bubble wraps, while electronics goods may require separate packaging, along with additional information imprinted onto the packaging for clearer instructions and easy-to-read manuals. Additionally, businesses should also make use of tracking numbers to monitor their shipments and ensure that they are delivered on time. By taking these measures, businesses will be able to build trust and credibility with their customers.

6. Choose a reliable shipping logistics courier

When expanding your e-commerce business globally, it is important to choose a reliable courier service provider. This is because your products will be travelling long distances and you need to ensure that they are delivered on time and in good condition. By working with a reliable logistics partner like DHL Express, you can greatly reduce delays, secure shorter deliveries, and ultimately increase customer satisfaction. We also offer flexible shipping services such as on-demand delivery so your customers can arrange when and where they can collect their parcels. Open a business account today and choose the delivery option to suit your e-commerce business needs.