International Social Selling

Is it possible to reach international customers through social media?

Yes, it is, with a Social Selling strategy. Ever heard of it?

In this article, we tell you what it is and how to apply it, and we bring you practical tips on how to use it effectively to reach international customers in different languages and cultures.

How to implement a good Social Selling strategy. Let’s get to it!

What is Social Selling and why is it important for companies? 

It is a sales strategy that uses social media to establish strong relationships with potential customers and close sales more effectively. 

Unlike traditional sales techniques, Social Selling is based on building long-term relationships and generating trust through interactions on social networks.

This is especially relevant when it comes to reaching international customers, where a lack of physical proximity can hinder trust and familiarity with the brand, two key aspects of generating sales.

Laying the foundation: creating an effective social selling strategy 

Let’s go step by step!

The first thing is to outline your goals and determine which social networks are best suited to connect with your international target audience. Not all platforms are equally popular in all countries, so it is crucial to research and adapt your strategy to each market. In addition, your ideal customer profile may change in different markets, so it is important to analyze and define the differences of your target according to their country and culture of origin.

Once you’ve identified the right social networks, it’s time to focus on segmentation. 

The importance of segmentation in international Social Selling 

As we said, not all customers are the same, and in each country or region they may have different characteristics and preferences. Conduct market research to understand the needs, wants, and behaviors of your international customers, and then adapt your Social Selling strategy accordingly. This will allow you to personalize your messages and offer content that resonates with your audience.

The platforms and tools you use to reach your different audiences and segments may also vary. Segmentation allows you to reach your key audience through the right media and by transmitting the right message.

For instance, if you are looking to reach customers in Spain, you can use platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, which are very popular in the country. However, if you want to expand into other international markets, you may want to consider other popular social networks in those countries, such as WeChat in China or Vkontakte in Russia.

How to use social media to build strong relationships with international customers 

The content you share on social media should be valuable to your international audience. You can make the most of these platforms by following these tips:

• Be authentic and transparent: share success stories, testimonials from satisfied customers and show the human side of your company. This will help build trust and establish strong relationships.
  
  
• Create valuable content: know the interests and needs of your international customers and create content that they will find useful. Offer tips, guides, and educational content that will help them solve problems and improve their experience with your product or service.
  
  
• Encourage interaction and participation: encourage your contacts on social networks to participate in conversations, leave comments, and share their opinion. Respond to their questions and comments in a timely manner and show genuine interest in their opinions.
  
  
• Use the power of local influencers: local influencers can be a great way to reach your international audience more effectively. If possible, collaborate with relevant influencers in each market to promote your products or services and leverage their influence and reach.

Careful! It will also be necessary to translate the content of your social networks into the different target languages and adapt it to the cultural context of each market. If they don’t understand you, they won’t buy from you. Stay calm and read on.

Adapting content for different languages and cultures 

Here are some tips on how to do it effectively:

• Professional translation: it is important to use professional translation services, such as those offered by iDISC, to ensure an accurate and quality translation. Native translators have a deep knowledge of the language and culture into which they translate, which allows them to adapt the content appropriately and avoid misunderstandings or errors.
  
  
• Cultural adaptation: each culture has its own norms, values, and sensitivities. It is crucial to take these cultural differences into account when adapting your content. Research the culture and customs of your international audience to ensure that your message is relevant and respectful. Avoid references or images that may be offensive or confusing in other cultures.
  
  
• Localization of content: this involves adapting not only the language, but also the visual aspects you share, as well as currencies, units of measurement, dates, and formats. 
  
  
• Personalization of the message: each international market has its own particularities and preferences. Take the opportunity to personalize your message to connect more effectively with your international audience. Use local references, examples, or relevant success stories that appeal to the sentiment of each market and adapt your tone of voice so that they identify with your brand.
  
  
• Testing and adjustments: perform A/B tests to evaluate the effectiveness of your messages and approaches. This will allow you to pick out which strategies work best and make adjustments when necessary.

The power of Social Selling to reach international customers is undeniable. By using social media strategically, you can build strong relationships with your international audience and boost sales opportunities. 

Remember that the focus should be on building long-term relationships and building trust, rather than looking for an immediate sale. 

Maintain an active presence on social networks, offer valuable content to your followers, and provide excellent customer service. 

With these tips and the help of iDISC as your translation and localization partner, you will be ready to expand your business to new frontiers and take full advantage of the potential of international Social Selling. Get in touch with us! 

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