10 Data-Backed Strategies to Expand Your Business Internationally 

In today’s very competitive global market, London’s entrepreneurs and small businesses are looking outside of the UK for growth more and more.

Entering international markets can unlock massive opportunities—but it’s also fraught with risk if approached without a plan. In this guide, Michal Prazenica, a specialist in global market entry, shares 10 data-backed strategies that have helped companies succeed abroad while avoiding costly mistakes.

There’s more to going global than just selling your goods in another country. It means changing to meet the needs of new customers, new rules, new competition, and new business problems, all while keeping your brand’s main value proposition safe. These plans come from market research, case studies, and tried-and-true tools that fast-growing businesses all over the world use.

1. Establish a Strong Domestic Foundation

It’s important to make sure your home market is running smoothly before you try to break into new ones. According to study by McKinsey, companies that do well at home are much more likely to do well abroad. To do this, you need to improve your value proposition, make sure your pricing is competitive, and set up processes that can be expanded so you don’t have to start from scratch every time you go somewhere new.

2. Localize Beyond Translation

A study of people in 29 countries found that 76% of them would rather buy things in their own language. But localisation is more than just words. It has to do with changing things like tone, images, cultural references, product names, packages, and even the hours of customer service. A product that seems “foreign” is less likely to be used, while one that seems to be made for local needs gains trust more quickly.

3. Match Local Payment Preferences

Payment friction is one of the fastest ways to lose a customer. Stripe’s global data shows:

• Alipay in China can boost conversions by 91%

• iDEAL in the Netherlands by 39%

• Japanese Konbini by 27%

Whether you’re B2B or B2C, payment preferences are part of your market entry strategy. Even in the EU, where regulations are harmonised, preferred payment types vary widely from country to country.

4. Select the Right Market Entry Strategy

You don’t always have to establish a legal entity or open offices immediately. Popular models include:

• Partner distribution – Leveraging local distributors to reach customers quickly

• Digital-first sales – Selling online first to test demand

• Franchising – A rapid growth option with shared investment and local expertise

• Strategic joint ventures – Sharing resources and market knowledge with a local partner

G20 data shows that service exports alone grew 8.5% in 2024, highlighting that not all expansion is product-based—services can scale internationally with far less overhead.

5. Build Market-Specific Lead Generation Systems

A pipeline that works for everyone is a sure way to get a low return on investment. Find the Ideal Customer Profiles (ICPs) of each target market, as well as the places they like to spend time (both online and off), and write messages that speak to their particular pain points. You can be sure to spend where the returns are highest by keeping an eye on CAC, LTV, and conversion rates by market.

6. Adapt Products to Meet Local Needs

McKinsey says that 50% of product launches in new countries fail because the company doesn’t adapt the product to the local market. Even goods that are very popular may need to be changed. This could mean adding a new size or feature or making changes to make sure they follow local rules. This change shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be planned into your start schedule.

7. Make Customer Experience (CX) Your Competitive Edge

People don’t know much about your brand in new places, so you need to quickly earn their trust. CX is what can make that trust grow faster. Studies have shown that making CX better can increase sales by 5–10% and cut costs by 15–25%. Your business will stand out if you have localised onboarding processes, quick support, and follow-ups that are done on purpose.

8. Pilot Strategically Before Scaling

Too many world failures happen when people try to grow too fast. It’s smarter to start in one place or region and focus on a small group of people. This “controlled burn” lets you try your ideas, find out what works, and avoid making mistakes that will cost a lot when you go national.

9. Stay Lean and Agile

According to figures from the OECD, it is getting harder for small and medium-sized businesses to get loans around the world. This means you need to be able to change your mind quickly, review your plans often, and be ready to plan again. Lean methods cut down on waste, which frees up resources for high-impact tasks. This gives you an edge over competitors who move more slowly.

10. Avoid Common Pitfalls in International Marketing

Some of the most common missteps include:

1. Treating all markets the same
2. Over-standardising your product
3. Ignoring local talent and insights

The companies that win are those that integrate continuous market feedback into their global growth strategy.

A Proven Framework for Sustainable Global Growth

When working with brands scaling internationally, MP Agency – Market Expansion & Growth Consultancy focuses on:

1. Market Expansion Strategy – Screening opportunities, competitor analysis, and compliance checks
2. Lead Generation & Sales Growth – Local ICPs, messaging adaptation, and optimised CRM systems
3. Product Development Advisory – Aligning offerings with local “jobs to be done”
4. Lean Management Implementation – Efficient cross-border processes to scale sustainably

Final Thought

It’s not about doing more when you go global; it’s about doing the right things at the right time. Businesses can lower risk, boost ROI, and grow with trust if they do the right research and plan ahead. If your company is ready to grow beyond borders, connect with Michal Prazenica to develop a tailored, data-driven market entry plan designed for lasting success.