What is eCommerce localization?
Ecommerce localization is the process of adapting an e-commerce store to local markets by translating content, optimizing for local search engines, and tweaking the buying experience to appeal to regional preferences. It's important for e-commerce stores to localize their stores because different countries have different shopping habits and cultural norms.
Why is eCommerce localization essential to business success?
Ecommerce localization is essential to business success because it enables companies to better serve customers in their local markets, which can lead to increased sales, improved customer service, and customer loyalty. By adapting websites and marketing materials to reflect the cultural and linguistic preferences of target audiences, businesses can create a more personal experience for shoppers that encourages them to return again and again. Additionally, localization can help businesses avoid potential legal issues by ensuring that all communications are compliant with local laws and regulations.
E-Commerce localization statistics:
1. Nearly half of British consumers would pay more to shop locally
Deloitte research has discovered that 46% of British consumers would be willing to pay more to shop locally, rather than online. This stat is indicative of a wider, global trend that has emerged during the pandemic, that has seen consumers returning to their local high streets and malls.
2. 44% of consumers are less tolerant of poor online service
The same study confirms that the biggest trigger for shopping at local shops is poor online service. 44% of consumers refuse to tolerate it – and it’s becoming increasingly clear that there is little margin for error for online retailers. Equally, if local high streets and services flourish, online and delivery standards will have to be consistently high to compete.
3. Shoppers are buying locally to strengthen their local economy
Research from Statista in October 2020 found that across many major economies, consumers were shopping locally in order to support local businesses. In the US and Canada, more than 70% of consumers said they were shopping locally for this reason, while in France the figure was 62%, and in Germany the figure was 59%.
This suggests that the hyper-local trend isn’t just being driven by online failures, but by consumer passion for their local communities.
4. ‘Near me’ stock searches explode during the pandemic
According to retail tech business NearSt, online searches for what’s in stock locally tripled during the pandemic compared to pre-Covid levels. Furthermore, 83% of consumers have said they prefer to shop locally to online if they know an item is available in a nearby store.
This evidence represents a big opportunity for retailers with stores that are able to make their stock visible to local customers online.