Online store expansion to Italy
West European rocket
Italy is the fastest growing e‑commerce market in Western Europe. The low number of online shops combined with low Internet connectivity represent ideal conditions for steep growth in the coming years. Foreign online stores should definitely not miss this opportunity to expand into the Italian e‑commerce market.
WHY EXPAND INTO ITALY?
The Italian e‑commerce market is growing, and it would be a shame not to take advantage of this. At the same time, the country is currently Europe’s largest luxury goods market. Although the south is less developed, the north of Italy is a region with high purchasing power and developed Internet access and online shopping.
A website and online shop localized in Italian will also open the way to expanding into the Italian‑speaking cantons in the south of Switzerland.
Another advantage is the geographical distance. It is a short distance from the countries of Central and Western Europe to Italy, with the cost of transporting goods reflecting this.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN EXPANDING INTO TALY?
Italians value and pay close attention to positive user reviews and recommendations. It is therefore appropriate to collate such reviews and recommendations from the very beginning and to communicate these effectively towards customers.
In terms of payment methods, it necessary to offer Italians the method they really use and prefer. Almost half of Italians like to pay via PayPal, which is practically unknown in Central and Eastern European countries. In addition to VISA and MasterCard cards, it is essential to include the Italian credit card CartaSi, which is used by over 7 million Italians, representing a market share of more than 40%.
As in other major Western European countries, Amazon is the most popular online store in Italy. However, the disadvantage of this path is that sales are often anonymous, with little brand development possible and competition based on price alone.
When expanding into Italy, perfect Italian is a must. This applies across the board, i.e. from the translation and localization of websites, including product descriptions, to the running of customer support. When calling a customer helpline, Italians expect to communicate with a native Italian speaker on a local Italian telephone number.
Should you require more in‑depth information on what to look out for when expanding your online shop into Italy, we can conduct foreign market research as part of our service.
59,3 mil.
population
euro
currency
26%
year‑on‑year growth of e‑commerce
44%
number of online shoppers
ca 14 100
number of online shops
81%
percentage of internet users among the population
4 200
population per online shop
30,6 bn. €
e‑commerce volumeSERVICES FOR YOUR EXPANSION TO ITALY
Customer support in foreign laguages
Looking to ensure the success of your online store abroad? Then excellent customer support in the local language is an absolute must. Having the option to call a local phone number or write a query in the local language substantially increases the credibility of an online store in the eyes of customers. Professional customer support provided by NK Expand is intended for online shops expanding abroad.
Keyword analysis in a foreign language
Keyword analysis is the basis for any successful online shop expansion abroad. An in‑depth analysis provides important information on how foreign customers search for your products and services on the internet. This helps to precisely identify which foreign language keywords to target and what improvements are required.
SEO translation and localization of website and online store
The expansion of an online store abroad usually entails considerable costs. A substantial part of these costs relate to SEO translation and website localization in order to make sure that visitors to the website in the given country feel that it reads naturally in their own language. Of equal importance is how easily the website can be found on the internet ‑ so that potential customers can visit the online shop and make their purchases.
Online marketing for expansion abroad
Online marketing for foreign expansion that works! To support your online shop expansion abroad, we provide the following services ‑ SEO optimization, PPC advertising, direct e‑mailing and social media communications. By using the correct tone for communications, appropriate keywords in a foreign language and originally written SEO texts, visitors of your online store will quickly turn into customers.
Foreign market research
Are you serious about expanding your online shop abroad? Then we will agree that good preparation and market research are the basis for success. Without a clear idea about market potential or proven interest from target groups, investment in expansion is a non‑starter. Our specialists can prepare complete source materials, provide recommendations and help to properly prepare your online store for expansion abroad.
Legal and administrative assistance abroad
Do you run an online shop and plan to expand abroad? In this case, it is desirable to offer customers the option to pay into a local bank account in the local currency and to ensure that the business terms and conditions are in accordance with the laws of the country. It is very likely that the establishment of a collection point or a local branch will have to follow in time. We are available to help with all of these matters.
Content creation in foreign languages
NK Expand can help you create high‑quality content in foreign languages that will be useful and/or entertaining for your customers, which they will then be happy to share with others. Our native foreign language speakers and copywriters can create high‑quality content that respects the local culture and target group and will convert new visitors into customers. You can easily improve your business results with this form of casual marketing.
Business development for online shop expansion abroad
Are you expanding to a new market abroad with your online store and would you like to improve your business results? Then try our business development service for online shop expansion abroad. We will find B2B contacts for you, which you can use as the basis for the foreign distribution network of your online shop.
SUMMARY
Italy is one of the fastest growing e‑commerce markets in Western Europe. The north of the country is a region with high purchasing power and advanced access to online shopping, with the potential for further growth in the future. With excellent localization of your online shop, customer service and positive references, you have a great chance of succeeding in Italy.
In addition, expansion into Italy may be the impetus for subsequent expansion into Switzerland. In the cantons of Ticino and Graubünden, Italian is still the official language.
At NK Expand, our specialists can help you with everything you need for your expansion into Italy. We recently helped a Czech software and application developer and cloud services provider to successfully expand into Italy and Switzerland. Contact us and let our specialists help you expand your online shop into Italy as well.
OTHER COUNTRIES WE WILL HELP YOU EXPAND INTO
WHO WE HAVE ALREADY HELPED WITH THEIR EXPANSION ABROAD
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