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Digital Export: the key factors for a successful journey

Digital Export: the key factors for a successful journey

In an increasingly digitized world, a growing number of Italian companies see the Digital Export an essential strategic lever for expanding one's business beyond national borders.

This approach makes it possible to seize the opportunities offered by foreign markets, enhancing the strength of the Made in Italy and taking advantage of the positive trend in the industry. However, to achieve real and lasting results, early adoption of the most effective strategies is essential.

In fact, digital transformation is now more than ever a necessary step to succeed in international markets. In addition to improving the efficiency of business operations, it also enhances online promotion and sales activities, providing greater visibility and long-term benefits for businesses.

In this scenario, incentives such as the Digital Export Bonus Plus, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, offer valuable support to sustain this growth path.

But what are the winning strategies to adopt to establish yourself abroad? What guidelines to follow to build a service of Digital Export really effective? 

Digital Export

 

Selling abroad Online: the steps to follow

Doing export online means harnessing the enormous potential of digital sales channels to expand your customer base and reach new markets.

This path requires a well-defined strategic vision and constant support. 

It is essential to address all stages of the process, from strategic analysis to operational planning to the practical management of a e-commerce. The strategies put in place should be monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure effective and sustainable results over time.

In addition, it would be advisable to provide specific training to company personnel, so that the company is autonomous and competent in every aspect. Optimization of time and resources should always be a priority, taking into account the specific needs of the client. The entire process should be structured to be smooth and effective, with the goal of ensuring maximum success.

What is Digital Export?

The term “Digital Export” refers to all those channels and strategies that enable a company to expand digitally into foreign markets. It is not only about selling online, but also about developing plans that are aimed at strengthening the company's digital presence. Among the main activities are the’competitor analysis, finding new business partners and identifying the most effective channels to gain a share of the target market.

The Digital Export is, therefore, a complex journey that requires special attention and a comprehensive, integrated view from the outset. Often, relying on a narrow approach risks compromising results. For this reason, it is necessary to adopt a holistic perspective, which allows this risk to be avoided. Before entering the operational phase, whether online or offline, a thorough analysis of the company and its target market should therefore be prepared. 

Certainly, companies that adopt innovative digital strategies have the opportunity to access new markets and intercept previously unreachable customer segments, thereby increasing their competitiveness internationally. Digital export thus becomes a crucial element in competing in global markets, enabling companies to overcome geographical barriers and expand their presence in the best way possible.

Business analysis and market analysis

In any path of internationalization, and especially in the Digital Export, it is essential to choose target markets carefully. Before taking action, it is essential to plan each step with a detailed analysis of the company and the target market.

This involves collecting, processing and evaluating all the necessary data, analyzing each possible scenario to identify the most effective direction to follow. A consistent path of Digital Export, should include:

  • In-depth strategic analysis to set clear and achievable goals, with identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks;
  • Technical evaluation Of existing digital tools;
  • Creation or development of the business model, adapting it to growth needs;
  • Study of competition, both online and offline, to identify competitive advantages;
  • Identification of target countries, selecting the areas with the greatest potential for success;
  • Defining the marketing strategy, calibrated to maximize results internationally.

Each step in this process should therefore be geared toward ensuring sound and structured planning that prepares the company to compete effectively in foreign markets.

Doing digital export

 

Lhe strategic planning and operations online and offline

After a thorough analysis of the company and the market, the next step is strategic planning, in which intermediate steps must be defined in order to achieve the planned objectives. At this stage we map out the path forward, establishing timelines and operations.

The main elements of planning include:

  • Construction of the Digital Export Plan, tailored to the specific needs of the company;
  • Business and financial planning, to ensure the sustainability of the project;
  • Verification of digital channels and marketplaces more effective for distribution.

Next, we enter the operation phase, which involves both the online and offline spheres. They are constituted all intermediate milestones, and results are constantly monitored to ensure that the course is always on track.

Operational activities include:

  • Online operations With continuous performance monitoring;
  • Offline operation, with the same level of monitoring and optimization;
  • Corporate digital training, to make the team autonomous in managing digital tools.

All these actions contribute to the realization of a Digital Export which best meets the needs of the company, and adequately supports it in the course of internationalization. 

The role of the Digital Export Manager (DEM):

Today there is increasing talk of the Digital Export Manager (DEM), a key figure for companies wishing to expand internationally. Similar to the Temporary Export Manager, the DEM is a specialized external consultant who supports the company on its path to growth in foreign markets, managing export projects in all their phases.

His role is not only limited to market selection and customer identification, but also includes relationship management and follow-up activities. The DEM works closely with the company, integrating the technical skills and know-how of the entrepreneur and the team, so that all the wealth of information and materials gathered remains available to the company even after the project is completed.

What sets this figure apart is the combination of traditional skills for developing offline export with digital skills needed to sell abroad through online channels. DEM thus represents the convergence of export and digital technology, leveraging databases, platforms and CRM tools to identify and manage potential customers in international markets, and increase sales. 

Octagona can be the ideal partner to guide you successfully through the Digital Export, offering comprehensive advice and tailored strategies, including through a dedicated Digital Export Manager.

Contact us to find out how we can help you expand your business internationally and achieve tangible results while optimizing time and resources.

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