Hello, World! Selling Internationally Online
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about selling internationally online. That means selling to people in other countries!
The internet makes that super easy. But there are rules that are easy to forget. So here’s a checklist for before you go looking for customers in new countries. Especially with paid ads!
Lynnie’s little note: This is just for learning. It’s not real legal advice for your business. Please ask a grown-up lawyer to check your own documents!
What it means
Online, going international means picking the right tools to reach customers across borders. Platforms and payment companies do lots of the techy work. But when you aim for a country on purpose, you have to follow its rules too!
When it matters most
The checklist matters most when you pay for ads aimed at one country. Even one short social media ad! Choosing a country on purpose usually means more rules than when people just find you by chance.
Good to know even with free visitors, though. Rules can change fast!
Which country first?
Look at where your visitors already come from! Your platform’s numbers often show a few countries sending visitors without you doing anything. Those are great first choices.
Same language and cheap shipping? Even better! Try free posts before paid ads.
Do I need every country’s rules from day one?
No! Only the countries you actually aim for. Add more as you grow.
An example
Someone sells digital planners in English. They notice lots of visitors from Canada and Australia. Both speak English, and digital products need no shipping!
So they show prices in Canadian and Australian money, check the tax rules for digital things there, and make a few pins for their seasons and holidays. Only after free posts show real interest would they try a small paid ad. Little steps, little risk!
Marketplaces help
Lots of marketplaces handle money-changing, some taxes and sometimes shipping. A nice place to test! But read their seller rules.
Oopsies
- Thinking “the app works everywhere, so my business does too.” Your offer, language, shipping and rules still need to fit each country.
- Running ads in a new country before checking its rules.
- Forgetting the total price. Shipping, customs and money-changing fees can make a fair price feel super expensive. Look at the price like your customer would!
Quick checklist
- Do I know the main customer rules there?
- Did I ask someone about taxes there?
- Does my payment company work there?
- Are my offer and rules pages understandable in their language?
- Is my shipping and returns info clear for them?
- Do my ads follow that country’s rules?
Small money, big world
You don’t need lots of money to test other countries. Free visitors from Pinterest, search engines and social media often reach other countries anyway! You need very little money to start. Paid ads in other countries can wait until you know who likes your stuff.
And a business that sells around the world doesn’t need a famous face. You can stay private!
What’s next?
Each of the ten ways to earn has its own international tips in its module. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help you plan? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
What does going international mean online?
Reaching customers in other countries, without opening real shops there.
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
When does the checklist matter most?
When you pay for ads aimed at another country.
If people find me for free, can I skip the rules?
Not completely. Apps show your stuff everywhere, and rules change.
Do I need every country’s rules on day one?
No! Just the countries you actually aim for.
What’s the biggest early oopsie?
Thinking the app working everywhere means your business does too.
Is there a cheap way to start?
Yes! Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
