Build customer confidence

If Indian SMEs hope to raise their profiles amongst the international buyer community and tap the growing demand for Indian products, then Indian SMEs will have to ensure promptness and transparency in business dealings.

Manufacturing suppliers must get into the habit of updating their company profile on the website and e-commerce platforms. Simple things such as having product pictures, complete product descriptions, accurate contact details will go a long way in assuring buyers. Responding to customer enquiries promptly and anticipating their needs are also key points for international business acumen.

Quality content

Getting one's website SEO-ready and ensuring a top spot in search results should be your priority. The first step that you must take is update complete, relevant information about your company. This works as a company profile online, giving prospective buyers detailed information about your business operations.

The company profile can include information such as product offerings, experience with domestic and international trade, company certifications, manufacturing units and capacity, number of employees, awards & recognition, major markets and lastly, company contact details. Using the right keywords while updating this information can go a long way. It is observed that 80 percent of buyers search for products using keywords on the internet, which the search engine recognises and matches with web pages, tossing up the search-results.

Adopt mini-sites

The internet is only as effective as you make it. A savvy entrepreneur should ensure that his online storefront attract buyers, generate interest, build recall and lead to positive inquiries. Small businesses can experiment with a wide range of features such as inserting banners, a slideshow of pictures and videos of products, groups that categorise each product type amongst others. These in turn will attract more traders to your company website.

The author is Country General Manager, Alibaba.com India.

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