In an increasingly competitive market, internationalization is no longer an option: it is a necessity for companies seeking to diversify their income, reduce risks, and expand their growth. Companies that decide to internationalize face a common challenge: where to start, how to ensure results, and what resources to use to carry it out.
At EMD – Digital Marketing Strategy, we have been supporting companies in their internationalization process for years, combining strategy, digital marketing, and access to public funding programs. Our methodology is designed to guide you throughout the entire process, from the initial diagnosis to execution in international markets. That is why we have prepared this article to learn more about internationalization and how EMD – Digital Marketing Strategy can help you.
1. Why is internationalization important in today’s world?
In a globalized environment, internationalization allows companies to:
- Greater resilience to local crises for companies that export or open subsidiaries.
- Access to new customers and strategic partners.
- Promotes cost optimization and revenue diversification, mitigating risks.
- Improve operational efficiency, diversify risks, and strengthen brand image.
2. What are the advantages of internationalization?
- Diversification: Reduces dependence on a single market and stabilizes income.
- Accelerated growth: Access to markets with higher demand and purchasing power.
- Global competitiveness: Improves processes and standards to compete internationally.
- Innovation: Contact with new technologies, trends, and partners.
- Long-term profitability: Optimizes margins and generates economies of scale
Internationalizing your company is a very important strategic decision, and the data confirms this. According to the World Bank, companies operating in international markets grow up to 60% faster than those limited to their domestic market. This significant difference in growth rate is not accidental: it responds to several key factors
First, accessing new markets allows companies to diversify their sources of income and reduce their dependence on the local market, which protects them from national economic crises or unexpected regulatory changes. In addition, internationalization opens up opportunities to scale operations, take advantage of economies of scale, and access a much broader customer base.
On the other hand, when competing in global markets, companies tend to accelerate their learning curve, adopting best practices, innovating more quickly, and raising their quality standards to remain competitive. All of this translates into a more dynamic, resilient organization that is better prepared for the long term.
3. What is the methodology for defining and implementing the internationalization strategy that we offer at EMD?
At EMD – Digital Marketing Strategy, we guide companies through four essential phases for successful internationalization:
Phase 1. Internal analysis
Before looking outward, it is essential to understand the current situation of the company from within.
In this first phase:
- We review your products and services to determine which ones are suitable for internationalization and whether they require adaptation (language, certifications, packaging, support, etc.).
- We evaluate your current sales channels, both digital and physical, to see if they are scalable or need to be redesigned to work in other markets
- We analyze your value proposition, identifying what makes you different and how to communicate it effectively to international audiences.
- We study your internal capabilities: team, resources, digital knowledge, logistics, and operations to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
👉 Result: You get a clear picture of your starting point and what you need to strengthen before going abroad.
Phase 2. External analysis
Now we analyze the target markets and the competitive environment in which you will be operating.
Here we work on:
- Identifying sector trends, key regulations, and purchasing behaviors in target countries.
- Detailed study of key international competitors: what they do, how they communicate, what channels they use, and what market share they have.
- Identifying markets with the greatest potential, using clear criteria (demand, ease of entry, buyer digitization, culture, logistics, etc.).
- Detecting online and offline opportunities: relevant marketplaces, trade shows, distribution networks, local partners, etc.
- Preparing an international SWOT and CAME analysis, cross-referencing your internal capabilities with the environment to define a robust strategy.
👉 Result: You understand where it makes sense to compete, with whom, and how to do so intelligently.
Phase 3. International strategy and action plan
This is where we define the how: we translate the analyses into a clear, viable, and effective roadmap.
We work on:
- Design of the international business model and possible adaptations of the product/service.
- Definition of the marketing model: entry channels (distributors, direct sales, e-commerce, joint ventures), combining online and face-to-face actions.
- Identification of your international buyer person: profile of the ideal customer in each market, their habits, needs, fears, and motivations.
- Establishment of SMART objectives and KPIs by country and channel.
- Allocation of internal and external resources, calendar, tools, and budget.
- Development of an action plan for each market, with specific milestones, responsible parties, and implementation sequence.
👉 Result: you have a viable and actionable strategy, with a defined focus and resources
Phase 4. Implementation
The greatest value of the EMD method is that we don’t just stick to theory: we accompany the actual execution.
In this phase:
- We coordinate and/or execute defined actions: multilingual web design, Google/LinkedIn Ads campaigns, localized content, automation, contact with partners, etc.
- We establish a continuous measurement system: KPI dashboard, periodic reports, and progress evaluation by country and channel.
- We apply constant improvements: we optimize campaigns, adapt messages, redirect resources, and correct strategic or tactical deviations.
- We accompany you at all times, acting as a strategic partner in your international expansion.
👉 Result: a strategy that is executed, measured, and improved, with a focus on real results.
4. How can we help you?
At EMD – Digital Marketing Strategy, we help you with:
- Identifying business opportunities in international markets: We analyze trends, industry data, and growth projections to identify countries and niche markets with high demand potential for your products or services.
- Developing a customized international promotion plan: We draw up a detailed plan that includes analysis of the competitive environment, consumer trends, legal and regulatory framework, possible barriers to entry, appropriate distribution channels, and investment and return estimates.
- Tailor-made strategy for each country: We design and execute specific strategies, adapted to the cultural, commercial, and logistical particularities of each target market, ensuring effective and sustainable positioning
- Access to financing and support programs: We help you identify and access public subsidies, internationalization programs, and other financing instruments available nationally and in Catalonia..
- Advice to avoid strategic mistakes: We accompany you at every stage of the process to minimize risks and avoid common mistakes that can result in cost overruns, delays, or lost key opportunities.
Conclusion
Internationalization is an essential lever for growth for any company with ambitions for the future. With a structured methodology and expert support, it is not only viable, but also profitable and sustainable.
At EMD – Digital Marketing Strategy, we not only design the strategy, but we also execute it with you, taking advantage of aid such as consulting vouchers and subsidies for the implementation of international projects from ACCIÓ.
📩 Let’s connect and talk about how to (re)define your international strategy.