Expanding into new markets

Accounting & Taxes

Topic summary

A UK-based business owner is seeking guidance on expanding internationally beyond simply enabling new markets in Shopify.

Key recommendations provided:

  • Market research first: Analyze existing analytics to identify countries already showing traffic or interest
  • Technical setup: Configure local currencies, regional pricing, and ensure payment gateways support international cards and local options (Klarna, PayPal)
  • Shipping logistics: Partner with couriers that handle international duties (DHL, Royal Mail International) to prevent customer surprises
  • Localization: Translate key pages and adapt product descriptions for local language and culture
  • SEO strategy: Improve regional visibility through localized, keyword-rich blog content using enhanced blog apps with built-in SEO features

Current status: The discussion remains open with offers from participants to provide a detailed 30-day implementation plan and specific Shopify Markets configuration guidance. No final decisions have been made yet.

Summarized with AI on October 23. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hi there,

I own my business in the UK and I am exploring expanding into different markets/worldwide, but I have zero experience in this and I doubt it is as simple as enabling new markets in Shopify.

Does anyone have any advice or tips on where to start?

Thanks in advance!

2

YouTube is a great place to learn :+1:

3

To get noticed by customers in other countries, you have to improve your store’s SEO across those regions. One of the best ways to achieve this is by starting a blog.

A blog makes it easier for search engines to find and rank your store for keywords people use when looking for products like yours in different countries.

When you publish localized and keyword-rich content regularly, you attract people without even paying for adds.

You don’t need to overthink. Just write simple posts related to your products and add the right keywords.

Since the default Shopify blog is quite limited, try a blog app like Magefan’s one, which allow to go even further. It goes with built-in SEO features and social sharing buttons and can boost your store’s visibility globally.

4

That’s an exciting step, expanding into international markets can open huge opportunities when set up right.
You’re correct, it’s not just about enabling new markets in Shopify, things like local pricing, duties, shipping setup, and regional SEO all play a big role.
If you’d like, I can share a few practical steps on how to structure your Shopify Markets settings for smooth international selling and better conversions. It’s definitely doable with the right setup.

5

Hey,

Great question and you’re right, it’s definitely more than just toggling on new markets in Shopify. Expanding globally involves a few key steps:

  1. Start with Market Research: Identify which countries already show traffic or interest in your analytics, those are your best first targets.

  2. Currency & Pricing: Enable local currencies and consider regional pricing (Shopify Markets helps with that).

  3. Shipping & Duties: Partner with couriers that handle international duties (like DHL or Royal Mail International) to avoid surprises for customers.

  4. Localization: Translate key pages and adjust product descriptions to match local language and culture.

  5. Payments: Ensure your payment gateways support international cards and local options like Klarna or PayPal.

If you’d like, I can share a simple first 30-day plan for setting up your first international market on Shopify. Want me to drop that here?