How do we break into the US Market - we are in London.

[saffroncomms]

Our websites <snip> are relatively new. Our UK site has seen increased visitor numbers and sales increasing at 25% per month on average since launch July 2003.

However we have not yet seen any considerable growth in the US. Pay per click on Overture, epilot, kanoodle, 7search and findwhat has seen funds depleted quickly but only 1 sale so far!

What is the magic way to enter into the North American market? We have had much positive feedback about the site from various web people in the States - but why no orders?

Anyone got any ideas on how we crack this?

Many thanks

[edited by: engine at 5:52 pm (utc) on Jan. 7, 2004]
[edit reason] No urls, thanks. See TOS [webmasterworld.com] [/edit]

[ritualcoffee]

You mention overture but not google paid placement - have you tried that as well?

[eWhisper]

There are two things I look at when buying from overseas - can I call a toll free number and talk to them or do I have to make an overseas call which is very expensive.

The other is shipping, a number of UK sites offer cheap or free shipping, and other's offer very expensive shipping.

Do you list prices in u.s. dollars? Conversion rates change all the time, and often people don't know the cost difference of different currency and don't know if its a good price or not.

These are just some of the factors to consider when marketing overseas.

[saffroncomms]

We have not yet ventured into google paid placement in the US as of yet no. Bit nervous after the experience with Overture. Prices are in US dollars on the site. Shipping is $4 or free over $100. prices may be somewhat expensive for the US given the weak currency now...I really wouldnt know for absolute certain. Toll free number can be arranged but as our office is in London there is a time delay aspect - perhaps we should invest in one regardless -may look more trustworthy. The site does infact look great - customers comments not mine.
i am grateful for anyones feedback. send me a sticky if you would like to know which site this is...not sure if one can give a url on here...guess not?

[eWhisper]

No urls in posts as per TOS [webmasterworld.com]

800 numbers make a site look more legit even if they aren't used. Its the ability to be able to call if you wanted to, not that you actually want to call.

[saffroncomms]

Ok...i will consider getting a toll free us number then. Apart from PPC any other suggestions on getting results in America?

[Fiver]

$ in U.S.
american flag imagery
a distinct lack of u's
google rankings

<added>You can list your site in your profile, just not directly in the comments</added>

[Fiver]

If it's the site your email is associated with in your profile, I just see Pounds sterling and a Euro equiv, are you waiting until they add to shopping cart to tell them the american equiv?

[Herath]

Use GeoIP to find the origin of your visitors and if USA then show the prices in US$s