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There may be no perfect formula that would help every small business to expand upon an international arena and reach success, yet there are helpful tips that will positively change the situation. Regardless if you are trying to sell your paintings all over the world or work in a software realm, the first thing that should be considered is strategic thinking and analysis of available resources. Essentially, if something has worked for someone you know well, it does not mean that it will work for you the same way. The key to success lies in flexibility and clever management of several strategies at once. 

• Start with professional localization. If you have a website or a small blog, the best thing you can do is approach a localization expert to make your content readily available for the target audience in more than one country. You can read about this website localization company and get a better idea about what kind of information should be provided and what are the benefits of localization. It can be compared to technical writing where the business message and the terms are taken into consideration. As a rule, localization always takes time, so do not forget about providing as much information as you have available in advance. 
• Leave enough space for advertisement and SEO purposes. This rule applies to all languages and the original content of your website. Do not try to overfill it with the keywords and the phrases that do not make sense in the text. There should be enough clarity and a healthy balance between what the search engines will display and the amount of helpful information presented. Combine your SEO strategies with advertisement campaigns, participate in special surveys, study various cultural events where your small business can participate. The list of possibilities is endless, so do not get stuck with a single one! 
• Study your target audience. There is nothing worse than missing the social group of people in a foreign country by not knowing their habits or product demands. It is especially relevant for countries like Japan, China, or the UAE. A reason for that is a cultural factor, which is often governed by religious restrictions. While a small business like holiday cards or handbags may sound innocent, it is important to study the local customs and adjust the website and the marketing line to meet specific rules and expectations of the locals. 

If you follow these simple business tips, remember to add something personal to each step that you take. Be unique, do not blindly follow the trends. Participate in social initiatives, talk to people, show due respect. Taking your business internationally means that you are a guest, a newcomer, so remember about a caring attitude. Moreover, do not forget about translating all the product manuals or regional recommendations for customers if there is anything relevant. It might take some time but will always pay off in the end.