Effective customer service is imperative to the success of any business, big or small. In fact, 94% of consumers will recommend a business if the customer service is “very good.” It’s no wonder businesses have no problem paying top dollar to streamline their customer service and meet customers’ expectations.
Customer service is hard enough for local businesses; one can only imagine how hard it must be for businesses on an international frontier. This is especially true when dealing with customers that don’t speak the language as you do. International customer service is a hard nut to crack, but this shouldn’t discourage you.
If you’re having trouble with your international customer service, we’re here to help. In today’s post, we’ll be highlighting a couple of amazing tips for streamlining your customer service.
- Use Simple Language
It’s okay to get all fancy and sophisticated with your local customers, but not with your international ones. That’s because most of them may not be familiar with hard words and complex sentence structures. Focus on using simple language that’s unambiguous and easy to understand.
Steer clear of idiomatic language and any native expressions. They will only confuse your customers and hamper effective customer service. Use plain, simple language for the best results.
- Use a Translation Tool
What do you do when most of your global customers don’t speak your native language? It’s easy; use a translation tool and talk to them in their language. There are tons of online translation tools that can help you put your message across effectively.
Google Translate is the simplest and most convenient tool for translating your messages. Use it to translate messages from your customers and your replies. It works like a charm.
However, don’t stop at just translating the text. Simplify the text to make it easier to understand. Also, when replying, make sure you send both texts, the original and the translated one.
The translation tools are especially important for marketers on the move. You can find more info on why this is so here.
- Use Appropriate Visuals
The aphorism “pictures are worth a thousand words” certainly holds true when it comes to international customer service. If you’re concerned that the customer on the other end might not understand what you’re talking about, just send them a picture. Sometimes you can even send them a short video of what you want them to do.
- Slowly Add Multilingual Support
The above tips will work for the short term, but if you want to boost your global business expansion, consider integrating multilingual support. Start by adding multilingual features to your current customer service department.
Start with different websites for different countries and slowly hire remote staff for customer service from the regions that you serve.
International Customer Service Made Easy
With the above information, international customer service should be a walk in the park. If you don’t speak the same language as your customers speak, find a way to understand and communicate with them. Remember to have a long-term goal of revamping your customer service to support multiple languages and expand your global reach. If you want to hire employees overseas, an EOR company can help you.
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