From Local to Global: How to Expand Your Market Through Your Website
If you’re a small business owner, you’ve likely focused much of your time and energy on your local audience, and that makes perfect sense. But what if I told you there’s a simple way to grow beyond your town, your region, or even your country?
It’s your website. And it has the power to transform your reach.
1. Offer Digital Products
One of the easiest ways to go global is by offering digital downloads. These might include:
Printable artwork or stationery
E-books or guides
Templates or worksheets
Digital courses or video tutorials
There’s no shipping, no physical inventory, and no geographic limitations. Promote these offerings through Pinterest, your social media channels, or Etsy.
2. Add an E-commerce Element
If you’re already selling products locally, consider expanding online. Whether it’s small-batch skincare, home decor, or hand-crafted accessories, setting up a shop on your website opens you up to national or even international buyers.
You can use platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, or Etsy integrations to make it easy to manage orders.
3. Create a Global Portfolio
In the last nine months, I started designing patterns and uploading them to Spoonflower. Now, those designs are being printed on fabric, wallpaper, and home decor and sold around the world. What started as a creative outlet has turned into a new revenue stream with global reach.
Think about how your own services or skills can be repackaged or redistributed. Are you a photographer? Sell stock images. A yoga instructor? Sell digital class passes or online memberships.
4. Optimize Your SEO for Broader Reach
If your website still says "serving [your town]," you might be missing out on global search traffic. Update your keywords, blog posts, and product descriptions to reflect your broader ambitions.
Include terms like:
"Ships worldwide"
"Instant digital download"
"Online service available"
5. Connect with a Worldwide Audience Through Content
Your blog, social media, and email newsletter are great ways to connect with a broader audience. Share behind-the-scenes looks, inspiration, or tips that appeal to your ideal customer, no matter where they are.
6. Turn Your Skills Into Scalable Content
Do you have a skill that others ask you about, something you’re great at and love sharing? Whether it's photography, design, writing, baking, knitting, or social media know-how, there’s likely a wider audience who would pay to learn from you.
Consider platforms like:
Skillshare – Create video lessons and earn passive income as people watch and learn.
YouTube – Build an audience by offering free content and monetize through ads, affiliate links, or paid sponsorships.
Teachable or Thinkific – Design your own online course and sell it directly through your website.
Zoom workshops or live webinars – Teach live and connect with people in real time, no matter where they are.
Teaching your skill online helps you grow your audience while building credibility in your field. Plus, once your content is created, it can continue working for you around the clock.
Ready to Grow Beyond Local?
Your website is your storefront to the world. With a few strategic changes, you can tap into an entirely new customer base.
Need help figuring out what’s possible for your business? Let’s chat.