“The world is your oyster.” When Shakespeare included this line in ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’, the playwright probably didn’t give it much thought.
Why an oyster? Out of all the words in the English language, he chose a mollusk. Centuries later, the proverb remained widely used when the truth is the world wasn’t genuinely your oyster.
Now it can be. We live in a global village. Borders are only physical. You can be sipping a cocktail on a beach in Mexico while taking a conference call from Zurich.
Smart business owners know that technology has broken through the fourth wall. And the pure genius of running a company with a global workforce is the coup of the decade.
Below, we’ll share five proven ways to grow your brand globally without the hefty costs of opening an overseas office.
#1. Invest in Strategic Partnerships
Strategic partnerships can offer a ready-made audience, supply chain support, or local expertise in international markets.
Co-branding with a local business, collaborating with influencers, or forming distribution alliances are a few ideas worth investigating.
These partnerships can help you enter new regions without the legal or logistical burdens of setting up a foreign entity.
Business.com notes that “strategic partnerships allow businesses to expand faster by leveraging complementary strengths.” This tactic allows you to test markets quickly and with fewer upfront costs.
Pro tip: Choose partners serving your target market that share similar brand values. This alignment makes collaborations smoother and more authentic.
#2. Hire Via a Remote Employer of Record
One of the biggest barriers to hiring internationally is the need to establish a legal entity in another country.
That’s where a remote Employer of Record (EOR) comes in. An EOR acts as the legal employer on your behalf. The company handles everything from onboarding and payroll to taxes and compliance to employment contracts and employee benefits.
EORs allow you to legally employ workers in countries where you don't have a legal entity, all while staying compliant with local labor laws.
This is ideal for companies that want to build international teams or hire country-specific talent without permanent infrastructure. Global HR and payroll platform Remote says some vendors can save businesses thousands in employment costs.
Pro tip: Utilize an EOR for quick market entry or to test the viability of long-term expansion.
#3. Sell Through International Marketplaces
Platforms like Amazon, Etsy, Alibaba, and eBay have millions of active users worldwide.
Listing your products on these marketplaces gives you instant exposure without a local presence. Many also offer fulfillment services, reducing your need to manage international logistics on your own.
This approach benefits small to midsize businesses (SMBs) looking to validate demand in a new market.
World First suggests that companies use marketplaces to “dip their toe” into foreign markets, particularly those with distinct business cultures like Japan.
Pro tip: Localize your product listings and customer service. Something as simple as using local spellings and currency can significantly improve conversion rates.
#4. Apply for International Growth Grants and Programs
Governments and private organizations worldwide offer funding to support international business development.
These programs can cover everything from translation services and export training to legal fees and marketing campaigns.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce highlights a variety of small business grants aimed at helping companies go global. While some are U.S.-specific, Australia offers support through programs like Austrade's Export Market Development Grants (EMDG).
Pro tip: Stay informed about funding rounds and requirements.
#5. Build a Global-Friendly Online Presence
To reach international customers, your website must speak to a global audience.
Offer multiple currencies, optimize for international SEO, and make sure your checkout process supports cross-border transactions.
Forbes notes that content localization is “a cornerstone of successful international expansion”. Don’t underestimate the power of content marketing for this very reason.
Tailored blog posts and social media campaigns that resonate with locals can build brand trust and drive conversions.
Pro tip: Use analytics to identify where your overseas traffic is coming from and tailor your content or offerings to those regions.
What’s Stopping You?
Gone are the days when expanding globally required a brick-and-mortar investment.
Now you can hire staff via a Remote Employer of Record, form strategic alliances, and apply for business grants. You have more options than ever to grow internationally.
Remember, think digital-first, stay compliant, and leverage partnerships that align with your goals.
With the right strategy and tools, going global doesn’t have to mean going broke.