International Ecommerce Programme

What to expect

Our international ecommerce programme provides focused, action-oriented support, including:

• Online events
• Masterclasses
• Expert one-to-one advice
• Advice on setting up your ecommerce business
• How to market your products and services on key online platforms

The programme will also give you an action plan so you can quickly implement your online strategy. The events and masterclasses can be accessed individually or as part of an intensive programme designed to accelerate your international business growth.

Introducing the programme

Events, masterclasses and ongoing support

Our ecommerce programme is made up of a series of introductory events and masterclasses that take place throughout the year. Our introductory events are the perfect place to start if you're looking for information on the fundamentals of ecommerce.

Browse our ecommerce events 

Examples of the areas we cover are listed on this page, but we help many businesses with more specific enquiries before, during and after they have attended the sessions.

The international ecommerce opportunity

And as the world adapts to more digital ways of working, new opportunities are emerging for ambitious Scottish businesses looking to international markets.  Our events provide an overview of the global ecommerce market and an introduction to key regional markets.

Developing your international digital strategy

International expansion can seem a daunting prospect at first, but it helps to have a clear plan to follow. The programme's introductory events include guidance on the key components you'll need to create your own international digital strategy.

International digital marketing

International digital marketing is key to attracting customers. Our events and masterclasses can help you market your company effectively in new countries by ensuring you're using the most effective digital and SEO strategies for your website, products and services.

International e-marketplaces, including Amazon and eBay

You don't only have to rely on selling through your own website - joining ecommerce platforms and using them effectively are the backbone of any online retail business. Our events can give you an overview of online marketplaces and how they can take your business to the next (international) level. 

Our e-marketplace support covers:

• Overviews of e-marketplaces
• The most appropriate e-marketplaces for your business
• How to generate greatest impact – your website or an e-marketplace?
• Where to find (and how to use) e-marketplace tools to assist your business

We also host events specific to selling on the biggest global marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay, which cover:

• What to sell in each marketplace
• Opening and managing your business accounts
• Creating and optimising your listings and your online presence on each site
• Handling orders and returns
• Dealing with communications and feedback

Unique opportunities in China

China is a unique export market and many familiar Western platforms and services do not operate in the country. Our programme can help you gain a detailed knowledge of digital and ecommerce within the Chinese market - the world’s greatest economic success story of the past 30 years.

The programme can help you understand:

• Digital differences in China and Chinese ecommerce
• Logistics and distribution
• ecommerce platforms - Tmall, JD.com, Taobao, WeChat Shops, Little Red Book
• Cross-border ecommerce
• Shopping behaviour
• Digital marketing - WeChat, Weibo, Douyin, Baidu, Zhihu, RED
• Word of mouth marketing
• Key opinion leaders (KOLs)
• The importance of online to offline (O2O)

Ecommerce Accelerator Programme

We are also looking for ambitious businesses to register for our Ecommerce Accelerator Programme. The programme includes an intensive set of sessions designed to ensure companies advance rapidly towards achieving their ecommerce goals, supported by experts from our international network of offices.