Your global strategy is broken if it starts with English

Companies often assume English as the default starting point for product development and global expansion, a practice that can limit growth and alienate potential customers. This approach is evident in how product specifications are written, campaigns are planned, and market entry is sequenced. However, data indicates that 76% of consumers prefer product information in their native language, and a significant 40% will not purchase products not offered in their own language. This suggests that treating language solely as a post-development formatting step, rather than an integral part of the initial design, leads to missed opportunities and constrains market reach. The "global" customer profile frequently reflects an English-speaking worldview, inadvertently filtering out demand from other linguistic and cultural segments. This prioritization of English can lead to delays in entering high-growth, non-English speaking regions, hindering overall expansion efforts.