Bangladesh has become one of the preferred outsourcing destinations for graphic design, website development, SEO, and digital marketing jobs. With a growing pool of skilled professionals and competitive rates, the country is attracting attention from international clients.
However, working with foreign clients comes with its challenges, from gaining visibility to dealing with internet connectivity and payment-related issues. Let’s examine these challenges and the solutions currently being applied to address these problem areas.
Localized Agency Profile
A lot of agencies targeting specific countries neglect the importance of addressing language and cultural differences. Foreign clients might hesitate to collaborate with agencies that do not demonstrate familiarity with their native language or culture. This challenge can be overcome by adapting websites and advertisements to include options in the client’s native language or providing translations.
As most agencies focus on English-speaking markets, it is crucial for their content to be written in impeccable English. This reassures clients that communication will be smooth and that they can confidently share their project requirements. By prioritizing language accuracy and cultural relevance, agencies in Bangladesh have been successful in appealing to international clients.
Communication Skills & Tools
Time zone differences can often lead to miscommunication and, at times, conflict. To address this challenge, remote agencies in Bangladesh focus on creating structured workflows that align client and employee goals effectively. Tools like Slack and Trello are widely used to organize tasks and workflows. Regularly scheduled meetings help address challenges and resolve issues promptly, keeping projects on track.
Content calendars are a popular way to streamline tasks nowadays. These typically outline what content will be published, where and when it will be pushed, as well as pending tasks and deadlines. By breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable steps, agencies make progress more transparent. Sharing these calendars with clients keeps them informed and encourages better collaboration.
Improved Internet Connection
Unstable internet connections were once a big challenge for remote agencies in Bangladesh, especially since most of their work involves being on Zoom calls. However, this issue has improved in recent years, reducing workflow disruptions.
Agencies now prioritize reliable internet service providers (ISPs) for their offices. As an additional measure, many professionals use high-speed mobile data as a backup, often covered by the organization. Some agencies have even adopted mandatory use of Google Workspace, where progress is automatically saved. Cloud-based tools have further enabled multiple users, including professionals and clients, to collaborate on documents in real time.
Access to Resources & Training
Designing campaigns for local clients is often more straightforward due to shared language and a deep understanding of the target audience. However, working with global clients brings its own challenges. To address these, Bangladeshi agencies focus on training, workshops, and seminars to bridge knowledge and cultural gaps.
Teams are provided with resources, including access to online courses. Platforms such as Coursera and Udemy offer detailed lessons on remote work-related topics, while free platforms like YouTube feature countless tutorials.
Workshops often include sessions on cultural awareness, improving English proficiency, and conducting in-depth research on international target audiences. These sessions provide valuable insights, enabling teams to design campaigns that resonate with the new target demographic. By building a skilled and English-proficient workforce, agencies strengthen their appeal to international clients.
Support from the Government
The Government of Bangladesh has established grants and funding opportunities to encourage organizations and initiatives focused on introducing innovative technology. These resources address challenges faced by emerging agencies with creative ideas.
The Ministry of Science and Technology in Bangladesh provides financial support to researchers for R&D projects aimed at technological advancements. Startup Bangladesh Limited, the flagship venture capital fund of the ICT Division, was launched in March 2020 with a budget of BDT 500 crores. This government-backed fund invests in technology-driven innovations to promote entrepreneurship.
Various programs by the ICT Division have significantly improved the country’s technology infrastructure, making digital devices and Internet access more affordable. These initiatives are also contributing to improving digital literacy among the population. Such government efforts simplify the process for organizations to obtain funding for new ventures.
Seamless Payment Methods
Bangladesh has experienced a rise in remittance inflows due to efforts encouraging remitters to utilize official channels. This progress has prompted the banking sector to adopt more accessible payment systems. Many banks now process foreign payments, and reliable money transfer services are increasingly available.
Payment Options:
- Direct Bank Transfers: Numerous banks have made wire transfers more accessible.
- Cross-border Payment Platforms: Most popular platforms are Payoneer and Wise.
- Money Transfer Operators: Western Union, Xpress Money, MoneyGram, etc.
- Mobile Financial Services: Successful integration of bKash and Upay.
Furthermore, several agencies in Bangladesh have established accounts in countries such as the US, UK, and Canada, making it easier for clients to process payments. Each method varies in terms of transaction limits, user accessibility, integrations, costs, exchange rates, and availability. These diverse options provide international clients with flexibility.
Over the years, these systems have been refined to facilitate smoother transactions for professionals in Bangladesh receiving payments.
Wrapping Up
The solutions to the challenges discussed in this blog can guide remote agencies in Bangladesh to address current issues effectively while building trust with foreign clients seeking affordable marketing services. However, as technology continues to evolve, new obstacles and opportunities will emerge. It’s crucial for agencies to stay informed and continuously improve their tools and processes to adapt to changes.
If expanding your client base is your goal, focusing on the strategies outlined here can provide a solid foundation. By addressing these essential areas, agencies can attract international clients, deliver exceptional services, and position themselves for sustained success.
