From Assumptions to Accuracy: How Data Can Redefine Your Export Strategy

One of the toughest challenges for many Delaware exporters is selecting the right market. You want to increase revenue by expanding abroad, but the global marketplace can be complex and risky. Every country presents its own regulations, logistics hurdles, and cultural differences. You don’t want to make the wrong choice — wasting time and resources pursuing a market that ultimately doesn’t deliver.

You can’t just spin a globe and hope your finger lands on a country that will deliver new sales. Yet when you “guesstimate” where to expand without supporting data, that’s essentially what you’re doing.

So how can you go about it the right way?

Let Data Guide Your Market Decisions

There is a wealth of resources and data out there that can help you make targeted decisions for your international marketing strategy. One resource is Prime Target. Their team uses data-driven analysis to identify markets with the strongest potential for your products — based on facts, not assumptions.

Prime Target analyzes all countries and sectors across key indicators, including market growth and consumer demand, as well as competition and logistics performance. The result is a clear, evidence-based roadmap showing where your company is most likely to succeed.

They generate easy-to-understand reports that show your top 5 (or more) markets, ranked by potential.

A Real Example: Data That Changed a Company’s Direction

During a recent webinar hosted by Export Delaware, Prime Target shared a case study that illustrates the power of their process.

They worked with a North Carolina company that assumed their next export market would be in the Middle East. It seemed like a natural fit based on initial conversations and industry trends. But when Prime Target conducted a detailed market selection report, the data told a different story.

The analysis revealed that South Korea and India were much stronger opportunities for the company’s specific product and capabilities. Further research confirmed that South Korea should be the top target market.

With that insight, the company adjusted its strategy — saving time and resources by focusing on markets with real potential. Curious what this kind of analysis looks like? View a sample report here. Each report is customized for your business, giving you practical, easy-to-understand data rather than pages of overwhelming statistics.

Why It Matters

Choosing the wrong market can cost a business years of investment and countless resources. With Prime Target’s analysis, exporters can:

Identify the markets with the greatest sales potential
Reduce risk and uncertainty in market entry decisions
Use data to support management and investor buy-in
Build an export strategy backed by evidence, not guesswork

You’ve Got the Data — What’s Next?

Once you’ve identified your top export markets through a data-driven analysis, the next step is to turn that insight into action. That’s where Export Delaware’s international trade representatives come in.

These representatives have been carefully selected to serve Delaware’s small business exporters. Many are engineers and business owners themselves, with real-world experience in industries such as bioscience, health and medical devices, environmental management, and specialized manufacturing.

Delaware’s Trade Representatives can work with you to:

Conduct market research and identify qualified partners
Perform outreach and facilitate matchmaking
Navigate cultural and communication barriers during correspondence and meetings

Our trade representatives are based across Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond, providing Delaware businesses with on-the-ground expertise and tailored support to ensure success in each region.

To connect with a representative and explore opportunities in your target market, contact Export Delaware.

Get Support Through the Compass Grant

Delaware companies can apply for Compass Grant funding to work with Prime Target and the Export Delaware International Trade Representatives.

If your company is considering new international markets, now is the time to take a strategic approach. Use the Compass Grant to fund a customized Market Selection Report from Prime Target — and make sure your next export move is the right one.

Apply for the Compass Grant today.