For many marketing agencies, building a brand that is recognized across the globe for delivering world-class campaigns is considered the pinnacle of success. In the past, expanding beyond regional territories was something that only the major agencies could achieve. Today, advances in technology are breaking down geographical barriers, enabling small and medium-sized firms to reach new international markets with relative ease.

As a marketing entrepreneur, it's likely that you have big ambitions for your agency. Globally, the marketing industry is valued at over $1.5 trillion. Expanding into new international markets is the perfect way to capture additional market share, increase revenue, diversify your client base and enhance the image of your brand. However, agency owners need to consider some of the complexities that come with the exciting opportunity of global expansion.

Trust me, I know. I started an international agency in 1999, out of Dubai, working on projects from Sudan to Pakistan. In time, that grew into a truly global agency with partners around the world and project activations on multiple continents every day.

Related: 5 Simple Ways Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Can Successfully Enter a New Global Market

Expanding your marketing agency into new international markets isn't something that you can do haphazardly. Having the right strategy for entering the market may determine your long-term success. It's critical to first understand the size of the market, local consumer needs and competition through comprehensive research. A great alternative to doing a full launch is to start with a small-scale pilot.........

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