Supporting international businesses expanding into the United States
By Aaron Carpenter - Founder/CEO - ACV Consulting
With its massive consumer base and marketing platforms like Facebook and Google reaching over 70% of the population, success in the US market can mean growth, diversification, and increased revenue. However, finding the right entry point can be tricky, and even once established, many international brands find themselves diluting their US marketing investment and failing to gain traction. In 2023, ACV was able to help seven unique international brands expand their footprint in the US market. International brands benefit from a guide, a conduit between cultures and business communities.
One key to success is finding US target markets that fit the brand’s size, growth goals, and budget. This requires thoughtful, step-by-step market analysis, digital auditing, and omnichannel strategy that helps brands set, meet, and exceed their US revenue goals.
Here are some of our recent case studies;
Manitobah (Canada)
ACV Consulting played a pivotal role in supporting Manitobah, a brand deeply rooted in Indigenous culture, in achieving its vision of making a positive impact in Indigenous communities in the US and worldwide. Over a 24-month project, ACV provided Aaron Carpenter as a fractional CMO and started the process with a transformative Brand DNA workshop that led to the evolution of Manitobah's brand identity, contributing significantly to the brand's growth and impact. Aaron implemented new strategic marketing and e-commerce planning, assessed and reorganized the global marketing team, and successfully launched the brand's first global tent line and Shopify sites. He also developed a comprehensive global CRM strategy. All this led to Manitobah achieving mid-double-digit e-commerce sales growth in the US during his contract.
Sea to Summit (Australia)
ACV Consulting's support was instrumental in empowering Sea to Summit, a renowned outdoor gear company from Australia, to expand its reach in the US market. Through a strategic partnership, ACV provided expertise in a variety of areas, including a Brand DNA workshop, the evolution of Sea to Summit's brand identity, and a 12-month fractional CMO placement. Aaron’s work as a fractional CMO included strategic planning, assessment, and reorganization of the global marketing team and the launch of new product lines. The effective partnership with ACV supported a successful acquisition by the Sydney-based Five V Capital group.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (New Zealand)
ACV Consulting is providing ongoing Digital Audit services for a variety of mid-sized brands in New Zealand through the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the New Zealand version of the US government’s Small Business Administration (SBA). We provided affordable digital audits, market analysis, and target market digital strategic plans to NZTE clients, with products as varied as wine, sustainable crayons, fresh pet food, and workout supplements. All of these brands are entering or growing their revenue in the US market. Our digital audits are a huge success with the New Zealand brands, giving them a new understanding of their digital competitive position in the US market, resulting in 40 to 60-page audit playbooks with highly actionable strategic and tactical steps toward their US goals. In 2024, we will be adding a Retail Audit using the insight that our SVP of Retail Development, Christopher Peak, developed during his years at brands like Apple and Universal Studios.
Like Manitobah, Sea to Summit, and our New Zealand brands, we can help you grow in the US market. Contact us If you are ready to take the leap or are already here and want to scale. Get in touch for a brand assessment, and we will help you find ways to meet and exceed your goals!