Can you share an example of how you successfully leveraged social media to reach and engage with international customers? What platform or strategy proved most effective?

Question

Navigating the vast world of social media can be a daunting task, especially when trying to connect with an international audience. This article demystifies the process by offering actionable strategies and insights from top experts in the field. Discover how to effectively localize content, engage with authentic influencers, and tailor social campaigns to resonate across borders.

Georgi Petrov · Answer

One of the best ways I've leveraged social media to engage international customers was through localized content on Instagram and Facebook. Instead of running generic global campaigns, I tailored posts, ads, and captions to different regions, considering cultural nuances and language preferences. The biggest game-changer was using dynamic ad localization--Facebook's feature that auto-adjusts text, currency, and messaging based on the viewer's location.
One campaign that worked exceptionally well targeted European buyers for an e-commerce brand. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, I ran region-specific ads featuring local influencers, relevant holidays, and culturally familiar visuals. Engagement skyrocketed because people saw content that actually resonated with them. Another key factor was community interaction. Responding to comments in native languages and adjusting customer service hours to match different time zones helped build trust. The takeaway? International marketing isn't just about translation--it's about making content feel like it was created for each audience.

Sahil Sachdeva · Answer

At Level Up PR, leveraging social media to engage international customers has been a key growth strategy. One of the most effective approaches involved collaborating with influencers who align with our brand values. By partnering with globally recognized influencers on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, we were able to create authentic content that resonated with diverse audiences.
For example, we executed a campaign with micro-influencers in Europe and Asia, where they shared testimonials and behind-the-scenes content about our services. This not only expanded our reach but also built trust among new markets. Additionally, by crafting shareable, culturally relevant content, we encouraged organic engagement and community growth.
Another successful strategy was localized content marketing. We tailored our messaging to different regions by using language-specific posts and culturally relevant visuals. Paid social media advertising also played a role, allowing us to precisely target audiences based on location, interests, and online behavior.
By consistently adapting to platform trends and audience preferences, Level Up PR successfully increased engagement, built brand credibility, and drove international business expansion.

Tim Nicklas · Answer

One strategy that worked well for reaching and engaging international customers was using Instagram Reels with region-specific hashtags and trends. By creating short, value-packed videos that catered to different audiences--such as industry tips, quick tutorials, or behind-the-scenes content--I was able to tap into Instagram's algorithm and reach users globally.
To maximize engagement, I used location-based hashtags, collaborated with micro-influencers in key markets, and responded to comments in multiple languages. This strategy proved effective because Instagram prioritizes engaging, short-form video content, and leveraging regional trends helped make the posts more discoverable in different countries.

Max Shak · Answer

At Zapiy.com, social media has been a game-changer for reaching international customers, and LinkedIn has been our most effective platform. One strategy that worked particularly well was leveraging localized thought leadership content to engage different markets.
For example, when we expanded into Europe, we didn't just post generic content--we created region-specific insights about digital customer experience trends in those markets. We published data-driven LinkedIn posts highlighting pain points relevant to businesses in the UK, Germany, and France, and even engaged with local influencers to boost visibility.
One of our best-performing posts was a case study on how businesses in different countries approach automated customer engagement. It sparked discussions in the comments, leading to direct outreach from potential clients. The result? A 40% increase in inbound leads from international markets--all from organic engagement.
The key takeaway? Speak to your audience in a way that feels relevant to them. When international customers see that you understand their challenges, they're far more likely to engage with your brand.

Lisa Cody · Answer

When targeting international customers through social media, some strategies that we have found effective are:
Localized Content: Tailored posts to local events and holidays (e.g., fashion weeks in Europe, Chinese New Year in Asia) to resonate with regional cultures.
Influencer Collaborations: Partnered with local micro-influencers to create authentic content, enhancing engagement and building trust.
Paid Ads with Geo-Targeting: Ran geo-targeted ads on Instagram and Facebook, using tailored creatives for each market to maximize reach and conversions.
Customer Engagement: Responded to comments/messages in local languages, providing better customer support.
User-Generated Content (UGC): Encouraged international customers to share their experiences via branded hashtags and TikTok challenges, boosting brand visibility.

Fahad Khan · Answer

A notable example where we've successfully leveraged social media to reach and engage with international customers was during a campaign related to American Express. The goal was to engage more travelers and promote exclusive perks with the help of user-generated content. The campaign was planned to feature a branded hashtag to allow cardholders and social media influencers to share their travel experiences with their use of American Express.
Several key approaches were worked on to implement it effectively.
Branded Hashtag - The use of #AmexTravel enhanced the collection of user-generated content with amplified reach and engagement.
Multilingual Content - We focused on creating multilingual content to cater to diverse global audiences living in various parts of the world. Showcasing travel experiences was the key to resonating with audiences in different international markets.
Instagram proved most effective with its video content format and outstanding reach to various audience segments.

Travis Rieken · Answer

One of our most successful social media campaigns for reaching international customers came from showcasing how businesses worldwide rely on consistent, high-quality ice. LinkedIn was the most effective platform because it allowed us to engage directly with decision-makers in hospitality, food service, and healthcare--industries where reliable ice supply is critical.
We focused on sharing real-world success stories, featuring customers who depend on our ice solutions to keep operations running smoothly. A standout moment was when a hotel in Mexico highlighted how our ice program eliminated downtime and unexpected costs. Their post got strong engagement, and we leaned into that by amplifying their story through our own content, sparking discussions about the challenges of ice management across different regions.
What made this strategy work wasn't just the content but the engagement. We didn't just post and walk away. We responded to every comment, jumped into conversations, and even set up follow-up discussions with businesses facing similar challenges. That kind of direct, interactive approach helped us build credibility and trust internationally while reinforcing the value of our subscription-based ice solutions. When used right, social media isn't just about visibility--it's about starting real conversations that lead to real business.

How to Leverage Social Media to Engage International Customers

How to Leverage Social Media to Engage International Customers

Localize Content for Global Instagram Impact

Partner with Influencers for Authentic Reach

Leverage Instagram Reels with Regional Trends

Use LinkedIn for Localized Thought Leadership

Tailor Social Strategies to International Markets

Engage Travelers with User-Generated Content Campaign

Share Global Success Stories on LinkedIn