Internationalization

IGAP is Google’s invitation-only program for a select group of top-performing international agencies. It gives member agencies access to Google’s market intelligence tools, country-level demand data, tested go-to-market playbooks and dedicated Google specialists, so they can help clients expand into new markets faster and more predictably. Businesses cannot join directly, they work through an approved IGAP agency like Wise Pirates.

Choose on demand, not on size or gut feel. The best first markets combine strong search demand for your product, manageable competition, simple regulations and workable logistics. We size this market by market using Google’s Market Finder and internal Market Explorer data, then rank a shortlist and build a business case for each. A smaller market with real demand usually beats a huge one full of barriers.

Translation converts words. Localization adapts the whole experience: language, tone, imagery, offers, payment methods and UX, so the brand feels genuinely local. It matters because reportedly over 60% of global shoppers prefer to buy in their own language. A translated site is understood, a localized one is trusted and bought from, which is why we localize rather than just translate.

Two things, and both are rare. First, our access: we combine Google’s IGAP, an Amazon international-commerce partnership, selection by AICEP and the Portuguese government, and the ICOM global agency network, a stack almost no agency can assemble. Second, our execution: a full-stack in-house team runs media, localization, commerce and measurement in each market. Access plus execution is what turns a plan into profitable growth abroad.

Yes. Wise Pirates was selected by AICEP, Portugal’s trade and investment agency, to build the international marketing plans for Portuguese SMBs, and has delivered more than 500 of them over the last three years. We also work with tourism offices on international projects, including a high-end international performance-marketing advisory for the Portuguese Tourism Office.

Market Finder spots promising markets from real search demand, and as an IGAP agency we add Google’s internal Market Explorer for deeper country data. We also use proprietary IGAP support to assess each market’s website readiness and cost thresholds, insider intelligence that lets our advisors de-risk your launch before you commit.

Yes, as part of a working commerce experience. We set up local currency pricing and the payment methods each market actually uses, which reportedly lifts conversion, and we handle VAT, duties, shipping and returns with the right partners. Attention abroad is wasted if people cannot easily pay or receive the goods, so we make sure the whole journey works.

Paid activation can produce sales within weeks of a well-planned launch, but durable, profitable expansion in a market builds over months as you localize, optimize and learn. We enter in phases: land and prove first, then scale what works, so risk stays contained and budget follows results. We are honest about the curve, because sustainable growth beats a costly rush.

By profitable growth per market, not global vanity totals. We track revenue, ROAS, customer acquisition cost, contribution margin and lifetime value country by country, attributed properly rather than by last click. Each market is treated as its own business unit with its own targets, so you always know which markets are working and where to invest next.