Norwegians are known for their hospitality, deep-rooted traditions, and friluftsliv, or a unique approach to the environment and nature. The business environment is also a well-established area in Norway. A stable economy and a high level of innovation attract international investors.
SEO in Norway, is one element of operations in this market. Extremely important, but entering this country with an offer also involves knowledge of regulations, business culture or consumer behavior. Therefore, we have prepared 10 pieces of information that will help you pay attention to these important aspects of selling.
1. identification numbers in Norway
Anyone who works in Norway, runs a business or who wants to open a bank account must apply for a Norwegian identification number . The number is also necessary to use many services in Norway.
There are two categories of unique identification numbers (11-digit numbers) in Norway:
- National number for: citizens, persons born in Norway, residents.
- D number for: foreign citizens, board members in a Norwegian company, asylum seekers.
Those who want to operate a company in Norway must register with the Central Coordination Register of Legal Entities to obtain a 9-digit identification number.
2. the .no domain extension
A .no (Norway) domain will increase the credibility of the site in the eyes of Norwegian consumers. Especially since Norwegians are famous for their economic patriotism. This is also confirmed by research by. As many as 76% say they prefer to buy from companies with a Norwegian domain name.
The .no domain registry operates Norid, a Norwegian domain name registration service. Registration is facilitated by rules and regulations, which include guidelines such as the domain name, its length and allowed characters.
Who can apply for .no domain registration?
- Organizations registered with the Enhetsregisteret, or Central Coordinating Register of Legal Entities.
- Individuals who are 18 years of age or older and have registered with Folkeregisteret- the Norwegian Population Register.
Both the organization and the individual must have a Norwegian postal address.
Organizations can have up to 100 domains, individuals up to 5.
Check domain name availability in Norway here: www.norid.no/no
3. healthy food labeling
Proper labeling of products increases the credibility of producers and sellers. This approach also applies to ecology.
In Norway, 61% of respondents believe that products with certifications such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, are a good choice for the environment(Nordic Consumer Sustainability Index 2022)
The guarantee of quality and ecology in Norway is the label Swan and the keyhole symbol, i.e. Nøkkelhullet.
- Nordic Swan Ecolabel - is the official Nordic ecolabel. It can be used to label both products (e.g. detergents, children's clothing) and services (hotels, restaurants).
Nøkkelhullet - This symbol is placed on food products. Those that are lower in fat, sugar, salt, fiber, grains are eligible. Products that cannot receive nøkkelhullet are candy, cakes and pastries, and soft drinks.
4 Rules for retouched ads
Do you want to advertise your services with materials featuring people?
Consider that Norway is fighting the pressure for an ideal body image in advertisements. Of course, this does not mean a ban on retouched ads.
Advertisements in which the shape of the body and face, the size of the body or the skin is retouched or subjected to other adjustments (such as appearance-altering filters) must be marked accordingly.
The above labeling applies to images and videos displayed in various communication channels, including on the website, in newspapers, and on billboards. Influencers who act on behalf of advertisers must also use them.
5. sustainability in marketing
The Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority(Forbrukertilsynet) ensures that information about the environmental or ethical qualities of products is legal and does not mislead consumers.
Among guidelines regarding the use of sustainability claims, it is mentioned that the messages used in marketing must be supported by documentation. What's more, this documentation must be in the hands of the advertiser at the time it conducts marketing activities.
6. economic patriotism
We mentioned above that most Norwegians choose to shop on .no sites. Likewise, consumers, most of them - 85% - choose domestic sellers. However, sellers from EU and non-EU countries have no reason not to offer their products in Norway.
From the European E-commerce Report 2022 we learn that 33% of consumers buy from sellers in the European Union and 43% from companies in other countries.
It is worth taking measures that will help make the quality of products and services credible in the eyes of Norwegian consumers, such as certification.
7 English
Norway has two official languages (Norwegian and Sami) and two writing standards (Bokmål and Nyorsk). Nonetheless, you can easily communicate in English, including in business.
The widespread use of English eliminates language barriers, facilitates communication and cooperation with international partners.
8. digital products
What do you need to know when selling digital services?
Norway has had a law on digital services offered to consumers since January 1, 2023.
- The law defines digital services as: digital content and digital services.
- Personal data is considered to be a means of payment when the consumer provides data that goes beyond what is necessary to provide the service.
- The supplier must provide updates, including security updates. The exception is if the customer is aware of the lack of updates and will accept them.
These are selected issues from the law that are worth knowing when launching digital services in the Norwegian market. At forbrukertilsynet.no you can read more about these regulations.
9. buying incentives
In Norway, 92% of the population of 5.4 million buys online.
How do you encourage Norwegians to buy from your site?
Among the most common factors that prompt purchases are:
- free delivery (57%)
- simple online payments (43.5%)
- loyalty points (39%)
- coupons and discounts (38.5%)
- Buying online and picking up at the point (37%)
- Easy return policy (35%).
At the same time, it is worth remembering that Norwegians value high quality. This means that they pay attention to the materials, workmanship and functionality of products.
10. work-life balance
Separating work life from private life is very important to Norwegians. Therefore, it is best not to schedule business meetings on Friday afternoons, weekends or Monday mornings.
According to the OECD Better Life Index, out of 11 reasons why life is better, Norwegians ranked work-life balance 4th.
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Summary
Norway's stable economy is a solid foundation for long-term investment. Innovation, strong environmental standards, and the ability to communicate in English make Norway an excellent destination for economic expansion.
It's a good idea to find out in advance what expectations consumers have of vendors and what the regulations are for specific industries and marketing communications.
Are you planning to expand your business in Norway? Or maybe you are already in this market, but your website is not selling? Write to us.
Source [Accessed 04/10/2024].
https://www.skatteetaten.no/en/person/national-registry/identitetsnummer/
https://www.forbrukertilsynet.no/lov-og-rett/veiledninger-og-retningslinjer/forbrukertilsynets-veiledning-om-bruk-av-baerekraftpastander-markedsforing
https://www.norid.no/no/omnorid/
https://www.norid.no/no/om-domenenavn/regelverk-for-no/
https://svanemerket.no/svanemerket-og-miljomerking/hva-betyr-det-at-noe-er-svanemerket/
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/consumers/consumer-information/id670292/
https://www.nordic-swan-ecolabel.org/why-choose-ecolabelling/consumer-survey/
https://www.helsenorge.no/kosthold-og-ernaing/nokkelhullet
https://www.forbrukertilsynet.no/lov-og-rett/veiledninger-og-retningslinjer/forbrukertilsynets-veiledning-om-bruk-av-baerekraftpastander-markedsforing
https://ecommerce-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CMI2022_FullVersion_LIGHT_v2.pdf
https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/2022-06-17-56
https://www.forbrukertilsynet.no/vi-jobber-med/digitalytelsesloven
https://www.gov.pl/web/norwegia/informator-ekonomiczny
https://www.trade.gov.pl/wiedza/norwegia-charakterystyka-rynku/
https://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org
