Frequently asked questions

EntryMapper is a hybrid of technology and expert consulting. We leverage software and AI to do the heavy lifting on data collection and analysis, and our expansion experts interpret the data and craft tailored strategies. You interact with a human team (not just a self-service tool), but behind the scenes our platform accelerates the research. This hybrid approach means you get fast, data-driven results with the personalized touch of a consulting service.

Absolutely. Investors want to see that a company has a clear expansion plan backed by solid data. Our work gives you exactly that – detailed market analysis, competitive positioning, and a credible strategy – which you can directly use in pitch decks or conversations. We know what investors look for, so we highlight the market size, growth opportunity, and your unique edge in our reports. In fact, to date 100% of the companies that used our expansion insights during fundraising have successfully closed their rounds – a track record that underscores how valuable a data-driven plan can be in winning investor confidence.

Getting started is easy. You can schedule a free demo or consultation through our website. In that initial call, we’ll talk about your expansion goals and challenges, and we’ll show you how EntryMapper works. After understanding your needs, we’ll recommend the best package or a tailored approach for you. Once you decide to move forward, we quickly get to work on the research – all we need from you are some initial inputs, and then we handle the rest.

EntryMapper stands out for its combination of speed, depth, and cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional consulting, we use proprietary technology to gather and analyze data rapidly, so you get results in weeks instead of months. Yet, unlike DIY software tools, we deliver expert insights and custom recommendations – not just raw data. Essentially, we offer the best of both worlds: tech-driven efficiency with human expertise. The outcome is a thorough, actionable expansion strategy at a fraction of the cost and time of old-school methods.

We offer a range of packages to fit different needs. Our Market Navigator package starts at around $1,999, which covers high-level market selection. The more in-depth Expansion Playbook begins at about $4,999 and includes comprehensive research and strategy for a specific expansion. For custom projects (like additional research into M&A or investor materials), pricing is tailored to scope. Overall, we aim to be far more affordable than hiring a full consulting team, while delivering equally valuable insights.

We pride ourselves on speed. A smaller engagement like our Market Navigator (which focuses on market selection) can take as little as 2 weeks. A full Expansion Playbook project usually takes around 4–6 weeks to complete. These timelines are much faster than traditional market research or consulting, because we use automation and clear methodologies to work efficiently without sacrificing quality.

Our process starts with a kickoff discussion to understand your goals and current situation. Then our team conducts research and analysis using our tools – we gather market data, assess competitors, identify customer segments, and so on. We typically have interim check-ins to validate findings or get your input on specific questions. After a few weeks (depending on the project scope), we deliver your Expansion Playbook or report and walk you through the insights and recommendations. It’s a collaborative process, but we handle the heavy research work so you can focus on making decisions.

We built EntryMapper for companies that are scaling and looking to enter new markets with confidence. Our primary users are CEOs, founders, and growth leaders at startups and mid-sized businesses who need data-driven guidance on where and how to expand. We also work with consultants and investors needing market insights, but at its core our service is designed to help growing companies make strategic expansion decisions.

Yes. The strategy frameworks and tools we use are meant to be repeatable. Many clients take the market scoring matrix or competitive analysis approach from our project and apply it again when evaluating their next expansion. In that sense, you’re not only getting a plan for one market but also a methodology you can reuse. We’re happy to empower your team with a repeatable approach for growth.

Absolutely. We believe in transparency. If we score markets or competitors on certain criteria, we’ll provide the data points and sources behind those scores. Likewise, any lead lists or partner lists we generate are delivered to you (often as spreadsheets) for your own use. This way you can verify our insights and even leverage the data directly for your sales or investor materials.

We deliver our findings in a comprehensive, presentation-ready format. Typically, you'll receive a detailed slide deck or report outlining all the research and recommendations. This includes visuals like a market selection matrix, competitor maps, and a step-by-step expansion roadmap. We also share any data appendices or spreadsheets, so you have full access to the underlying numbers. In short, you get an execution-ready package that clearly lays out your market entry strategy.

We don’t offer generic templates because every situation is unique. However, our deliverables themselves act as high-quality templates or examples. They follow a proven framework for market entry and competitive analysis, which you can repurpose internally. In a demo, we can also walk you through a sanitized sample report so you know what to expect. Essentially, you’ll see the template in action through your own customized plan.

Our reports are very detailed but still easy to digest. For example, an Expansion Playbook might be dozens of slides long, packed with data-backed insights and charts, but it's organized in a logical flow (market overview, competition, ICP, strategy, etc.) so you can quickly grasp the takeaways. Every recommendation is backed by data or sources, giving you confidence in the plan. Clients often say our deliverable is one of the most in-depth yet straightforward strategy documents they've seen.

Traditional market research can be slow and expensive, often producing generic reports that aren’t directly actionable. We take a more agile, targeted approach. By leveraging our tech tools and frameworks, we gather only the most relevant data for your specific expansion questions, and we do it quickly. Our approach combines software efficiency with human expertise, so you get custom insights (not one-size-fits-all data) in weeks rather than months. In short, we deliver a level of depth similar to a consulting project but faster and at a startup-friendly cost.

Common criteria include market size (how big is the opportunity and is it growing), competition (number and strength of competitors), customer demand (need for your solution), and market openness (regulatory environment, ease of doing business). You should also consider practical factors like language or cultural fit, availability of talent or partners, and costs (e.g., operating costs or customer acquisition costs in that market). It’s helpful to weight these factors based on importance and score each market to compare them side by side. We simplify this by using a market matrix that scores countries or industries across 15+ tailored criteria, giving you an objective ranking of your best options.

We use advanced data collection and AI to make market research faster and deeper. Our system pulls data from hundreds of sources – market reports, news articles, social media, financial databases, etc. – and uses AI to spot patterns, trends, and insights relevant to your expansion. The AI helps sift through noise and highlight what matters (like a surge in demand or a new competitor), and our experts then interpret those findings in context. This combination means you get thorough, up-to-date research in a fraction of the time it would take a traditional team.

Proven strategy frameworks can bring structure to your market entry planning. For example, a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) helps you assess internal and external factors. Porter’s Five Forces can evaluate competitive pressure in the new market, and a PESTEL analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal) ensures you consider macro-level factors. The Ansoff Matrix is another tool to think through growth strategies. We use a practical blend of these frameworks – essentially a data-driven scorecard – to evaluate markets and opportunities systematically.

A variety of tools can inform your expansion strategy. Market intelligence databases provide data on industry size, growth, and trends. Tools like Google Trends or social listening platforms show customer interest and emerging topics. Professional networks like LinkedIn can help identify potential customers or partners in a new region. Companies also use competitive intelligence tools and economic data sources (for metrics like GDP or ease of doing business). We aggregate insights from many of these sources, so you get a complete picture without needing to use dozens of tools yourself.

Strategic partnerships can dramatically speed up market entry. For example, partnering with a local distributor or reseller gives you immediate access to an established customer network. You might also ally with complementary businesses for co-marketing or product integrations, which can introduce you to their customer base. Teaming up with local industry associations or influencers can quickly build credibility for your brand. By tapping into partners that already have market presence, you can scale faster than going it alone.

Yes. We provide curated lead lists as part of our service. Using our databases and AI-driven research, we compile lists of companies and decision-makers in your target market that match your Ideal Customer Profile. The result is often dozens or even hundreds of potential customers you can reach out to right away, which jump-starts your pipeline in the new market.

Hiring local team members can be a big advantage when expanding. Local staff understand the culture, language, and business norms, and they often have existing networks that can open doors. They can help tailor your sales and marketing approach to fit local preferences and navigate any regional regulations. While not every expansion requires immediate local hires, having a local presence (even part-time or as an advisor) can significantly smooth your entry. We can even identify key local roles or candidates you might consider, helping you plan for the talent you'll need.

Yes. We can assist in identifying potential local partners or distributors who could accelerate your expansion. Our team will research and shortlist organizations that complement your product or have reach in your target market – such as resellers, agencies, or strategic allies in the region. We’ll provide you with a vetted list of partner candidates (and introductions where possible) so you can quickly establish the on-the-ground relationships needed to scale up.

To expand quickly, focus on strategies that scale efficiently. One approach is partnering with local firms or distributors who already have a customer network – this gives you instant access to an established audience. Another strategy is investing in strong digital marketing and content early, so potential customers can discover you online without a large on-the-ground sales team. Also, make sure your value proposition is crystal clear so it resonates immediately. We help pinpoint the most effective channels and partners, allowing you to ramp up quickly without missing critical steps.

Yes. One of our core offerings is to identify and even list out target customers in your new market. We help define your Ideal Customer Profile and then use databases and AI tools to find real companies (and contacts) that fit that profile. In fact, our Expansion Playbook typically provides a list of 100+ potential customer leads that match your ICP, so your team can begin outreach immediately.

A go-to-market strategy is a plan for how a company will introduce its product to a new market and acquire customers there. It outlines which customer segments you’ll target, what value proposition and messaging you’ll use, and which channels you'll leverage (sales, marketing, partnerships) to reach those customers. In short, it’s the roadmap for how you will win customers and achieve a competitive foothold in a new market.

To generate leads quickly, use a mix of targeted marketing and personal outreach. Leverage any existing connections or customers for referrals in the new region, and run targeted campaigns (like LinkedIn ads, email marketing, or content marketing) aimed at your ICP in that market. Attending local industry events or webinars can also help you meet potential clients faster. Additionally, consider offering a compelling piece of content (like a whitepaper or demo) to attract inbound inquiries. We can accelerate this process by providing a pre-researched list of high-potential leads, so your team can hit the ground running.

Lead generation is crucial because even with a great product, you need interested prospects in a new market. When you expand to a region where your brand is less known, proactively generating leads jumpstarts your sales pipeline. It ensures you’re consistently reaching out to potential customers rather than waiting for them to find you. In short, a steady lead flow is the fuel for your growth in any new market.

Knowing your ICP makes lead generation and sales much more efficient. It allows you to focus on a defined list of high-potential targets instead of casting a wide net and hoping for the best. Your marketing messages can be tailored to speak directly to those ideal prospects’ challenges, and your sales team can prioritize outreach to the most qualified leads. This focus typically leads to higher response rates, better conversion, and a shorter sales cycle, because you’re spending time on the prospects who are most likely to buy.

Begin by analyzing your best customers in your current market and identifying common characteristics (industry, size, needs, etc.). Next, research the new market to find similar companies or segments that match those traits. Consider local factors too – for example, a certain industry might be smaller but rapidly growing in that region, making its players ideal targets. You can also look at your competitors’ customer bases to see who is already buying similar solutions. We assist with this by combining your data with market research to pinpoint which customer profiles you should target in the new market.

Defining an ICP is crucial when expanding because it keeps your efforts focused on high-value prospects. In a new market, it’s easy to waste time chasing leads that aren’t a good fit. A clear ICP acts as a filter – it guides your marketing and sales teams to the companies most likely to need your solution, which improves conversion rates and reduces wasted effort. We help companies define their ICP for each market so they can zero in on the most promising leads.

An Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) is a description of the type of customer that would benefit most from your product or service. In a B2B context, an ICP usually includes firmographic details like industry, company size, and geography, as well as traits like budget, pain points, or tech stack that make them a perfect fit for your solution. Think of it as the blueprint of your most valuable customer – the kind your sales and marketing teams will target first.

Start with thorough research: understand the local customer needs, market trends, and competitors. Then craft a value proposition and messaging that resonate with those target customers. Choose the right channels to reach your audience (for example, engaging a local distributor, launching digital marketing campaigns, or attending industry events, depending on what works best in that market). Set a realistic budget and timeline, and define success metrics (like target customer count or revenue in the first year). Many startups also use proven frameworks or get expert help — we can provide data-driven guidance to ensure your go-to-market plan covers all the bases.

We support your go-to-market planning by providing the research and insights needed for a solid strategy. We identify your ideal customer segments in the new market, analyze how competitors reach those customers, and suggest effective sales and marketing channels for your situation. Our Expansion Playbook includes tailored recommendations on positioning, partnerships, and even a phased rollout plan. Essentially, we give you a data-backed blueprint so you can execute your GTM strategy with confidence.

Key components of a GTM strategy include a clear definition of the target customer and their needs, a compelling value proposition tailored to that market, and a marketing & sales plan outlining how you’ll reach those customers. It also covers your pricing and positioning strategy, what channels and partners you’ll use, and the resources (team, budget) required. Finally, a GTM plan sets goals and metrics to measure success after launch, ensuring you can track performance and adjust as needed.

Evaluating your competitive advantage means determining what your company does better or differently than others. Compare your unique strengths – whether it's your technology, pricing, customer experience, or niche focus – against what competitors offer in the new market. By understanding what truly sets you apart, you can emphasize those strengths in your expansion strategy. We help articulate and quantify your competitive advantage, so you know exactly where you outperform rivals.

Yes. We specialize in mapping the competitive landscape and uncovering market gaps. Our tools gather information on competitors in your target market – from their products and pricing to customer reviews – and our experts analyze this data to find underserved niches. We highlight who the key competitors are and where “white space” opportunities exist, so you can enter the market strategically.

A comprehensive competitive landscape analysis should identify the key players in your target market and profile their offerings, pricing, and market share. It should cover competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, the customer segments they serve, and any gaps in the market. Often, it includes visual maps or matrices to see how each competitor positions themselves. We provide detailed competitor profiles and visual maps to clarify where you stand and where opportunities lie.

“White space” refers to unmet needs or segments in the market that competitors aren’t serving. To find white space, examine what your competitors offer and identify customer needs or niches they’ve overlooked. This might involve analyzing customer feedback, market segments, or emerging trends to spot gaps. Our analysis highlights these opportunities, helping you pinpoint where your company can add unique value.

Identifying the best market for expansion requires evaluating potential markets against consistent criteria. Using a data-driven approach (like a market selection matrix) helps objectively compare factors like market size, growth rate, competition, and ease of entry. We do this by scoring countries or industries across key metrics, which highlights the most promising expansion opportunities for your business.

The right time to expand is when you have a stable base in your current market and evidence of demand in the new one. You should have the resources (financial and operational) to support growth, and ideally some data or traction indicating the new market’s potential. Expanding too early can strain your company, so ensure product-market fit at home and use market signals (customer inquiries, growth metrics, competitive gaps) as a guide. We can help assess your readiness by analyzing market opportunities and your competitive advantages to determine if conditions are favorable.

Data-driven analysis removes guesswork from your expansion strategy. By using real market data – such as market size, growth rates, customer demographics, and competitor presence – you can objectively prioritize where and how to expand. Basing decisions on hard data helps avoid biases and costly missteps. We specialize in providing these evidence-based insights, so your expansion plan is built on facts rather than gut feel.

A defined expansion strategy clarifies where, when, and how to grow, ensuring your team and resources are aligned. Without a clear plan, you risk entering the wrong market or misallocating budget – mistakes that can be costly or even irreparable. We help companies develop data-driven expansion strategies so you can enter new markets with a solid, confident plan.

A successful market entry plan includes thorough market research, competitive analysis, a defined ideal customer profile, and a go-to-market strategy tailored to the new market. It should cover how you will position your product, which channels and partnerships you'll use, and an operational plan for sales and marketing. Our Expansion Playbook covers all these components in detail, providing a comprehensive roadmap for entering a new market.

Competitive analysis means researching the companies you'll be up against in a new market. It's crucial for expansion because it shows how crowded a market is, what rivals offer, and where there might be gaps (or “white space”) you can exploit. Understanding competitors’ strengths and weaknesses helps you position your business uniquely. We provide this analysis so you can expand with a clear view of the landscape.

After an initial couple of hours videoconference or meeting, we'll present you with a detailed plan and timeline. Normally the final product will be delivered within 2-6 weeks. Throughout the process we'll maintain open communication and arrange weekly update calls to ensure that you maintain strategic control of the exact objectives of the go-to-market plan.

EntryMapper's approach is really industry sector or geography agnostic. Our in-house developed methodology, which is based of tens of years of experience in formulating go-to-market plans for different industries combined with robust data sources, we are able to build decision-making ready go-to-market materials and plans for any industry or geography.

Getting onboarded as a customer is simple! Reach out to our team through our website or contact us directly. We'll connect you with the right experts to discuss your specific needs and explore how we can support your expansion and go-to-market plans.