In this article · 8 sections
It's common in Punjab: the business runs locally, but a key decision-maker lives in Canada, the UK, Australia or the Gulf. A taxi service, a showroom or a rental property is managed by family here, while the owner abroad handles marketing, money or big decisions. The website and online enquiries can make this easier, if they're set up for it.
Problem 1: "I don't know how many enquiries we get"
When leads only arrive as phone calls to the shop, the owner abroad has no visibility. Fix it with: - A website form that sends every enquiry to an email that both of you can see - WhatsApp Business with a shared device or a multi-device login, so messages are visible to both - A simple enquiry log, even a Google Sheet that every form submission feeds into automatically (your developer can set this up) - Call tracking, if you run ads, so you know which calls came from where
Problem 2: Time zones
When it's 9 am in Ludhiana, it's late night in Toronto. Plan for that: - Customers in India should always reach someone local. Put the local number first on the website. - Use auto-replies on WhatsApp outside business hours. - Schedule one fixed weekly call with the local team to review leads and issues.
Problem 3: Account access and ownership
Make sure the domain, hosting, Google Business Profile and ads accounts are owned by the business owner, with the local manager added as a user. If the local manager changes, you shouldn't lose access to anything. See our website handover checklist.
Use two-factor authentication, but set it up so the code doesn't only go to an Indian SIM you can't receive abroad. Authenticator apps work anywhere.
Problem 4: Payments
- Accept online payments (UPI, cards) through a payment gateway on the website for advance bookings; money arrives in the business account, not someone's personal wallet.
- Send automatic payment confirmations to both the customer and the owner's email.
- See payment gateways for Indian websites.
Problem 5: Updating the website
Prices, offers and photos change. If every change needs a developer, the site goes stale. Ask for an admin panel where the local team can update rates, gallery and notices, while the owner can review changes.
Problem 6: Reviews and reputation
Reviews arrive at all hours. Turn on Google Business Profile notifications on your phone abroad and reply within a day or two. Reply politely to negative reviews too. See how to reply to negative reviews.
Reaching NRI customers too
If your customers include NRI families (for airport pickups, property services, weddings), your website should speak to them directly: - Mention international time zones and WhatsApp availability - Show prices or packages clearly so they can plan from abroad - Allow advance payment online - Add a page for common NRI questions
See Doaba businesses reaching NRI families for more.
A simple remote dashboard
Once a week, the owner should be able to see: 1. Number of enquiries (form + WhatsApp + calls) 2. Bookings or orders confirmed 3. Website visits (from Google Analytics) 4. New reviews and average rating 5. Ad spend and cost per lead, if running ads
None of this needs expensive software. A website with proper tracking, plus a shared sheet, covers it.
Joboo Web works with business owners in Canada and India. If you're managing a Punjab business from abroad, let's set it up so you can see everything.