If you plan to expand into new markets and expand your business internationally, you will need to tailor your website to local audiences. Additionally, studies have shown that the majority of consumers are more likely to purchase products if information is displayed in their own language, and more than half may even pay more if this option is available.
SummaryDefine technical capabilitiesSpeak the local languageAdjust your contentDo keyword researchLast wordsWebsite localization, however, is more than just translating your website into different languages. These are cultural and even technical adaptations that provide localized versions of your website and engage the respective target markets. If done right, it can lead to significant monetary gain – and if done poorly, it can often lead to customers abandoning your website or not finding it at all.
So, if you want to capitalize on potential growth opportunities in new markets, you need to invest in strategic and well-executed website localization. To help you get started and create a foolproof plan, here are some of the most important things to check off your list.
Before diving into the technical side of modifying your website's functionality and content, you should define which elements are crucial in the adaptation. For example, consider whether new content might take up more space on your website to prepare for layout changes, whether you plan to change the design, or whether you're going to keep customer reviews or testimonials in the language of your choice. origin.
Also, be sure to show the exact date and calendar and integrate tools like a timezone API that will determine the local time. These features will be particularly useful for limited time offers, seasonal promotions or simply to keep your website up to date. The elements can vary from company to company, so ask yourself what information is crucial for your customers.
Translating your website seems like a simple task, but it needs to be done carefully and methodically. First, you will need to determine which markets you want to target – given the nature of your business and your customers – and create a list of languages for translation. Second, you need to choose a reliable, specialized and cost-effective translation provider that will deliver high-quality content.
Although there are many translation tools for everyday use, these are unlikely to be suitable for professional translation. And, when choosing a translation service, consider their knowledge of the local culture. You can certainly translate content without grammatical errors, but you need to make sure you adapt it to the appropriate communication style, culture, and jargon. In other words, you need to speak the real language of your customers.
Along with the technical and linguistic changes you're going to make, you need to decide whether you want to keep your original content — including images, videos, and any other visual formats — or whether you're going to make adjustments for your new audience. . This will usually include determining if your visuals are culturally appropriate if they resonate with different audiences and if there are ways to make them more appealing.
Remember to include contact forms, emails, webchats, banners, and other features in your translation scope – and consider them when drafting changes. Will you use the same communication channels, relay the same messages, and what are the best ways to engage your new target audiences? These are some of the questions that will be crucial for your strategy.
If you're running a successful website, you're probably optimizing your website for search engines. In the same way, international SEO will go a long way in increasing your visibility in other countries and gaining local success. You might want to start by determining if the countries you are targeting use different search engines.
Just as you optimize your content at home, your translators should consider search keywords for all languages, including metadata, keyword density, and external links. As there are many ways to translate the same text, it is essential that you provide a list of selected keywords to translators. You should also take into account the differences between countries – not just languages – as Mexicans and Argentinians or Brits and Americans may speak the same language but still use different words or phrases.
Even if your business expansion is supported by international operations, website localization can be a big part of your success. Be sure to plan ahead and find a team that will help you create a multilingual website that can penetrate local markets, increase revenue and build customer loyalty.
Some of the most important items to cross off your checklist include:
Every business is different, so craft your strategy for your target customers – and their needs.
