As businesses expand and reach new markets, the need for accurate and reliable online communication becomes more important than ever. A professional localisation service can help ensure that your business message is conveyed accurately and effectively to your target audience, regardless of language barriers. When localising web content, it essentially boils down to optimising your user experience for your target markets.
What is website localisation and why do you need it?
Website localisation is the process of adapting a website to the needs of a specific market. This can involve tailoring the site to the local language, customs, and preferences of the target audience. Localisation can also involve modifying the site’s design and layout to better suit the expectations of users in different regions.
In some cases, localisation may even require creating entirely new versions of a website for different markets. While it may seem like a lot of work, website localisation can be essential for businesses that want to succeed in global markets. By making your site more accessible and user-friendly for users in different parts of the world, you can significantly increase your chances of reaching new clients and generating sales.
How can website localisation help your business grow internationally?
Businesses today are looking to expand their reach globally in order to tap into new markets and grow their revenues. One important way to facilitate this growth is through website localisation. In an increasingly globalised economy, website localisation is an essential tool for businesses looking to grow their international footprint.
Without a holistic implementation of localised content, your target audience is likely to experience a confusing or disjointed journey. User flows that they have become accustomed to over the years must be adopted to instil confidence and validate your presence in the countries your business expands into. Otherwise, users are likely to go elsewhere to find a product or service that they feel better fits their requirements.
If you use a content marketing agency to create your website’s content for multinational markets. Make sure to incorporate professional localisation services to ensure the content is delivered as intended to each of your intended audiences. Content localisation requires thorough research into the target market in order to provide a tailor-made experience that appeals to each audience’s preferences.
Which elements of your website should be translated for different regions?
E-Commerce Websites
When you have an e-commerce website, it’s important to think about translation. Not everyone online speaks English. For example, did you know that only about 8.7% of Internet users are from the US?
This means that if your website is only in English, you’re missing out on a huge potential customer base. So, what elements of your website should be translated? First and foremost, your product pages should be translated, and localised to match the needs and expectations of your target market. This localisation process could include:
- currency conversion;
- localised media, such as photos and video;
- FAQs from a particular target market;
- local and national contact information;
- similar products that are bought in that region.
It’s also important to localise your checkout page, as this is where clients will enter their payment information. Will you accept all payment options in every country? Or are there specific options that you should focus on? Understanding your market is key here and is one of the added value benefits of using professional localisation services.
Professional service providers can consult with you and help inform your decision-making process, providing you with insights you may otherwise not have access to. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your e-commerce website is optimised for clients across all your target markets.
B2B Websites
B2B websites often have to deliver content in multiple languages, as they are targeting clients from all over the world. If your website is only in English, you could be missing out on a lot of potential business. So, what elements of your B2B website should be translated?
First and foremost, your industry and service pages should be translated. This is where potential clients will go to learn more about what you’re offering and to make a purchase. It is often the case that services and industries work differently around the world, and so it is critical you show your understanding of these differences. This will instil confidence in your customer base, and set your business apart from the competition.
You should also consider translating your blog posts and other regularly updated content, as this can help to attract new readers from around the world. It may be that different questions are being asked in different countries. When localising content, it’s important to ensure you’re serving the needs of your visitors, remembering that those needs may vary from region to region.
Finally, don’t forget to localise your “About” page and other key information pages. This step is critical to ensure you’re delivering the right contact information for where your clients are based. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your website is accessible to people in all your international target markets.
How can you ensure that your website localisation project is successful?
Website localisation services ensure that your website is properly translated and localised for your target market. Website localisation involves more than translating the text on your website into another language; it also involves cultural adaptation, so that your website is relevant and appealing to your target audience.
When done correctly, website localisation can help you to expand your business into new markets and reach a wider global audience. To ensure that your website localisation project is successful, it is important to work with a reputable website localisation company that has experience translating and localising websites for your target markets.
Once you have selected a website localisation company, be sure to provide them with clear instructions and deadlines, so that they can deliver a high-quality localisation of your website on time and within budget.
What are the benefits of using a professional translation agency for website localisation?
While it is possible to localise a website without the help of a language service provider, working with a translation agency can offer a number of advantages.
First, agencies have access to specialist tools and resources that can massively simplify the website localisation process. Second, they will be able to provide expert advice on how to best adapt your website for the target market. Finally, working with an agency can help to ensure that your website meets all legal requirements for doing business in the target country. Using a professional translation agency can be an important part of successfully launching a website in a new market.
Summary
Websites that are not localised are missing out on a vast number of potential clients. By localising your website for different regions, you can ensure that no matter where someone is accessing your site from, they will be able to understand it. This allows you to tap into new markets and grow your business internationally.
Different elements of your website will need to be translated depending on your website type and targeted regions, and it is important to ensure that this process is managed correctly in order to avoid any mistakes. A professional translation agency will have the experience and expertise necessary to carry out a successful website localisation project, and the benefits of using such an agency far outweigh the cost.
Arrange a free consultation with one of our industry expert project managers today in order to learn more about how we can help you achieve success through website localisation.