Is your company planning to expand your business outside the US? So, making a website that potential customers can relate to is a significant undertaking. It will help make it easy to market your products and services globally. Anytime global websites come to mind, you think about translation. So, you need to seek help with localization and translation for international companies. So, what are the best localization practices tips for an enterprise website?
Make an Update on Your English Website First
Before localizing, ensure your English website meets your target audience's needs first. If the website does not meet the informational needs of your target audience in your base, it won't work in foreign markets. If you decide to change the English website after translating or localizing, you will waste a lot of money. You will also need to change the other website to match the English one. Consider first globalizing your English website to make it relevant to all people worldwide. Use multicultural images and avoid phrases or images that are irrelevant or offensive in other cultures.
Don't Just Translate your website. Localize it.
It's vital to understand your target geography before translating. When you localize your website, you focus on a particular region or culture, not only a language. Be careful and knowledgeable to ensure translation applies to the country you are localizing for. Be specific about the language; don't assume. For example, there's a difference between European Spanish and Mexican Spanish.
Get One Language Right.
Translating your website to international audiences can be costly. So, it means you need to get one language right rather than having several languages and getting them all wrong. When translating a website, you need to be correct and accurate to avoid losing credibility with the audience. Make a budget to do quality translations for more minor languages than a low one to do more languages. Most people utilize Google translate to translate their websites, but it can be dangerous as it might sound unnatural. It's advisable to hire a native to do the translation.
Know the Contrast Between Website Translation and TEP
When doing a website translation, you need to be cautious. In this case, you need translation, editing, and proofreading, known as TEP. TEP is not specific but affects the translation quality you get. If you pay less, you get translation only, which can be detrimental to your website. When you seek the services, check the budget and ask what it entails. Ensure you get a complete package with the three translations, reading, and proofreading.
Pick the Right Photos.
The imagery on the web pages is crucial as they translate as well. It helps make your website important, which is vital for your audience. For example, few cultures have pets at home. If your web page picture is a family with pets, you need to replace it. If the website has pictures of people, ensure they resemble people in the countries you are translating for. Besides, not all cultures have exposure; your picture should be sensitive and friendly.
Getting your website ready for international business requires more than translating alone. If You don't know how to go about it, you can hire a company to help you.
Localization ensures that your customers like your product and tell others about it.
You'll be able to create more consistent revenue streams as new customers become repeat customers.
You will reap more benefits.
Reach out to get your localization services.
