The whole world does not speak English, although this is a common misconception. In fact, Mandarin Chinese is the language spoken by the majority of the world’s population, probably due to the large number of people in China. This is followed by Spanish and English comes in third place. When the goal is to communicate with the largest number of people who have access to the Internet, thinking that any language is good enough is not what will grease the wheels of commerce or shed light on the shadows of web pages and website content.

Global websites, local languages

A 2006 survey found that 52.4% of the target group preferred to buy products online if the information contained in it was in their native language. Even more surprising, 56.2% said that language was more important to them than price. The most surprising part is that the sampled target belongs to highly developed countries with high income per capita like Germany, Japan and France among others. English does not always rule the seas of the Internet. Realize this when you are trying to be a worldwide success. Website translation should definitely improve the responsiveness of your website.

A picture PLUS a thousand words

We all know the old jungle saying: a picture is worth a thousand words. Sure, layouts, graphics, fonts, and images are essential to captivate the eye, but words are just as important. When a web page or website needs to reach a variety of target audiences belonging to different countries, cultures, and languages, the words you will need to translate for effective communication. Even if the target audience knows the language of the website/page, the degree of comfort that their native language induces will surely be higher.

keyboard mightier than the sword

Websites should have copy that engages the customer’s interest and excites them to delve into the content. The power of the written word should not be underestimated. When the website or web page expects traffic between countries (and this is increasingly a real need), the translation must be of a kind that is capable of capturing the essence of the language and attracting the audience.

In companies that are moving to different pastures, nothing says you value your customers more than communicating in their language. The effort put forth also assures your customers that you are in business for the long haul.

Translation of web pages and websites: do it!

An effective translation means hitting the mark when targeting your target audience. It opens many new national and international markets. For example, in a multilingual country like India, no language will suffice; English is also not suitable. In fact, even in an “English-speaking” country like the US, some billboards look Spanish just like signs in public places – web content should do the same. Untapped markets must be targeted to significantly increase business and revenue. Never let language be a barrier.

Haute Couture or Off-the-Rack?

Companies invest time, effort and money in the design and maintenance of websites and web pages. It would be a big mistake if they watered down this investment and opted for translation plugins for browsers. This could open the door to translation errors. Not only does the website lose its elegant appearance, but it can also offend or frustrate the browser and, in fact, can be worse than no translation at all. The translation of web pages and websites should be done by professionals who can get the meaning right, no less than the grammar, and who can translate the copy so that it doesn’t lose the brilliance of the original.

The Google God

PANDA is an algorithm (basically the computer operations process) that has been updated in Google search results. It measures the quality of a site and displays search content in a high-to-low sequence with obviously high-quality sites near the top of search results. So, if a website is going to be at the top of the ladder, then some investment in a good and interesting translation of the copy is needed when people search in their native languages. If you want to be found internationally, let your translated content be the beacon that guides the searcher to your website.

Drive more traffic to your site

Professional and qualified translation is the extra padding on a website. For example, if you are a marketing company doing business internationally, your product is as attractive as your site, and the translation itself will go a long way to attracting more traffic. Even if each click doesn’t mean another buyer, you improve your chances by making your presence felt. Increased traffic also means higher brand recall.

The customer/customer has always been king. This is the basic premise that all website and page design must take into account. If you want to stand out from the competition, you want to impress clients, you want to broaden or expand your reach, qualified translation is what will bring your website or page to the top of search results.

Take that step to reach the top.