Why do you need a multi languages website?
Usually companies think about a multi languages website when entering a foreign market. The presence of pages adapted for other countries or regions indicates qualitative approach to their activities, as well as caring for potential customers.
It is more comfortable for anybody to visit the website, search and read information in their first language. Therefore, it is important for international companies to provide this opportunity to all users, especially if it is related to a business that operates in several countries and regions. The company should provide an opportunity for their potential customers to familiarize themselves with all the information on the website. So, a multi languages site is a competitive advantage.
When a website translation is necessary:
- reaching companies in foreign markets;
- localization taking into account language dialects (the website will be translated differently for the UK and the USA);
- if there are several national languages in the country, translation is necessary to ensure free access to information for every person.
By localizing a website for a new region, a business beats off competitors, increases website traffic and gets more orders.
What language should the website be translated into?
It all depends on the goals of the company. In Ukraine, all web resources must have a Ukrainian-language version, therefore, the service of translating the site into Ukrainian is relevant. Also, companies can target the market of their nearest neighbours. The translation of the site into Polish and German is also popular.
The most common language in the world for website translation is English. This is due to both the number of English-speaking people and focusing on the appropriate market. Although, as was mentioned above, it is important to consider the region.
For the European market, we recommend translating the websites into regional languages. Not all Europeans are fluent in English to understand every subtle aspect. By translating a website into German, French, Italian and other languages, you get closer to target customers.
Automatic website translation: in favour or against?
Some sites use Google's automatic translation feature. There are now available widgets that are easy to install on a landing page or multi-page websites. But such systems are incomplete as far as translation is concerned.
Although the user of a website with automated translation will understand the main sections names, menu panels, the headings meaning, the text of descriptions and important information will be difficult to understand. This can keep people from buying a product or service. Highly specialized websites should only be translated by professional translators. For example, a medical portal or a building materials manufacturer's landing page.
Where to translate a website?
There are 3 main ways to translate a website:
- Automatic translation. Website widgets are used.
- New content. Creation of texts for the site with the help of copywriters and language speakers.
- Translation agency. A whole team of professionals is working on website localization.
In the third instance, the client receives the full project implementation. Translation is carried out taking into account all the localization features. The agency adapts not only the texts, but also the visual design (banners, infographics), works with the site structure.
It is impossible just to translate the texts, because every language has symbols and words of different length. There are some features when working with Chinese, Arabic, Georgian and other languages that have to be taken into account. The translation agency also attracts native speakers who not only translate, but also take into account the cultural realities of the region. This is important for understanding the users and clients from other countries.
