Website translation: is it worth using a built-in translator?
When creating a new language version of the site, owners are faced with the problem of translating existing pages into another language. We would like to note that from the point of view of entering a new market and reaching new users, it is necessary not to translate, but to localize the site.
Localization is the adaptation of a website to a new region. It includes not only the translation of the text, but also takes into account cultural and mental characteristics. It is important not only to present information correctly, but also to make it more accessible to new users. We have already described in more detail how localization differs from translation in one of the previous articles.
Why won't the built-in translator solve the problem?
The first thing that might come to mind when you need to translate a website is to embed Google translator. Yes, it's fast, you don't have to do a huge amount of work; accordingly, this will require a minimum amount of funds. But that's where all the advantages end.
Disadvantages of the website's built-in translator:
- There are mistakes. The translation may be incorrect.
- Users' trust in the site decreases. Especially if you are selling something. You look unserious compared to your competitors.
- Due to translation mistakes, the user may simply not understand what he/she needs to do on your site. You will lose clients due to trivial matters.
You should only work with plugins if you want to translate general website pages. If your goal is to enter a new market, then you cannot do without a professional translator.
Remember that even when translating from Russian into Ukrainian, machine translations make mistakes, let alone more complex language pairs. Therefore, take seriously the creation of a multilingual version of your site. Your future users will be more accustomed to seeing sites that are adapted to their native language.
How to save money on website translation or localization?
You have already realized that machine translation is not a solution, and you cannot do it without the work of professionals. What can be done to make the cost of working on a new language version of the site affordable? We will tell you below.
- Prepare the site. Reconsider which pages you need and which you can do without. Review the texts. They should not contain unnecessary or repetitive information.
- Decide on all translation languages. It is more profitable to immediately order site localization into several languages than to gradually add new language groups.
- Remember that translation of specialized texts costs more. If you have a medical website, then translators who specialize in texts of this type will be involved. Their work is more expensive, but it’s not worth saving on it. Any mistakes, double interpretations - all this spoils the user’s idea of the company.
- Contact the professionals. Remember that it is better to do everything right at once than to redo it several times. In this case, costs will increase.
- Don’t put off website translation and localization until the last minute. Any urgent work is carried out at a more expensive rate.
Our Pereklad agency works with websites of any complexity. We will not just translate, but localize your website so that it is as accessible as it can be for your new users or clients anywhere in the world.
