Is it enough to have your website content translated into English or should you consider the language of every potential target country?
Once you’ve decided how many languages you want, the next question will be:
Should the entire website be translated for your international audience or just the most important pages?
When making decisions like these, your best option is to contact a professional translation agency that is well-versed in your potential target languages and understands the cultural aspects of the countries in question.
You may discover that even though English is understood by a large percentage of your target country's population, your customers still prefer to hear about offers in their own native language, which will then lead to more purchases.
If you operate as a B2C business, it's important to know that customers generally feel more confident in their own language and are in a better position to evaluate suppliers, providers and vendors. By communicating with customers in their own language, they will consider your company to be more reputable. This in turn will make them more likely to pay for more expensive items or services online.
This is due to each individual's need for security and is something that varies between cultures. In those where it's not as strong, people are more willing to take risks, such as buying an item online in a foreign language, with the chance that it might not meet their expectations.
It's easier to gain ground in the B2B sector, even if your website is only available in English, because lots of companies operate internationally and communicate in English. Be that as it may, a wider choice of languages shows respect and appreciation towards your potential customers. It also says that your company is open-minded, confident and ready to do business with customers from other countries.
When considering how many languages your website should offer, your main target audience is a crucial factor, be it other businesses or end users.
Do you want to specifically address customers abroad, possibly even customers from particular countries? Or is your main business located in one country, making customers from other countries an added bonus? Along with these questions, the size of your company will also influence your decision.
It’s not always easy to define your company's translation needs. We can help. With our many years of worldwide experience, our translation agency will be happy to offer you advice about making your website more international.