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5 translation tips for an accurate website

By Katie Reed | August 3, 2022 | Blog Translation Tips

Website translation

Latest figures show that in 2022 there are nearly 2 billion websites online, a figure that has more than doubled since 2015. However, 80% of the content on these websites is only available in English, despite non-English languages such as Chinese, Spanish and Arabic making up 75% of the languages spoken online.

For businesses looking to take advantage of this gap in the global market, it’s worth keeping in mind that it’s not as simple as just translating the words on your website. There are a lot of variables to consider to make sure you get it right.

Here are The Language Factory’s five tips for accurate website translation

  1. Use human linguists

Experienced mother-tongue linguists will understand not just the words needed for translation, but also the nuances of culture and regionality that are crucial to making sure your website content speaks to your audience.

  1. Start small

Rome wasn’t built in a day and your global business doesn’t need to be either. Carefully select your markets and research the appropriate languages. It’s important that you have the time to dedicate to any new market, so consider starting with one language and build up from there, not forgetting to follow up with suitable keywords and other SEO tools. It’s also worth remembering that some countries have a range of languages and dialects and that just because a language is an official one it doesn’t mean it’s the best choice.

  1. Take your time

Custom-designed websites can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months depending on the complexity of the site. Include specialist translation and that will further increase the development time, but it will be time well spent, adding value to your clients and showcasing your business to a global audience.

  1. Think about your budget

When using a translation service, it’s important to consider the changes and updates that may be needed for your website. E-commerce sites with an ever-changing product offering for example may require ongoing translations, meaning your costs won’t just stop when the site is launched. Understand how your website will develop and work with your translation service to determine a budget for any ongoing translation requirements to ensure you have the budget for quality.

  1. Develop relevant content

What appeals to people in one country won’t necessarily appeal to those in another. That is where localisation in translation comes to the fore. You may have the best content for your main market, but you should localise it to suit your new customers to ensure your marketing message is understood and your customers can see the appeal of your product or service. A mother-tongue translator can help advise on whether your content is relevant for your target market.

 

Get it right

Done correctly, the right translation of your website will give you the opportunity to reach a wider international market and expand your business. At The Language Factory, our experienced translators understand what elements need to be kept in mind.

Get in touch with our expert Project Managers today to find out how we can help you to take your website and your business global.