Do you want your website to go international or reach a certain foreign market? You can do it by localizing your content so that it can adapt to the language and culture of users in your target market.
When localizing a website, you’re converting every part of it to resonate with its new target market fully. However, localization is easier said than done since it requires more than just content translation. You may want help from website localization services to make the process easier.
It takes good planning and execution to localize your website the right way. Below are 7 steps to ensure your localization efforts will pay off.
Why Website Visitor Identification Matters
Website visitor identification matters because it allows you to move beyond anonymous clicks and interactions. By knowing the demographics, interests, and behaviors of your visitors, you can customize your content to resonate with them, ultimately driving higher engagement and conversions. Website visitor identification goes beyond just knowing the number of clicks and page views; it delves into identifying the individuals behind those actions.
1. Identify Your Target Market
You’re not localizing properly by translating your website into many popular languages. Instead, you should identify one potential market where most of your traffic comes from and adapt your site only to that market.
You can branch out your localization efforts to reach each market if you have more than one foreign traffic source. Tools like Google Analytics and Alexa can help you discover your visitors’ origins.
2. Translate Your Web Pages
The translation is an essential part of the website localization process. This step requires you to convert all your web pages to their target language, which you can do with two methods: machine translation, which promises speed, and professional online translation services, which focus on accuracy.
Of course, you can’t just rely on a tool like Google Translate for this task, as it will only give you unsatisfactory results. Your best bet to get a precise and high-quality translation is to combine the two beforementioned approaches.
3. Use High-Quality Translation Services
When it comes to converting a website to other languages, human translators’ effectiveness is unquestionable; language specialists can work accurately and quickly by combining their skills with the latest support tools for maximum translation performance.
When you work with a reliable translation agency, you will get access to native speakers who can provide satisfactory website localization services. On top of that, you don’t need any trouble at all because experts will fully handle your project.
4. Localize Your Site Design
It’s necessary to adopt a site design that fits your target market. You may need to modify some elements, replace images, and use a new color scheme to make your website look more attractive to foreign visitors and in tune with their culture.
If your target market has a slow internet connection, you will want to reduce your site’s images and complexity to speed up its loading. Also, ensure enough space to accommodate text in other languages that might go longer than usual. Simply put, your website design should be tailored to your visitors’ specific needs and preferences.
5. Add a Language Selection Option
When foreign visitors come to your website, they should be able to find the translated version of your content easily. Create a language selection option that is straightforward and accessible without requiring people to look at every side and corner of your website.
In addition, use cache to save your users’ preferences so that they never have to select their language or region more than once. This way, your visitors will be happy and likely return to your website.
6. Test Your Translated Website
It’s crucial to test how your website performs in its translated form because you need to know if all words are correct and if every adapted feature works. The final version of your translated site must be fully functional without technical errors.
The testing process will require assistance from a localization testing company for the target market to ensure that your content is well-prepared before hitting a foreign country.
7. Market Your Localized Website
Start your marketing localization by learning about your target users’ buying behaviors and cultural norms. Once your website is localized, you must signal its presence to your target users. Tell them that it’s the best solution for their needs.
If you want to boost demand for your product in a new market, you must come up with promotional materials whose look and feel perfectly align with your target audience. Keep your brand’s feed on social media fresh with posts that reflect the local culture and context. And remember to include a good call to action.
Speak your target audience’s language to win their hearts. Try to understand their pain points and communicate with them in a way that makes them feel comfortable. All of this will help you localize your marketing efforts.
The Return on Investment of Localization
If website localization is done right, it can result in a considerable ROI. By following the above tips for optimizing your content, design, and images, you’re already starting your localization very favorably.
To get an ROI on localization, you must ensure that your website’s quality is excellent and that the amount of money you spend on localization is sensible.
Localize Your Website Today
Don’t wait for tomorrow to localize your content, get customer ratings and reviews, and connect with local communities. You can start doing these today by adapting your website to the culture and language of your audience in your target market.
Take time to understand how your target market is different from your home market, then follow the above tips on localizing your website correctly, and you will be ready to achieve international success.
Localizing your website to a different language is a great way to expand your brand presence globally. It will drastically improve your business performance and make your website available to more people. Lastly, it will improve your ROI, which means better business profitability.