The Ultimate Guide to Website Localisation

As the business world goes global, it’s more important than ever for companies to utilise website localisation. Your website may reach customers overseas – it might even be translated into multiple languages – but language localisation takes things one step further! Website localisation helps businesses promote themselves to customers worldwide while providing the same user experience regardless of geographical location.

Therefore, website localisation should be an essential step in any business’s marketing plan and, despite requiring a small investment, can yield serious returns. If you’re interested in reaching a global audience, keep reading to learn more about website translation services and localisation services.

What is Website Localisation?

Website translation is nothing new. The idea is that when customers from other countries visit your website, they’ll see all your information in their native language. This means your site visitors are more inclined to stick around, can learn about your products or services more easily, and are more likely to become paying customers.

Website localisation takes things one step further, translating more than the existing website text. It transforms the entire product into a more culturally appropriate site. This includes considering cultural elements, local communication, currency and payment options, region-specific language, and how users will navigate around your website. Website language localisation aims to ensure that all users, no matter their location, receive the same experience.

Why it is So Important?

The main reason website localisation is so important is that it lets you reach new markets without language barriers holding you back. If your whole website is in English and a non-English speaker finds it, you’ve instantly lost a customer. Either that or they’ll use their browser’s translation button, which could alter your message, services, and brand identity.

Studies have shown that website visitors are far more likely to stay on your site if they see content in their language. When you provide language localisation, you can tap into potentially profitable markets or get a head-start in emerging markets before your competition. The more customers you reach with your website ultimately means more revenue, profit and success.

Things to Consider Before Localising Your Website

Before you invest in website localisation, you must ensure the following things:

1. Optimise your current website content for native speakers first. Language localisation aims to make the user experience the same for everyone, so ensure you have a good starting point to develop from.
2. Remove any local slang or colloquialisms from the website copy that won’t translate well to other languages. This can cause translation errors, misunderstandings, and a longer translation process.
3. Extensively research your new markets to add context to your translation work. You need to know your specific target regions and what your ideal customers look like. This also helps you decide whether localisation is a worthwhile investment.
4. Consider additional marketing options like updating SEO, utilising paid marketing, or using a different social media platform. Opting for these extras will need additional services like SEO translation, marketing translation, and social media translation.

The Process for Professional Website Localisation

Most reputable translation companies follow the same process when localising websites, known as TEP (translating, editing, and proofreading). This three-step process ensures top-quality work for all clients, avoiding language localisation errors and guaranteeing consistency throughout every page of your website. It looks something like this:

1. Translating: The first step uses human translators and advanced computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools such as SDL Trados Studio to translate your content as accurately and consistently as possible.
2. Editing: Any necessary edits are made during the second state to improve the flow of your copy, increase readability, and boost clarity. Your professional translators will also conduct country-specific research to make your content as effective as possible for your new market.
3. Proofreading: Before signing off on a website localisation project, your site is given a final proofread. This is when your translator checks for any remaining mistakes or improvements that will perfect your content.

Renaissance Translations’ Professional Localisation Services

If you’re looking for a website localisation company, Renaissance Translations is a perfect choice. We offer professional language localisation services at reasonable rates using the reliable TEP process detailed above. We’ve worked with many clients to improve their online content, skyrocketing their global reach and helping them achieve international success. And we’d love to help you do the same!

If you’d like to see how we can achieve the same results for you, get in touch with us today. One of our project managers will be in touch shortly to discuss your website localisation project.