Focus In On Website Localization

As a business owner, customer service and satisfaction are an important part of your business operations.

You've probably given customer satisfaction plenty of thought already, but have you thought about website localization?

Translating and customizing your website to suit your international audience is an important step if you want to build strong relations with your overseas customers.

Why does localization matter so much and what should you consider when you want to localize your website?

Why Website Localization Matters

The article "Website Localization Key to Improving Customer Experience" cites a poll in which consumers showed a strong preference for localized online services, and a tendency to avoid English language websites if English was not their native tongue.

They were also less likely to buy from a website if there was no after-sales support available in their own language.

It's clear that website localization matters when it comes to connecting with customers whose native language is not English. 

Localization can make all the difference in how your website and your business are seen by visitors and whether they choose to do business with you.

As well as encouraging sales through information in the right language, localization shows understanding and respect towards your customers' culture and sends the message that what matters to them, matters to you.

What to Consider When Localizing

It's clear that you can't afford to overlook localization when it comes to your website. Localization starts with language, but it goes beyond that.

What are some of the things you should consider in order to localize your website?

• Language: Language is the first thing to consider when localizing your website. It's important to engage a professional translation service that understands the subtleties of website localization. It's not just about the language itself, but about the nuances of different words and phrases in that culture, and an awareness of what is considered professional and correct in that language.;
  
  
• Imagery: Different images will be appropriate for different cultures. What's considered fun and sassy in one culture may be inappropriate in another, for example. Buyers in different cultures may have different product preferences, too. By taking these into account you can make sure your website is appealing to your target audience;
  
  
• Esthetics: It's not just about the images you choose; esthetics matter too. Different cultures will have different web design norms in terms of the type of layout, colors and so on that consumers expect to see. There are also considerations such as what different colors stand for in different cultures;
  
  
• Local knowledge: Local knowledge will stand you in good stead when it comes to localization. Awareness of important local holidays, currency, even standard product or image sizes, will help you put together a local website that fits in easily
  
  
• Existing principles: There's no "one size fits all" when it comes to website layouts or practices. As mentioned above, there may be differences in expectation when it comes to imagery and website esthetics. This also goes for things like customer service, tone of writing, privacy policies or the way websites are coded. Knowing how things are done locally means you can better target your website.

If you want to appeal to one or more audiences outside of your own locale, website localization is a must, allowing you to tailor and target your website to speak the local language, literally and figuratively.