Website Localisation

What Is Website Localisation?

Website localisation involves adapting our clients’ online content to make it suitable for audiences abroad. Unlike word-for-word translations, localisation considers the culture of potential customers in order to expand the brand’s reach across global markets.

Though website translation allows brands to be understood by multiple audiences, certain refinements will eliminate the risk of alienating potential customers. For example, certain analogies and cultural references may not make sense in other languages. It is also important that legal considerations, such as terms and conditions pages, adhere to the requirements of specific territories. Likewise, details like measurements, dates and currencies must conform to the standard formats of your target location.

Website localisation also considers the design and media content of any online platform. Translations from English to another language often requires more space on a web page, while text-based images and subtitles on videos must also be considered. In addition, pictures and videos should be examined to ensure these are culturally sensitive to your target international audience, and all step-by-step graphics must be adapted for any territories reading from right to left.

Localisation applies to the website’s structure as well, by reorganising the navigation of a website to match local competitors, and developing a local SEO strategy to compliment new markets. Businesses must consider title tags and meta descriptions that help accommodate localised keywords, and set canonical tags on all pages which could be flagged up as duplicate content. Hosting different versions of websites at local domains like .co.uk or .de will also help boost visibility.

With the help of our website localisation service at London Translations, our clients’ content will resonate with their entire potential global audience.

More businesses than ever are operating online, and website localisation is vital for any organisation that wants to stand out from the competition. This practice helps to create an engaging and relevant experience for potential customers across all continents, while respecting cultural nuances will certainly portray your brand in a positive light. Without a quality website localisation service, target audiences may be left confused or even offended by your content, which runs the risk of losing valuable custom forever.

It is also common for several different languages to be spoken within one nation. For example, there are thousands of Polish, Punjabi and Arabic speakers in the UK, while there are millions of Spanish and Chinese speakers in the USA. This means that your content may not be accessible to your maximum target audience even if you’re not operating outside of your domestic market.

More than half of global consumers are more likely to spend on sites available in their own language, making website localisation an invaluable way to take your business to new heights.