If you wish to maximize your profits and expand your business, you should consider making your products or services available to consumers in foreign countries.
The Internet has made it possible for businesses of all sizes to go global, but you may have to localize your website if you want to reach out to a non-English speaking audience.
Website localization refers to the act of modifying a website to make it comprehensible, usable and suitable to specific local markets, and it can be beneficial to your business in many ways.
Here is a look at why you should localize your website….
Cross Language Barriers
English is presently the most widely used language on the Internet, but this may change in the future as the number of Internet users outside North America and Europe continues to grow.
Many businesses are beginning to realize that English may no longer be the global language, and they need to localize their websites if they want to be competitive in foreign markets.
According to an article entitled “Website Localization Key to Improving Customer Experience“, a survey conducted by Common Sense Advisory in 2014 showed that consumers in foreign countries were strongly biased towards localized websites, and a large percentage of them avoided English websites.
In Europe, it was estimated that only 44 percent of Internet users were open to using non-native language websites.
Website localization enables you to cross language barriers and attract and engage consumers in foreign countries as effectively as native language websites.
Increase Revenue
Most Internet users prefer to buy products from companies that can communicate with them in their native languages.
Being able to understand product information clearly and communicate meaningfully with companies can help them make better informed purchasing decisions.
By localizing your website, you can reach out to potentially millions of new customers and increase your chances of converting them. This can lead to a significant increase in revenue.
Improve Search Engine Visibility
Another benefit of localizing your website is that it can help you achieve higher rankings in native language search engines.
The translated parts of your website will be indexed by native language search engines, and they will be more easily found by Internet users who perform searches in their native languages.
As such, you will see an increase in traffic to your website.
Build Credibility
Generally, consumers have greater respect for companies that can communicate in their native languages and offer products and services that are tailored to their cultures.
Localizing your website is a way to show your foreign customers that you are truly a global player, and you are committed to giving them the best shopping experience possible. It will help you gain their trust, loyalty and long-term business.
As the business world continues to become more global, an increasing number of companies are localizing their websites to gain a stronger foothold in foreign markets.
You need to do the same if you want to stay competitive.
About the Author: John McMalcolm is a freelance writer who writes on a wide range of subjects, from social media marketing to growing your business.
