There is no doubt that the massive majority of internet users are non-native English speakers. The quick rise of Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian, German, French and Malaysian speakers is giving English a run for its money.
According to Internet World Stats, an estimated 800 million English speakers surfed the web in 2013, but they only made up 28.6% of Internet users. China’s dramatic growth has given rise to an escalating number of Internet users which is now around 23.2% of all Internet traffic. While English is still the leading language, it is quickly being overhauled by other key world languages. This presents a stimulating set of tests for e-commerce sites looking to sell their goods and services to a progressively tech-savvy global spectators.
It’s no longer adequate to pay adherence to the needs of a global customer base. The Internet is continuously growing and transforming into an all-inclusive medium. Websites risk dismissal if they miscarry these new certainties. Website localization is the reaction to great many challenges that e-commerce sites are now facing. This requests the question: What exactly is website localization, and how can it be implemented in my day-to-day operations?
Website Deserves an Authentic Presence
Nowadays, businesses cannot afford to be complacent about their customers. It is absolutely vital to communicate with your target market in a language that they can understand. It is not enough to simply translate an English site into a foreign language. Think of website localization as an ultra-high-definition picture of your website, available in multiple languages. Everything is customized to a specific market with particular attention to detail on every front. When a non-English speaker visits a site that has undergone comprehensive website localization, it drives them to action.
Website Should Exclaim: ‘Welcome Home Customer’
Customers will be able to connect with the language, cultural appeal, imagery, tailored payments options, customer support services and other features instantly. There is no aspect ignored when expert website localization is undertaken. Think of website localization as a foreign-based, home-grown translation of your website. It is 100% authentic and caters to every need of your target culture. Professional website localization requires a grand architect to conjure up something so impressive that it is nothing less than convincing.
Professional translation is so much more than substituting words or sentences with foreign words or sentences. The essence of the translated material can only be understood when it is undertaken by a native speaker. Humor, nuance, religion, symbolism, culture, idiosyncrasies, and emotions can only be appreciated if they are authentic. Even in this present day and age, poor quality translations are more likely to blacklist your target market than to reel them in. At the end of the day, the thing that matters most is your bottom line. If your website is not reproduce with foreign-language speakers, you are losing market share and losing money.
Take a Tip from the Pioneers of Website Localization
As we have all seen from the rise of Internet giants like Alibaba and Amazon, website localization is not an optional activity – it is a necessity. The task of localizing your website should not be entrusted to nonprofessional. One of the finest exponents of website localization is CCJK Translation.
Read Also: 7 Best Practices to Follow for Website Localization
Take a look at how we helped our client by localizing their project for Website Translation Services . Click here to read the complete case study