When you think about website translation, you think about translating the words on your web pages from one language in to another language, right? Yes, that is right. But the literal website translation process is only one half of the whole story. The other half is localisation.
Localisation is phase two. It uplevels great website translation to a truly world class affair, by adapting your website content culturally after the language translation has been completed.
In short, it mitigates any potential for your website to look and sound ‘off’, which can be a common problem, even when the literal translation is baked to perfection. And here’s why…
5 Failproof Pillars of Localisation
There are five powerhouse pillars of localisation. They’re benchmarks for ensuring the time and money you spend on getting your website translated aren’t wasted, by ending up with embarrassing howlers.
They are –
· Branding and Images – Verifying that the imagery, photographs and even fonts used on your website aren’t out of style with what’s on-trend in another country.
· Contact Details – Making sure that addresses and phone numbers are displayed correctly, not inside out and back to front.
· Cultural Differences – Advising on any terminology or imagery that doesn’t translate locally and risks coming across as laughable, old-fashioned or even offensive in another language.
· Design and Layout – Making certain that your text is correctly rendered so that each sections fits correctly without looking odd and unprofessional.
· SEO – Checking if language differences have affected your SEO and, if so, advising about the most effective words and phrases to rank on overseas search engine results pages.
At Accutranslate, we’re website translation and localisation experts, relied on by hundreds of companies to help them make the best online impression abroad. Get in touch –
- T – 0800 466 1335
- E – info@accutranslate.co.uk
if your digital presence abroad is on your to-do list.