{"id":796,"date":"2021-08-02T10:20:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T10:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bunnystudio.com\/blog\/?p=796"},"modified":"2025-10-09T01:29:49","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T01:29:49","slug":"website-translation-best-practices-for-brands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bunnystudio.com\/blog\/website-translation-best-practices-for-brands\/","title":{"rendered":"Website Translation – Best Practices for Brands"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today\u2019s global marketplace, website translation<\/a> plays an important role in helping businesses expand their reach. About 72% of online shoppers prefer websites that feature their native languages.<\/strong> The internet wants you to know that limiting your website to English-speaking audiences is a bad move.<\/p>\n

The world may be a global village now, but people still prefer to read in their native languages. If you want to expand your business into foreign markets<\/b>, website translation is the way to go.<\/p>\n

But the process of changing website content from one language to another is not as straightforward as it seems.<\/p>\n

Website translation involves adapting a website\u2019s content (including web pages, eBooks, blogs, white papers, and videos) to fit the needs of a foreign audience. Usually, content is translated word-for-word, but fully localized websites also take into account the cultural and technical differences between languages. <\/b><\/p>\n

The problem here is that the very definition of website translation implies word-for-word translation; a simplistic process that fails to capture the voice of the original content.<\/p>\n

So before we get into the best practices of website translation, here is a little more context on the meaning of the term:<\/p>\n

Website Translation vs Website Localization<\/b><\/h2>\n

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between translation and localization.<\/p>\n

Translation simply changes the content on your website from one language to another (often word-for-word). Localization goes the extra mile and adapts the site\u2019s language, usability, and appearance for a new audience. <\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

Website localization adapts measurement units, language formats, color schemes, and images to suit local audiences. A localized e-commerce platform, for instance, showcases local holidays and accounts for the target audience\u2019s local currency and buying habits. Localization goes as far as multi-site translation (more on this later).<\/strong><\/p>\n

But there\u2019s a catch.<\/p>\n

Over-localizing your website content can drive away your customers. It is important to maintain content parity<\/b>, so inasmuch as you would like your translated content to feature local lingo, ensure it doesn\u2019t deviate too far from the primary site.<\/p>\n

Website localization allows new audiences a more immersive experience, but it is not always the best choice. If your budget, target audience, and your business goals do not call for localization, there\u2019s no harm in sticking to website translation. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

But if you\u2019re going to translate your website, do it right. Here is how:<\/p>\n

\"Website-Translation-Website-Text-Translating\"<\/p>\n

Five Best Practices for Website Translation<\/b><\/h2>\n

Great translation goes beyond words. As opposed to replacing one word for another, expert translators work with the concepts and ideas behind the language. They consider the tone and level of formality used in the primary content and make sure to transfer the same \u2018voice\u2019 to the translated content.<\/p>\n

For the best website translation results, always strive to produce culturally-appropriate content without deviating from your business goals. <\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

Here are five best practices for website translation:<\/p>\n

Know your Target Market<\/b><\/h3>\n

Website translation is about more than language, it is about selling to a new audience, and should, therefore, involve deep market research.<\/p>\n

Before translating website content, try to understand your target audience\u2019s background, culture and buying habits.<\/p>\n

Will this market bring in sustainable revenue for your business? Can local buyers even afford your products? Maybe there\u2019s already too much competition in the market and your brand will not stand a chance. This is also the point where keyword research comes in- what words does your new audience use to search for your products?<\/strong><\/p>\n

If doing a multi-site website translation, find out if your audience prefers a text-based layout or an interactive site with a lot of graphics.<\/p>\n

You need to know who you are selling to before translating your website content.<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

You can learn more about how to define your buyer persona here.<\/p>\n

Multi-Site vs Multi-Language Website Translation<\/b><\/h3>\n

You have two options when it comes to website translation;<\/p>\n