5 Mistakes Companies Often Make When They Don’t Localize Their International Website
Thinking of launching your website internationally? Think about getting professional website localization, advice or assistance before launching just any website for the whole world to view.
1. Basic Translation
How can you expect to get much response, not to mention respect from the rest of the world if your online translations in other languages are not professionally translated? Poor translation on professional websites happen far more than it should.
Important Translations to Consider
• If you have humor in your text, will the humor translate over?
• What about certain phrases or metaphors?
• Is your language translated for formal business professionals, young adults or more casual translation for say street language? Depending on your audience, should depend on how your language is translated.
2. Imagery and Symbols
In many cultures, images can mean so much. If you are not careful about the images you choose to post on your website, you could possibly offend a large majority of people who come to your site without knowing it.
• Are you appealing to countries with Muslim faith or other religions concerned with modesty? If you have women in skirts, bikinis or other scantily clad outfits, there is no way those countries will spend any time on your website, let alone be allowed to view it in the first place.
• Religious pictures, political images, alcohol and many other topics are a no-no for many societies around the world. It would be wise to do your research regarding imagery localization and not assume every country has the same reactions when looking at a weapon, bikini beach scene or even a mosc or temple.
3. Colors
A lot of colors have symbolic meaning to many cultures. For example, white in Japan is symbolic of mourning, red in China is usually associated with luck and happiness and several colors combined represent certain tribes and clans. It’s best to use neutral colors when creating websites that reach out to a variety of countries.
4. Cultural
From symbols to colors to politics and ethics. Every country around the world has cultural differences that shape people’s opinions. Instead of creating one website with only different language translations on it with no regards to localization is like shooting yourself in the foot. Religion, politics and history all make up the fabric of a culture. Make smart, educated decisions about what you post on your international website. Every detail matters. From the skin tone you choose to the images of animal, plants and buildings.
5. Technical
It’s not just the visual appearance of the website that matters. Are you asking for payment though the internet? Is your website set up for international credit card payment? Website localization is a process that needs programming expertise besides linguistic/cultural knowledge. Depending on the language, foreign scripts often need more or less room on a layout, and several languages do not read left to right.
It is crucial that your company get professional website localization advice before launching any website overseas. The first impression could either make or break your business.
About the author: Melissa Peterman is a web content specialist for Innuity. For more information regarding website localization, assistance, go to Multiling.
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