Making an effort to invest in website translation can seem like a lot for an SME. But as a global LSP, we understand that in today’s interconnected world, having a multilingual website can open doors to new markets and unlock untapped business opportunities. 

So… is it worth the investment? Yes! And in this blog, we will explore the compelling reasons why this is true, and why it should be a top priority for businesses looking to expand their reach.

Website translation is the next step your SME needs

It’s very simple, 76% of people given a choice between buying two similar products, will choose the one with information in their language. This was published in a report by the independent market research firm CSA Research in 2020.

Also, 75% of respondents say that they’re more likely to purchase the same brand again if customer care is in their language. Meaning, most would rather think, act, and buy in their own language.

So where to begin? 

Consider European diversity and choose your languages

Of course, if your business operates in a territory as linguistically diverse as Europe, your first step will be deciding which language or languages you are going to start with. English should always be one of the first languages because it’s one of the most spoken internationally. 

According to a report published by Education First in 2022, in the past few years, the English-speaking population in Europe has kept growing. This report also states that English is the language of international exchanges, as never before in humanity’s history has a third of the population shared a common language to communicate. So, if you are trying to expand your business, the English translation of your website is a must. 

When operating in Europe, where the EU has 24 official languages, we might either choose a very specific audience or, if we want to target the whole region, these are the most spoken languages:

• German
• French
• Italian
• Spanish 

Learning to speak your customers’ languages is a huge step toward business growth and expansion, both local and global. 

Three areas where website translation will make your SME shine

1. Boosting Search Engine Visibility

Translation of your website also plays a crucial role in search engine optimization (SEO). Translated content in multiple languages can help your website rank higher in search engine results pages for relevant keywords in different regions. For example, if you are targeting the German market, translating your website and optimizing it for German keywords can improve your visibility on Google.de., for example. This can drive targeted organic traffic to your website, increase brand visibility, and position your SME as a trusted player in the local market.

2. Meeting Customer Expectations

Today’s customers have high expectations when it comes to online experiences. They prefer to browse and interact with websites in their native language. As we already mentioned, as published in the CSA report, customers would rather think, act, and buy in their own language. By translating your website, you are meeting the expectations of your target audience and enhancing their user experience. 

3. Gaining a Competitive Advantage

Taking into account what we already mentioned, we can now say that translating your website can differentiate your business and give you a competitive edge in the market. By being proactive in translating your website, you are positioning your SME as a forward-thinking, customer-centric company that is ready to serve customers.

Ready to unlock the full potential of new markets? Don’t miss out on the opportunities that website translation can bring to your SME. Contact us today to learn more about our multilingual website translation services and how we can help your business grow through global communication and accessible information.