If you have plans to expand your reach to international audiences, website localization is the key to your success. Website localization is all about modifying your website to better connect with your target audience, the same way a local website would.
Speaking to customers the way they best understand is crucial for success. Even if you had the best website in your niche, 65% of international audiences would still prefer to read content in their first language. And to make matters worse, they prefer native content even if it’s inferior to yours.
Let’s not dwell on the negatives, though, because you too can localize your website!
Below, you’ll find more about website localization and the benefits it can bring to your business.
Website localization: What is it?
Website localization involves recreating a website and modifying it so that it appeals to a specific audience. When localizing a website, you would adjust your posted content such as blogs, guides, lead generation offers, and static pages such as your homepage. You may also need to make changes to your imagery, color scheme, and user interface.
Some changes that you’ll need to make (depending on the purpose of your site) include using local currencies, measurements, and the local language.
The goal of website localization is to improve customer engagement and conversions by communicating with them in a way they’re used to. After all, the more your brand has in common with your customer, the more your customer will trust you.
And even if they know that your brand doesn’t originate from their country, they’ll still appreciate the effort you put in to improve their experience.
Website localization benefits
While you’ve already had a brief glimpse into the benefits of localization, we’re going to go even deeper so you can see what you’ve been missing.
In no particular order, here are the top benefits that website localization can bring your business:
1. Expanding your audience
With around 4.66 billion active users on the internet, your website has massive potential audience. But the problem is, there are only 1.35 billion people who speak English natively and as a second language.
I hear what you’re saying, “1.35 billion people is a big enough audience for my website.” That’s probably true, but you also need to remember that 65% of proficient non-native English speakers would rather consume content in their first language.
What does this mean for your audience? It’s now almost half the initial estimate which equals about 700 million people. And that’s assuming that all those people are remotely interested in what your website provides.
But by localizing your website, you can increase your potential customer base by up to 665%!
2. Increasing engagement
If you were ever forced to take a language class during high school, you likely remember how difficult it was to pay attention. Now, imagine if you were forced to learn a new language just to order a new pair of shoes from another country. It would be a pretty frustrating experience, right?
That’s why 72% of consumers spend most of their time on websites in their first language. So even if your website were helpful to many consumers around the globe, they wouldn’t find it because it goes against their preferences.
On the flip side, coupling helpful content with website localization is proven to increase customer engagement—if done correctly. After all, if you can understand and connect with a website’s content, you’d likely spend more time using it.
3. Build brand credibility
To create a successful business, your brand needs to be credible in your customers’ eyes. And the best way to build credibility is by giving them the best experience possible. Word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising a business can take advantage of. But it only happens if your customers are happy.
Imagine how your consumers will feel after you’ve put in the effort to improve their online experience. Especially if their language isn’t commonly found online!
4. Revenue increases
Naturally, if your localized website reaches a broader audience and engages them while building credibility, your business revenue is bound to increase.
According to Harvard professor Gerald Zaltman, 95% of consumer purchasing decisions are made subconsciously. So by ensuring that your localized website gels well with your target consumers’ culture, beliefs, values, and conventions, you’re bound to have a successful launch.
Localize your website today to reap the benefits
While these are some of the top benefits of website localization, there are many other amazing perks. So if you plan on expanding your business growth, website localization should be one of the first tasks to consider.
Need a hand with localizing your website? Day Translations can help with their Localization services.
Gives us a call on 1-800-969-6853. Brands like Netflix, Bank of America, HBO, and more trust us with their localization. And so can you!