Website translation and localization are two often-mixed terminologies used by businesses aiming to increase their market territory across the globe. Though both terms are used together as if they are one and the same, they have different purposes and involve different strategies. Knowing the difference between website translation vs localization will really amount to a lot in your global marketing efforts and user experience. In this blog, I’ll explain this difference, why these processes are essential, and best practices for effective implementation.

Understanding Website Translation

Website translation is the transformation of the content from one language into another. It doesn’t only translate texts but also selects appropriate languages suitable for the target audience. The main purpose of website translation is making the content available and understandable to non-native users for better user experience and engagement. For instance, use of a multilingual website welcomes more traffic and an enhanced conversion rate since clients are satisfied as they can read the website in their preferred language.

Key Aspects of Website Translation

●Literal Translation: In essence, it sticks to literal translation without giving room to the subtle flavors of the culture.

● User Experience (UX): A good translation of the website increases UX since language barriers are minimized-thus helping users utilize the content more effectively.

● Technical Considerations: Translation may require layout and design modifications in some cases, especially in texts with variations in length and reading direction, such as languages that read from the right.

Understanding Website Localization

Simply put, finding a website does not only translate words but also fits the whole experience of a website according to cultural and linguistic requirements of a country, which also relate to functional needs. Localization is translation with consideration of many things that, according to culture and practices and even the law, go beyond translation.

Key Aspects of Website Localization

●Cultural Adaptation: Localization is the adaptation of content toward native cultures and local customs, values, and preferences. It might change images, symbols, or even colors that are meant to symbolize something in one culture but symbolize another thing elsewhere.

● Functional Adaptations Refers to the adoption of date, currency, measurement scales, and formats for legal disclaimers to conform to the laws of the country/region. Example: A website aimed at reaching the target population in Europe must adhere to GDPR, which is in effect in Europe but not elsewhere in the world.

● Increased Engagement: Localization is a step in increasing the opportunity to get more user engagement and satisfaction because a cultural contextual experience will translate into better business outcomes.

Comparing Website Translation vs Localization

Best Practices for Effective Website Translation and Localization

1. Prioritize Your Content

Not every page on the site should be translatable or localized. For high-impact pages consider one or more of the following:

● Landing Pages: These are usually the customer’s entry points.

● Product Descriptions: Product descriptions should be clear as well as culturally appropriate.

● Customer Support Pages: Supporting in the client’s native language could be an even better source for improving customer satisfaction.

2. Use Professional Translation Services

While automated translation tools are helpful, they seldom equal the nuance and cultural understanding that professional translators bring to the table. Instead, think of using the best website localization services that use only native speakers, acquainted with local dialects and cultural references, as well.

3. Leverage Translation Management Systems (TMS)

A TMS can make translation more efficient, thereby facilitating the collaboration of translators and content creators. Among such functions is sometimes included:

• The dictionaries should be applied to standardize vocabulary in language services.
• Version Control: Manage changes to the content so that all versions are updated.

4. Implement Multilingual SEO

So that your local content is well ranked in the search engines, ensure you follow all these SEO best practices

● Keyword Research: Conduct keyword research in the target language to get relevant search terms.

●Localized Metadata: Titles, descriptions of pages, and alt tags for images should be translated and SEO optimized.

●Hreflang Tags: If you employ hreflang tags, you inform search engines concerning which language and regional targeting applies to your pages, thereby avoiding the dangers of duplicate content issues.

5. Test Localization with Real Users

As a final step before the deployment of your localized version, get native speakers to do some user testing. This is likely to unearth all the possible cultural faux pas and usability issues. You can put forth several versions of the site through A/B testing and see which one serves your purpose best for your intended audience.

Real-World Examples of Successful Website Localization

Example 1: Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is a prime example of successful localization. The company adapts its marketing strategies and product offers to match the local flavors of taste. For instance, if the company wants to penetrate the Japanese market, it would provide the above-mentioned unique flavors like green tea and peach flavor, and even advertising campaigns themselves would focus on issues tailored to the Japanese mentality.

Example 2: Airbnb

Airbnb’s website has successfully localizes for various markets. The website contains contents, such as local experiences and recommendations that reflect the culture of the destination. This helps to not only build user engagement but also a holistic traveler experience with the website.

Example 3: Netflix

Netflix uses localization as a method to distribute content to different types of target audiences; they offer subtitles and dubbing in many languages while tailoring marketing materials according to the local cultures and trends currently ongoing to keep the user connected to their content.

Conclusion

That means while website translation and localization are often used in the global marketing context, they have different purposes. Generally speaking, translation is about converting one language into another whereas localization is a more extensive process of adjusting content to the cultural contexts where it is going to be used. Knowing such differences and using the best practices, business houses can easily target a variety of audiences, enhance user experience, and, consequently, grow their international markets.

Source URL: https://northcert.co.uk/the-major-differences-between-website-translation-vs-website-localization/