Website localization best practices

Website localization best practices

Websites are getting more complex and the translation of the text only is not enough because localizing your company’s website is much more than translating text.
When localizing a website there are some other elements you should take notice of for example:
•    Meta titles and descriptions
•    Photos with text
•    Multilingual SEO
•    Digital resources such as videos
•    HTML elements
All of these elements must be examined when performing website localization to avoid ending up with a website that is incomprehensible to your target visitors.
If you are thinking about translating your website, you may want to consider those points when preparing your upcoming website localization project.
 
Languages
It is critical that you make a research and analyze which languages fit your target visitors, so you can tactically reach them.
 
Search engine optimization
If you want to get organic traffic for your newly localized website then you need to optimize your website for local search engines and the first step to do so is to execute keyword research for every region and language independently. 
 
The keywords used for on site optimization must be focused on words that the clients are using to seek for products and services within a given location, instead of literal translations of words in the source language.
 
Style instructions
Making a style guide will help you through the process of localizing your website, because various languages usually need different fonts and styles.
 
Terminology
It is advisable that you maintain your website’s terminology simple because cultural dialects may be tricky to understand or translate.
 
Documentation Localization
Translating case studies, Info-graphics and white papers on your website will assist you to reach more individuals in your international targeted areas
 
Regional customer support
Companies usually fail to consider customer support as an aspect of their website localization approach, frequently with tragic outcomes. When clients demand details about products and services
In these circumstances, it is very crucial that those clients can communicate with a native speaker of the regional language.
 
Localization testing
You should test the functionality of a localized website before launching to avoid common problems like unfitting test in the menus, the appropriate structure of dates and times, and suitable use of the language in context.
 
Branding 
It is essential that you keep your brand's look and feel the same when localizing, so before you go through the process of localization specify your standards for colors, logos, history etc.
 
Multimedia
Your website's multimedia is just as significant as your website's content and multimedia translation may need you to create a localized subtitle or do a voice-over recording.
 
Images
It is recommended that you split images into layers to make their translation easier.
 
Contact Information
Make sure to check your company's contact information are available and suited for each localized version of your website.
We wish these key points will help you coordinate, apply and efficiently handle your next website localization project. 
Have additional questions concerning website localization and how to implement a worldwide blooming webpage? Contact us!
Saudisoft provides a variety of website localization solutions to all type of enterprises, if you are preparing to increase your global reach, get in touch with us today to find out more about our services.