When thinking about internationalizing your online store, your next big decision is determining which languages to include. A multilingual website can help you reach new markets and grow your business globally. But how do you decide which languages are the best fit for your e-commerce platform? Here are four essential criteria for selecting the right ones.
Translating Your Multilingual Website for Global Success
Sure, your online store may offer excellent products or services, but that’s not enough to succeed in international markets. To reach global customers effectively, your multilingual website must communicate in their native languages. From homepage text to product descriptions and blog posts, every piece of content must be tailored to your target audience. Here’s how to choose the right languages:
Choose the Most Commercially Viable Languages for Your Multilingual Website
English is by far the most widely used language on international sales platforms. It’s the lingua franca of business, and many people use it as a second language. Even those who don’t speak it fluently often understand basic terms. Including English on your multilingual website is a solid starting point for global success.
Consider the World’s Most Spoken Language
Did you know that one in every six people speaks Chinese? Mandarin is the most spoken language on the planet, and China is a leading market for online sales, particularly through mobile devices. Adding Chinese to your multilingual website can help you tap into this massive market and increase sales.
Target Emerging Markets with Your Multilingual Website
While major languages like English and Chinese dominate, emerging markets are also important to consider. Languages spoken in growing economies like Brazil (Portuguese) and India (Hindi) present new opportunities. Including these languages on your website can help you connect with rising markets and position your business for future growth.
Expanding into Other Major Markets for a Multilingual Website
While China tops the list of online sales markets, countries like the U.S., UK, Japan, Germany, France, and South Korea are also significant players in the e-commerce world. When expanding your multilingual website, consider translating your content into the languages of these key markets.
Prioritize Japanese and South Korean Markets
Japan and South Korea are not only tech-savvy nations but also have strong online purchasing power. If you’re looking to expand your reach, both of these markets could provide valuable business opportunities due to their advanced e-commerce infrastructure.
Don’t Overlook European Languages
While expanding to Asia is crucial, European languages like French and German remain indispensable for international businesses. These are two of the most widely spoken languages in the European Union, and including them on your multilingual website will help you gain a foothold in some of Europe’s biggest economies.
Tailor Your Website to Your Industry
The type of products or services you offer should also influence your language selection. For example, if you’re in the tourism sector, consider adding languages like Japanese and Russian. These travelers tend to spend more and are frequent international shoppers.
Final Tips for Building a Multilingual Website
If your budget is limited but you want to expand within Europe, consider translating your content into German and French, as they are two widely spoken languages on the continent. Additionally, Portuguese and Italian are culturally similar to Spain, so these languages may help your website resonate with customers from these countries.
No matter what languages you choose, it’s crucial to rely on expert translators who can ensure that your multilingual website communicates effectively across different cultures. Avoid free machine translators, as they can lead to errors that damage your brand’s reputation.
As mentioned, English and Chinese are excellent starting points for a multilingual website. However, it’s essential to consider your target audience and product to determine which languages will be most effective for your business. Don’t wait — take your online store global with a multilingual website and open your platform to the world!
