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(Gloucestercitynews.net)(May 13, 2020)--The creation of a multilingual website is quite a challenging task that takes some time and readiness to collect all the necessary information because it requires more than just a translation of a text that a person sees on a different language website version. Unlike a typical translation where there is an original document or a business letter that must be translated, building a multilingual website means that the localization takes place. The term means adjustment of every website detail to the socio-cultural and technical requirements of a country and the target user base by translators with due localization skills. 

5 Tips for Building a Multilingual Website 

Building a website that contains several languages may easily turn to a mess if the task is approached without preparation, collection of all the necessary data, and discussing the goals with the localization specialist. As a rule, most companies that help with the usual or legal translations offer this particular service, yet some of them focus on this kind of work exclusively. The best way is to look through the Translation report to choose the one that can fit your schedule or alternatively, you can hire a SEO company to take care of the work. Remember that the key is discussing every little detail and explaining the purpose of a website before any work begins. In such a way, it will be possible to avoid unnecessary stress and focus on the localization process. Just follow these simple tips to make every stage easier: 

• Start by data collection. Leaving the technical aspects of localization aside for a moment, one should remember that the success of multilingual translation always depends on how well the original information is collected and sorted. If you deal with large data volumes and several languages at once, ensure that you start your work in advance and present it to the translator in a clear, identifiable form. Do not be afraid to add information while in progress because there may be changes that are only typical for a particular country, which is a normal practice. The key is to collect all the necessary information and present it in sorted folders or printed documents. 

• Let the localization experts study your website. It is a secret tip that most SEO specialists use in their work as they study the target markets. Let the localization specialist visit your original website and see how it works, read through it, go through every existing menu, and estimate the type of work that is expected. Such an attitude will make it easier to eliminate unnecessary processes by leaving enough time and space to ask questions and voice the concerns. Take the initiative and explain, if you feel that some concept is misunderstood. 

• Study your target audience and the foreign markets. The next step is studying your target audience in a foreign country. While it is possible to make a copy of your website in a different language, it is not always correct since the same pricing scheme or products may be unavailable in the Asian market or remote locations of the world. Therefore, some companies translate the basic info but adjust the information to meet the needs of its customers. If there are specific requirements that must be met, let the translator know by placing additional reminders. It is the essence of localization - to meet the country’s spirit and market demands. 

• Focus on socio-cultural aspects and mentality. The crucial factor that always remains relevant in any localization work or building a multilingual website is the consideration of a cultural factor. For example, if your original website is based in the USA, it will follow the American cultural model with the patterns that work for the Western audience. If the same sentences are blindly translated in Japanese or Hindi, it will make little sense or will force people to feel confused as they will try to adjust the meaning to their culture and the existing resources. The task of localization is to create a website that will feel and look right for the foreigners, showing that the website truly cares for being a respectful player in the country. 

• Proofreading and the post-testing stage. This is one of the most time-consuming stages where every little button, system message, or contact form must be checked. It is done by localization software in most cases, yet manual checking is required to ensure that every bit is correct. It is also the stage when one must check whether the existing graphics and spacings fit the words used. 

Promoting the Multilingual Website 

Give your multilingual website some social media support! A good business tip that will help you as the website is getting translated is promoting your future additions on social media or by using special campaigns that will attract the website visitors from the target countries. The quickest way to spread the message is by using the influencers that can be found on Facebook or Instagram. If you know your market well, let them help you attract the visitors. Publish the posts in your account that tell about upcoming website changes and expansion towards the international market. 

BIO 

No need to browse the Internet for hours looking for the best solutions! If you want to boost your business’s online presence, learn how to use the latest apps, or find a quality translation service, Henry knows what to do. Follow his posts to find the answers and inspiration! 

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