The benefits of Website Localization
Localization refers to the actions performed in order to modify a product to make it both usable and suitable to a target market. Website localization is therefore the process of transforming and adapting a website that was originally designed in a specific source language, and according to a specific cultural orientation, to the language and cultural orientation of the target market.
The World Wide Web, as implied by its name, can be used by businesses as a means for reaching international audiences. Companies are now becoming increasingly aware of the importance of website localization to successfully improve the approach to international customers, and increase sales.
Website localization reports various benefits. Following are the three major benefits of website localization:
Website localization helps to overcome language barriers
As an example, currently, 32% of the internet users around the world are non-native English speakers. As PC ownership and access to the internet is increasing most rapidly in countries outside of North America and Europe, this figure will increase even more. Website localization helps breaking linguistic and cultural barriers and can open doors to other continents.
Companies are now realizing the fact that English is not the only language used in the World Wide Web, which includes many, such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Hebrew, Japanese and Chinese. With the increase in the number of companies aware of the benefits of website localization, more pages are being localized to foreign languages than ever before. This means if your company?s site has not been localized yet, it will have to be playing catch up in the future.
Website localization improves credibility
If your company?s site is only in English, and the site of your competitor is in all major languages, which one will have more credibility? Localization of your website shows that you are a true international player. In addition, through the specific localization, the site demonstrates that you understand, and have value and respect for the particular country or region.
Website localization increases revenue
Potential revenue of billions of dollars, euros and pounds is lost each year due to lack of investment in website localization. It is only natural that most Internet users will feel more at ease and understand a company better if the company's information, products or services are presented in their native language. The website localization process helps you to access millions of new potential customers.
Clearly, website localization is imperative for any truly international business. Many cultural factors must be taken into account, in addition to the technical and programming elements of website localization.
For example, have cultural variations in terminology, sayings, phrases and metaphors been taken into consideration in the context of proper language translation? Has the cultural applicability of symbols, pictures, colors, graphics, and general layout been reviewed?
Website localization is a very big investment and it is important not be view it as a simple and straightforward process. In the localization of your site, in order to ensure that your site has the greatest possible impact on the target audience, make sure to get the expertise of a cross cultural communications consultancy and do not consider it as the exclusive responsibility of a website designer.
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We can help you convert your product (software, documentation, online help, multimedia, etc.) into other languages.
The Weizman Group specializes in Hebrew and Arabic, as well as FIGS (French, Italian, German, Spanish) and CCJK (Chinese, Japanese, Korean). We also handle Russian, Dutch, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, and other European and Asian languages.
For more information on our translation services, please download our profile
or contact:
www.WSL.co.il
Sagi Adiv
Weizman Group Services
www.WSL.co.il
Kibbutz Giv?at Ha-Shlosha, P.O.Box 379,
48800 ISRAEL
Tel: 972-3-9018890
Mobile: 972-54 -3286565
Fax: 972-3-9018897
wsl-info@wsl.co.il
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