Askly CEO & Founder
So, you’ve conquered your local market and are eyeing global domination. But how do you reach customers who don’t speak your language? The answer isn’t hiring an army of translators—it’s creating a multilingual website that speaks directly to your diverse audience. Let’s dive into how you can make this happen.
Expanding your website’s language offerings isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic move that can skyrocket your growth. Here’s why:
According to CSA Research, 76% of online shoppers prefer to buy products with information in their native language. Think about it—would you purchase a high-value item if you couldn’t fully understand the details?
Not all pages are created equal. Start by identifying which pages matter most to your target markets.
Remember, quality over quantity. It’s better to have fewer pages translated well than an entire site that’s poorly localized. Start with your core offerings and expand as you see results.
Translation is more than swapping words—it’s about resonating with your audience.
For example, a thumbs-up gesture is positive in most cultures but offensive in some Middle Eastern countries. Similarly, a marketing campaign emphasizing individual achievement might resonate in the US but fall flat in collectivist societies like Japan or China.
Don’t let technical hiccups derail your multilingual rollout.
Consistency is key. Visitors should feel at home no matter which language they choose, with only culturally-specific elements changing.
If users can’t find your language options, all your hard work goes down the drain.
According to multilingual website design best practices, an accessible language switcher significantly improves user engagement and reduces bounce rates.
You want your multilingual site to be found, right? SEO isn’t one-size-fits-all when it comes to different languages.
Check out this guide on localization SEO for multilingual websites for more details on how to ensure your site ranks well globally.
A slow website is a universal turn-off.
Fast and responsive sites not only please users but also rank better on search engines. In markets like Japan, site speed expectations are extremely high, while in regions with slower internet infrastructure, lightweight pages are essential.
Steer clear of these pitfalls to ensure a smooth launch.
For more on what not to do, read about common mistakes when building a multilingual website.
Make it easy for users (and search engines) to navigate your site.
This not only enhances user experience but also boosts your SEO efforts by creating a cohesive website structure that search engines can easily understand and index.
Launching a multilingual site is half the battle. Providing top-notch customer support in multiple languages seals the deal.
That’s where Askly comes in. With real-time translation and support for over 100 languages, you can break down language barriers without breaking the bank. Imagine handling customer inquiries from Tokyo to Toronto with your existing team—no additional hiring necessary.
Going multilingual is a significant step toward global growth. By strategically planning your content, optimizing for SEO, and enhancing user experience, you set your business up for international success. And with tools like Askly, you can extend that seamless experience to customer support.
Ready to unlock new markets? Start today, and watch your global footprint expand. Your competitors won’t know what hit them.
Need help choosing the right platform? Check out the best multilingual website builder to get started.
About the author
Askly CEO & Founder
Sandra Roosna is the founder and CEO of Askly, a multilingual customer support platform for e-commerce. With a background in international business and experience from Y Combinator’s Startup School, she built Askly to help online stores improve customer communication across Europe.
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