In today’s digital world, your website is often the first interaction people have with your brand. But here’s the catch – above 70% of Internet users prefer to browse websites in their native language. If your website is only available in English, you are missing out on a huge audience that could become your next loyal customers.
What is website translation?
Website translation is the process of converting your website content – pages, blogs, product descriptions, menus, and even SEO metadata – into different languages. It’s not just about translating word for word, but adapting your message so that it feels natural and relatable to your target audience.
Benefits of translating your website
✅ Reaching a wider audience – Make your brand accessible in multiple countries.
✅ SEO improvement – Higher rankings in local search engines with translated keywords.
✅ Improving the user experience – People trust content and are more engaged when it speaks their language.
✅ Increasing sales and… conversions – Customers are more likely to buy if the product information is in their native language.
✅ Build global trust – Translation shows respect and inclusion for diverse cultures.
Types of website translation
- Manual translation (professional human translators)
- Best for accuracy and cultural relevance.
- Ideal for marketing, blogging, and brand messaging.
- Automatic translation (artificial intelligence/plugins)
- Fast and economical.
- Works well for large websites with frequently updated content.
- Hybrid approach
- Combine machine translation for speed with human editing for quality.
Best practices for website translation
- Choose the right plugin/tool – Options like WPML, TranslatePress, or Weglot are popular for WordPress.
- Location matching, not just translation – Adjust images, currencies, and even date formats.
- Remember SEO – Translate meta titles, descriptions, and search solutions for better visibility in search.
- Maintaining consistency – Using a style guide to maintain a consistent brand tone and voice across all languages.
- User experience testing – Testing navigation, menus, and… forms in each language version.
Final thoughts
Website translation is no longer optional – it’s a growth strategy. By breaking down language barriers, you not only increase your reach but also create deeper connections with your global audience. Whether you run an e-commerce store, a portfolio site, or a corporate website, investing in translation can set you apart from the competition and help your business thrive internationally.
