If part of your audience lives abroad and speaks another language, creating a multilingual website is an easy decision. But even if you are active only in your home country, a translated website can boost your business.
You can expand your target audience by translating your website into one or two major languages. Besides, you can significantly improve your ranking on Google.
Why opt for a multilingual website?
One reason to translate your website is that many countries have people who don’t (yet) speak the country’s language. For example, students, ex-pats, and refugees. Chances are that some of them are interested in what you have to offer, if only they could read your content.
If so, with a multilingual website, you increase the chances that they will head your way. Whether they’re looking for a product or information, people prefer to shop in their own language.
In a survey, most respondents indicated this is even more important than the pricing of products. What’s more, a well-structured multilingual site not only widens your audience but also improves your position in Google. That’s because someone leaves an easy-to-read website less quickly, which Google sees as a quality sign. And this can result in higher rankings.
Things to check before you start translating your website
- Consider if you want to reach a language group (multilingual) or a country (multi-regional). More about the differences later on.
- Perform keyword research in the target language.
- Choose a translator with experience and an affinity for your industry.
- Consult with your translator about the appropriate balance between SEO targeting and your website’s tone of voice.
Starting with the right choices and proper preparation saves you time and trouble later on. Moreover, it will make it easier for foreign speakers to find your translated website.
Your multilingual website and SEO
A multilingual website requires multilingual technical SEO (search engine optimization). This way, you prevent Google penalties for duplicate content. You can also ensure that Google directs your visitors directly to the right language.
Professional help in setting up your multilingual website ensures proper implementation, avoiding common pitfalls such as duplicate content penalties and incorrect language targets.
First, determine whether you need a multilingual or a multi-regional website (or a combination). What is the difference?
A multilingual site offers content in different languages and targets, for example, English speakers worldwide. In contrast, a multi-regional site focuses on geographical locations, for instance, French and German speakers in Switzerland.
With the right technical settings, you ensure that your Swiss visitor reaches your site directly in his language. Or that English speakers will find your English content, regardless of their location. More about the differences between multilingual and multi-regional sites and the choices that come with them can be found in this Google article.
Elements of a multilingual SEO strategy are:
- Domain structure
- Language tags (hreflang elements)
- Geotargeting
Starting with the right choices will save you unnecessary work. WPML is the translation plugin that provides all these options, which you can fully adapt to your situation. And most importantly, WPML gives you complete freedom in choosing your translation method.
Are you considering translating your website? Or are you ready to get started?
I can assist you in making the right choices for your multilingual website and offer the professional help you need:
- Ensuring accurate translation and localization
- Proper integration of translations into your website
- Implementing technical SEO for multilingual sites
- Managing ongoing updates and maintenance
Comprehensive website translation and localization services for global business growth
Sometimes, people are reluctant to make their site multilingual. But don’t hesitate — I provide translations, SEO optimization, and technical setup for various websites, and I am happy to help you.
So, do you want a well-structured, well-designed, multilingual website? Do you want to target a wider audience and make it easier for visitors to find your site? Get in touch today!
