Thinking about internationalizing your online store? Your next important decision will be determining in which languages you want to present your product. But just how do you choose the languages for your e-commerce business? Let's take a look at four criteria you can use to make the best decision for your company.
What language should you translate your website into?
Okay, your online store may offer the best service, but that's not enough if you want to sell more and better abroad. You need to communicate in other languages if you want to conquer new markets. The text on your home page, the posts on your blog, the descriptions of your products, etc. All your content needs to be geared towards your target customers. Choose the language based on these criteria:
1. GO FOR THE MOST COMMERCIAL LANGUAGE
English is the most widely used language on international sales platforms. Not only is it the lingua franca of the business world, it is also many persons’ second language. Even many who don’t speak it understand basic terms. It's a safe bet for success.
2. CONSIDER THE WORLD’S MOST SPOKEN LANGUAGE
Did you know that one of every six people speaks Chinese? It is the most spoken language on the planet. What's more, China ranks first in sales through mobile devices in the list of major markets. Think about it!
3. TAKE A LOOK AT THE OTHER MAJOR MARKETS FOR ONLINE SALES.
The US and UK finish second and third behind China in terms of online sales. But what other countries are the next most successful? Japan, Germany, France, and South Korea. So consider these options if you’re thinking about translating your content to other languages.
4. DON’T OVERLOOK YOUR SECTOR
The type of products or services you offer also play an important role in your decision. Are you a tourism business? You might think about Japanese and Russian. Not only are theirs the most frequent travelers, they also spend the most.
Other tips for translating your virtual store
Is your budget limited, and you don't want to leave Europe? If so, in addition to English, choose German and French, two popular languages on the continent. But don't forget Portuguese and Italian. When it comes down to it, these two countries are culturally similar to Spain, and potential customers are likely to identify with your products.
Whatever you decide, place your trust in the hands of expert translators, because not just anyone can make sense of the services you offer in another cultural context. Remember that free machine translators can leave you in a messy situation, and your company's reputation is determined in part by how you communicate with potential customers.
As we mentioned, English and Chinese are two of the most recommended languages for e-commerce. On the other hand, you need to study your product to determine which language your target customers use to express themselves. What are you waiting for? Open your virtual platform to the world!
