GTE Localize

The Importance of an eCommerce Translation Company

Posted by Ethan N. on September 22, 2023.

In today’s globalized world, eCommerce has become a significant player in the retail industry. With the rise of online shopping, businesses are reaching out to international audiences more than ever before. However, with this expansion comes the challenge of language barriers. This is where the role of an eCommerce translation company becomes crucial.

1. The Language Barrier in eCommerce

The internet has made it possible for businesses to reach customers from every corner of the world. However, while the digital landscape offers a universal platform, language remains a significant barrier. 

A study found that 75% of consumers prefer to buy products in their native language, and 60% rarely or never buy from English-only websites. This means that if your online store isn’t catering to multiple languages, you’re potentially missing out on a vast customer base.

2. What is an eCommerce Translation Service?

An eCommerce translation service is more than just translating words from one language to another. It’s about adapting your online store’s content to resonate with international audiences culturally and contextually. Here are some of the key services they offer:

  • Mobile translation: With the increasing use of mobile devices for online shopping, ensuring that your mobile app or mobile website is translated and localized is essential. This ensures a seamless shopping experience for users regardless of their language.
  • Website translation: This involves translating the entire content of a website, ensuring that it’s culturally relevant and contextually accurate. Some real brand examples that have successfully localized their websites include:
    • IKEA: The Swedish furniture giant offers its website in multiple languages, catering to the local preferences and cultural nuances of each region.

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    • Netflix: While primarily a streaming service, Netflix’s commitment to localization is evident in its multilingual website and content offerings.

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    • Adidas: This global sportswear brand has localized websites for various countries, ensuring that its products resonate with local audiences.

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  • Product description translation: It’s not just about translating the words but ensuring that the product’s features, benefits, and usage are conveyed in a way that’s relevant to the local audience. In this way, the customers can easily understand and learn more about product functionality that drives their purchase demand higher. 
  • User review translation: User reviews play a crucial role in influencing purchase decisions. Translating these reviews ensures that potential customers, regardless of their language, can understand the experiences of previous buyers.

3. Why eCommerce Translation Matters

  • Enhanced User Experience: A multilingual website offers a more personalized user experience. Customers are more likely to spend time on a site and make a purchase if they can understand the content.
  • Increased Sales: As mentioned earlier, a significant percentage of consumers prefer shopping in their native language. By catering to this preference, businesses can tap into new markets and increase their sales.
  • Building Trust: When a business makes an effort to communicate in a customer’s native language, it builds trust. It shows that the company values its international customers and is willing to cater to their needs.
  • Staying Competitive: As more businesses go global, offering a multilingual website is becoming the norm rather than the exception. To stay competitive, businesses need to ensure they’re catering to a global audience.

4. Benefits of Hiring an eCommerce Translation Company

The decision to hire a professional eCommerce translation company comes with a plethora of advantages. Here are some of the most compelling ones:

  • Cost-Effectiveness: While it might seem like an added expense initially, hiring professionals can save businesses money in the long run. Mistakes in translation can lead to misunderstandings, lost sales, or even legal issues. A professional translation company ensures accuracy, reducing the risk of costly errors.
  • Speed and Efficiency: eCommerce translation company has the tools, technology, and teams to handle large volumes of content quickly. This means faster time-to-market for businesses looking to expand internationally.
  • Continuous Translation Solutions: The world of eCommerce is dynamic, with new products, reviews, and content regularly added. A professional translation company can offer continuous solutions, ensuring that all new content is promptly translated and consistent in quality.

5. How to Choose the Right eCommerce Translation Company

Selecting the right partner for your translation needs is crucial. Here are some tips to guide your decision:

  • Experience in Your Industry: Ensure the company has experience in translating for your specific industry. This ensures they understand the jargon, nuances, and specifics of your business.
  • Quality Assurance Processes: Check if the eCommerce translation company has a robust quality assurance process in place. This ensures that translations are not only accurate but also culturally and contextually relevant.
  • Technology and Tools: Modern translation companies leverage technology for better accuracy and efficiency. Check if they use translation memory tools, machine translation, and other advanced technologies.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials: Look for reviews and testimonials from other businesses. You can read on some of the B2B review platforms such as GoodFirms, ProZ, etc. This can give you insights into the company’s reliability, quality of work, and customer service.
  • Flexibility and Scalability: As your business grows, your translation needs might increase. Ensure the eCommerce translation company can scale its services to match your growing requirements.

6. Conclusion

In the ever-expanding world of eCommerce, the importance of effective communication cannot be emphasized enough. Language barriers, if not addressed, can become significant roadblocks in a company’s path to global success. By hiring a professional eCommerce translation company, businesses can ensure they communicate effectively with their global audience, offering them a seamless and personalized shopping experience.

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s not just about selling a product but about offering an experience. And a significant part of that experience is the ease and comfort with which customers can interact with your online store. Investing in professional translation services is a step towards building a global brand that resonates with customers from all corners of the world.

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