How to Expand Your Small Business Using Translation Services

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Global growth? We explore how translation services can help your business reach new markets internationally.

For years now English has been the international language of choice. But, that doesn’t always work when it comes to marketing your business. The rise in technology and improvement in developing markets that prefer their own language means that UK companies need to do more to build relationships with multinational audiences.

The first step is to tackle a tricky translation. You may consider your business to cater to all markets. But, are you respectfully speaking the same language? Business translation services provide very positive results in helping businesses communicate with overseas customers and increase brand awareness.

Today’s competitive marketplace requires you to bridge the language barrier. For example, let’s take a UK business owner. Research has found that around three-quarters of British people are not able to hold a conversation in a foreign language. This ignorance will hold a business back from negotiating deals with international distributors and writing gripping marketing messages. In a recent study, it was found that £48 billion annually due to their inability (or unwillingness) to speak a foreign language.

It’s time to re-think your strategy.

Many business owners see language translation as “wasted money.” This is a detrimental error in judgement that will prevent them from achieving international growth. It’s time to consider the bigger picture. Forward-thinking business owners will recognise that translation services are an important investment that will help bring more business their way. Thinking of expanding your business to reach an international audience? Unless you have the time to learn a foreign language, as well as run your business full-time, (wishful thinking), you will need professional assistance.

Localisation

Localisation is the process of translating website content and product information to a foreign language. Although a large percentage of your site visitors will come from the United Kingdom, you will still attract international traffic. Unless you track your visitors’ every move using Google Analytics, these metrics are not always visible. With the opportunity for international readers to see your products and services, user experience needs to be flawless. Keep in mind; it’s easier to navigate a website when it’s in your language.

Here are some of the many ways translation services can be used to help your business thrive in an international market:

Increased revenue:

Right now, overseas customers are looking for a business like yours. Taking your business global will give you the opportunity to tap into that customer base. If your product receives a positive international reception, you will enjoy increased profits that can be used to re-market your business to interested customers.

Competitive edge:

 Your local competitors probably won’t have an international marketing campaign. Even if they do, who’s to say it’s supported by professional translation services. Localising your business will give you a competitive edge with marketing messages that will drive traffic and see success for your business. The language of customers is what people expect, not your language.

Better international presence:

When your site appears in international search engines and is optimised for competitive keywords, you will see a rise in brand visibility. Clever content marketing will ensure that customers understand everything about your products and services. Your international customers will thank you for speaking and/or writing in their language. It demonstrates a willingness to connect with your international audiences.

Minimise miscommunication

Don’t trip up with your translation. No matter what the marketing budget and company size (think big brands like McDonald’s), there’s always an opportunity to fall victim to spelling slip-ups. This is especially tricky when it comes to content translation. Professional translation services will ensure that you never miss a trick when it comes to communication.

Translating your website is not just about written content. Translations services will also take care of the overall aesthetics of your site from branding to functionality. They will adapt your site to account for the preferences of an international audience. It will account for fonts, colours and images to conform to local beliefs, customs, and traditions. Doing so will show respect for your audience and an understanding for the messages they expect to receive.

Professional translation services!

This article was produced in collaboration with www.intrawelt.com, a professional language translation service. Is your business looking to expand to reach a global market? If so, then Intrawelt can help your business thrive. Even if you are considering the move and would like some expert guidance, it’s worth giving them a call on 0203 6572572.

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