Website localization tips for better ecommerce returns

Website localization tips for better ecommerce returns

Faith Ocampo Published on November 17, 2015Last updated on August 25, 2021

Brands who want to establish a global footprint should make website localization part of their strategy.

 

global ecommerce country flags around globe

According to Data Reportal, there are 4.8 billion users browsing the Internet as of July 2021. This makes up 61% of the world’s population. In the near future, we can expect this number to exponentially increase.

Internet users are composed of people from different regions of the world. This means that English isn’t the only language making up the Internet.

The 10 most widely used languages online are:

  1. English
  2. Chinese
  3. Spanish
  4. Arabic
  5. Malay
  6. Portuguese
  7. French
  8. Japanese
  9. Russian
  10. German

This makes website localization a necessity for boosting a brand’s global ecommerce reach. Aside from technical skills, successful website localization requires a full understanding of the language and cultural background of your target market. Follow these basic tips for successful website localization.

  1. Use culturally appropriate visuals

    ecommerce website localization choosing culturally appropriate images
    Localization goes beyond website translation. You have to make sure that every component of your site is personalized for your target market. This includes the photos, graphics, colors, and other forms of visuals that visitors can see on your website. At all costs, avoid using photos that may offend your customers. Researching beforehand about the cultural nuances that might affect how you use visuals will help you optimize this aspect.

  2. PDFs cannot be read by text translation tools

    Ecommerce translation tools question mark on tablet
    While there are several tools that can automatically translate your content into the language of your choice, most of these applications don’t process PDF (portable document format) files. Instead, they make use of the webpage’s source code to run the translation process. Thus, it would help if most of your content is not contained in a PDF file to make the translation process faster, easier, and more accurate.

  3. Watch out for inappropriate idioms and expressions

    ecommerce businessman covering mouth
    Localization should also consider localized expressions or colloquialisms. It’s not enough to run your online content through a translator app because these tools don’t analyze contextual meanings. As much as possible, you need to have a content specialist on your team who’s familiar with the language and culture of your target market. This ensures that your content is free of inappropriate terms, expressions, and grammatical errors. Correct translations also guarantee your copy isn’t stiff or awkward, especially when there are no direct translations for the words used.

  4. Have your website templates ready

    ecommerce website localization developer looking at UI interface
    To optimize the design of your ecommerce website, your global templates must be flexible enough to accommodate different languages. Consider the small details that come with writing in a different language, such as text direction, characters, and symbols. In addition, your templates must be applicable for multiple platforms such as desktop computers and mobile phones to enhance the user experience.

  5. Double-check site features and performance

    web developer testing ecommerce website features
    Before launching your website, make sure that everything it contains has been polished. Check your pages and their content one by one. Look for errors, assess performance, and identify the factors that could possibly prevent your customers from having a smooth online experience. Lastly, including a customer service portion that will allow website visitors to connect with you is a great addition. Ideally, the people behind this feature should be part of a multilingual call center that speaks your customers’ language.

Localizing your website will give you an advantage as you aim to capture the global market. The tips above will help kickstart your global ecommerce journey.

If you’re looking to outsource your multilingual call centre to match your website localization, Open Access BPO is your best partner. Provide 24/7 multilingual and multichannel support to your customers from anywhere in the world. Contact us today to learn more!

Faith is a digital media enthusiast aiming to become an active part of the tech world by sharing her insights. She likes to blog about everything digimarketing, technology, and social media.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
Open Access BPO
Open Access BPO14 hours ago
Among other benefits, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 monitors and reviews user-generated content to:
• ensure the safety of customers;
• combat spam and potential scams;
• prevent misinformation and fake news;
• boost user experience; and
• cultivate an inclusive community.

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀?
Explore the fascinating types of #ContentModeration shaping the digital landscape: https://buff.ly/3WR5rn5

----------
Work with our content experts to build a community where everyone feels heard and protected: OpenAccessBPO.com/get-started

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
Open Access BPO
Open Access BPO1 day ago
Preventing your customers from leaving your brand may not be as easy as it sounds, but here are 5 tips your outsourced #CallCenter's customer retention team must consider: https://buff.ly/3Nem7Sb

----------
Ensure brand loyalty with Open Access BPO's high-quality #CustomerSupport. Contact us today: OpenAccessBPO.com/get-started

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#CustomerRetention
Open Access BPO
Open Access BPO2 days ago
#CallCenter Team Leaders drive progress and ensure top-notch service for your brand's customers.

Want to unlock the secrets to becoming an extraordinary leader for your team?
Here are the 5 biggest enemies of great leadership, along with a few tips on how to be a good leader: https://buff.ly/45LagCr

----------
Partner with Open Access BPO. We have great call center agents and team leaders to guarantee your brand's growth: OpenAccessBPO.com/get-started

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
Open Access BPO
Open Access BPO5 days ago
To build a truly customer-centric organization, your #CustomerExperience team must be highly emotionally intelligent.

Here are the 5 advantages of cultivating #EmotionalIntelligence among your #CallCenter staff: https://buff.ly/43uHbcu

----------
Connect with an #outsourcing firm that can deeply connect with your customers: OpenAccessBPO.com/get-started

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#CX #CustomerSupport
Open Access BPO
Open Access BPO5 days ago
Love knows no boundaries, and this month, we celebrate the beautiful #diversity that makes us who we are. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 honors and uplifts the LGBTQIA+ community, their achievements, and their ongoing fight for equality.

Open Access BPO joins the LGBTQIA+ community in celebrating authenticity, acceptance, and love this #PrideMonth.

Let's all spread love in all of its forms! Happy Pride!

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#PrideMonth #Pride2023
#OASpeaksWithPride
#OneWithDiversity
Open Access BPO
Open Access BPO6 days ago
#FlashbackFriday: Revisit an enlightening blog post that delves into the historic Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in #LGBTQIA+ history.

Let's honor those who paved the way for progress, sparking a movement that continues to inspire change today: https://buff.ly/3C9zdd8

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#PrideMonth #InclusivityMatters
#PrideMonth #Pride2023 #PrideHistory
#OASpeaksWithPride #OneWithDiversity
Open Access BPO