Do you remember the business world before the internet? Businesses had limited opportunities and resources to reach out to foreign markets. It was difficult to get new customers in different countries—but with the internet, all that changed. With eCommerce, companies can now sell their products or services across borders, reaching more customers daily.
The business can use the internet’s full potential only through translation and localisation. While with an English-only website, businesses can only reach customers in English-speaking countries, with translation and localisation, they can reach a much larger audience. But the benefits are not only the increase in target market size. There is so much more!
Let's see some numbers
A study conducted by Common Sense Advisory showed that enterprises that prioritised translation initiatives saw a 50% higher chance of new revenue growth than the rest of their Fortune 500 counterparts in 2011. The same study also observed that companies that effectively communicated with and maintained relationships with their partners using translation and localisation saw an impressive boost in revenue and profits. On average, the revenue was 2.67 times higher. Such positive results suggest that to acquire tremendous success in terms of growth opportunities; businesses should primarily focus on fostering strong business ties.
Another 2014 study by Common Sense Advisory found that 75% of customers prefer to purchase from a website in their native language. Mind you, all these stats are about a decade old when the pandemic was not even expected. The pandemic increased the reach of the internet exponentially.
Shopping habits have dramatically shifted, with nearly half (49%) of all consumers worldwide now opting for online purchases more than ever before because of the pandemic. The frequency of shopping online surged as well – 36% of consumers now shop online weekly compared to 28% before. Now imagine this increased number of users having the ability to access everything in their native language!
Impact of translation and localisation on businesses
Market reach
Do we need any more proof? Those numbers reveal the power of translation and localisation in expanding your market reach. Take the example of a country like India or a continent like Europe where different regions speak different languages. In India, the regional language-speaking population is more than the English-speaking population. Similarly, in Europe, almost every country has one or more languages being spoken. But an English-only website is bound to attract customers from majorly English-speaking countries.
By investing in good quality translation, businesses can reach customers across the globe and tap into these untapped markets for growth opportunities. Whether it’s translating your website for global customers, marketing materials to reach local readers more effectively, or even important business documents, translation and localisation can help your business reach and engage a much wider audience.
Increase brand loyalty
Consumers are choosing to purchase from websites in their native language because they feel more comfortable buying something from a site that is written in their language. But beyond just making them feel comfortable, translation and localisation can also create a sense of trust and familiarity between your brand and customers, resulting in higher profits and more revenue growth opportunities.
When customers enjoy the shopping experience and customer service in their native language, they are more likely to buy from a company again and recommend it to others. Thus, excellent translation and localisation are critical for any business looking to grow in this rapidly-changing social and economic climate.
Better global partnerships
When businesses expand or go global, they will not just be communicating with their customers in other countries. There is a need to reach out and establish strong business partnerships with partners from different cultures and markets. Imagine trying to communicate with your business partners in a foreign language – you are bound to face some communication barriers and misunderstandings.
With the use of translation and localisation, businesses can reach out to their global partners more effectively, allowing them to build stronger relationships for mutual success.
Managing international teams
We have seen an enormous increase in work-from-home culture because of the pandemic. This has enabled companies to hire talent from all across the world. The resulting reduction in cost because of cheaper labour and saving office space expenditure has been remarkable!
However, managing these teams can be difficult when you are working across different time zones, diverse cultures and different languages. Translation and localisation thus become key for companies trying to manage international teams. By enabling their global employees to communicate with each other effectively, businesses can help ensure that all team members are kept up-to-date and productive, regardless of location.
Availability of quality translation and localisation services
The best part is that it’s easy now than ever before to find quality translation and localisation services. All you need to do is search the internet for translation and localisation services to be bombarded with options. Whether you’re looking for website translation or document translation, there is always a service provider that can fulfil your needs quickly and easily.
For example, Translate by Humans provides professional translation services and localisation services in over 180 languages across the world. We not only have translators with language expertise but also industry expertise, making us well-suited for any business looking to grow and succeed in this global landscape.
So, as you can see, translation and localisation are vital for businesses to succeed in today’s globalised world. Whether it’s expanding your market reach by reaching out to new customers or growing your business through strong international partnerships, the power of language is undeniable. So why not invest in high-quality translation services today?
