Internet users are looking for a more personalized experience online. They want to read content in their own language and buy products in their own currency. Search engines are starting to take note of this and are placing greater emphasis on local content. As such, if you want to reach a global market, you’ll need to have a localization strategy. But what is localization, and how can you implement it on your website? 
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what localization is and the benefits this strategy can have when you’re trying to reach a global market. We’ll also look at a few ways to start implementing localization on your website, such as translating content and using a residential rotating proxy to test your strategies.
We’ll cover the following topics related to localization:
- What is website localization?
- What are the benefits of website localization?
- What can you do to localize your website?
What Is Website Localization?
Localization is the process of adapting current or existing content so that it appeals to a new audience. This involved translating content, changing currencies and countries mentioned and can even involve changing images or the colors used to appeal to audiences from different countries.
A recent study has shown that 72% of buyers will only purchase products from a website in their own language. If you don’t have a localization strategy when reaching out to other countries, you may be losing out on sales.
While language is one of the most important factors in localization, it isn’t the only consideration. Other elements of your website will also have to be adjusted or evaluated. For example, people in China might not understand popular phrases used in the US. Or the images used in the UK might not appeal to users from Russia. That’s why localization is so important, as it allows you to reach out to new consumers.
What Are The Benefits Of Website Localization?
While one of the biggest benefits of implementing a localization strategy is that it enables your new audience to understand your brand and products, this isn’t the only benefit. A localization strategy will make your website seem more appealing to new users. They’ll feel more comfortable as they can clearly understand the products and how they work since it’s in their own language.
Localization will also improve your local SEO, as search engines are starting to emphasize good local content. By creating good content that has been properly optimized for your new audience, you can guarantee better search result rankings and improve your overall SEO.
What Can You Do To Localize Your Website?
Website localization doesn’t have to be a complex process; there are a few simple things you can do to get started with localizing your content. The most important thing about a localization strategy is to keep your new audience in mind every step.
Translating Web Content
First, you should start by translating your website content. Many online translation tools are available, but be aware that they aren’t 100% accurate. Many of these tools rely on AI and machine learning; however, they lack the insight and understanding of a real user. This means that certain phrases or symbolism can be translated incorrectly. There are also translation services which use real native speakers to translate content that usually yield better results.
Adjusting Keyword Research
Keywords are essential for SEO; however, they also vary from country to country and even language. Even if your SEO has been optimized for your US audience, the same content and keywords won’t necessarily apply to another. You’ll have to do keyword research again for the new country you’re targeting. Using a residential rotating proxy for this will allow you to access local keywords easily as it will make it appear like you’re doing research from within the country you’re targeting.
Changing Currencies
It doesn’t help if all your content is beautifully translated and optimized for the new audience, but your currency is still set in USD. Buyers want to see product prices in their own currency, so make sure to make the necessary adjustments to provide this.
Adapting Images
Images can also be localized. If you use images on your website that have text over them, this will need to be changed. It will confuse the user if the website is in German but the image’s text is in English. When designing your website, bear this in mind so that changes can be made easily.
Testing
Testing your new website is crucial, but this can be difficult if you aren’t in the actual country. You’re likely to see the website for the country you’re accessing the internet from. As such, a residential rotating proxy can help you change your IP address to the country where you want to test your website so that you can see it as local users do.
Final Thoughts
Localization is essential for any business that wants to expand its reach to a global market. You have to consider all your new audiences, their languages, currencies and even culture to make an impact and generate leads and sales from these new avenues.
