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The success of your business depends on your customers' happiness. Make them happy, and they will return to continue their patronage, even if the business migrates elsewhere. If you're running an ecommerce website, you may be considering expanding your reach by website localization. Localizing your website involves translating your content and making it available in multiple languages. This can help you attract new customers from around the world, but it's important to do it right.
In a globalised world, businesses must reach as many customers as possible. For this reason, the localisation of online stores and platforms is incredibly helpful. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are localizing your ecommerce website.
What is e-commerce Localization?
E-commerce (electronic commerce) localization is the adaptation of an online store to the specific market of a certain country or region. This usually involves translating the store’s interface and content into the local language, as well as offering local payment methods and shipping options.
Localization can be a great way to expand your ecommerce business into new markets. It can help you reach new customers who may not be familiar with your brand or products, and it can also give you a competitive edge in local search results.
With the rise of ecommerce, it is only appropriate that the number of online shoppers worldwide rises along with it. According to statistics, as of 2021, the portion of people who prefer to shop online is at 2.14 billion (which is 27.6 percent of the global population).
The Benefits of Localizing your e-commerce Website
When you're looking to take your e-commerce business global, you need to find a platform that is both user-friendly and accessible to customers in different languages to make their online shopping experience worthwhile. A few key differentiators make an ecommerce site stand out from the rest.
One of the most important features of any ecommerce site is the availability of its pages and products in different languages. Translated webpages make it easy for customers in different countries to find what they're looking for and eliminates the need to learn a new language. Most ecommerce sites come with built-in support for international payments, so your customers can easily pay with their preferred currency. If the payment system is localised, why not also localise the content?
Another key factor when choosing an ecommerce platform is its user interface. Ideally, it should be simple and user-friendly enough for anyone, no matter their experience level. This makes it easier for you to manage your business and makes it more likely that customers will visit your website regularly and make online purchases.
When selling products online, it is equally important to take into account the different language preferences of your potential customers. It can be frustrating for potential customers to search for a product or service in their native language only to find that the website is not available in their preferred language. If your website is not localized for the specific language of your target market, you may miss out on international sales.
In a global marketplace like ours, understanding local linguistic trends is vital in helping you target the correct audience. While all businesses should have a global website in order to promote their products and services worldwide, it is especially important for e-commerce platforms to cater to local markets to increase e-commerce sales and build a loyal customer base.
As you can see, localisation is one of the most important factors for the success of any ecommerce platform. Not only must the site be accessible in every language, but it also needs to adhere to local customs and norms.
The language differences around the world can often be nuanced, which is why it’s so important to take these into account when designing your site.
Examples of Successful ecommerce Websites that have been Localized for International Markets
There are many examples of online business that have been successfully localized. Here are a few:
1. Amazon is one of the largest and most successful ecommerce websites in the world. They have localized their website for many different countries and regions, allowing them to reach a global audience.
2. eBay is another large ecommerce website that has been very successful with localization. They offer a localized version of their website for many different countries and regions as well.
3. Alibaba is a Chinese ecommerce website that has become very popular in recent years. They have localized their website for many different countries, making it easier for people from all over the world to buy and sell products on their platform.
4. Rakuten is a Japanese ecommerce website that has also been successful in localization. They offer their website in multiple languages, making it easy for people from all over the world to shop on their platform.
5. Etsy is an online marketplace that specializes in handmade and vintage items. They have localized their website into multiple languages, making it easy for people from all over the world to find and purchase unique items from independent sellers.
Current Trends in Localising E-commerce Platforms
There is no question that e-commerce platforms are becoming increasingly global, with companies like Amazon and eBay benefiting from a global reach. However, this globalisation has led to some unintended consequences for e-commerce businesses, including declining sales in certain markets. Different regions of the world have their own unique dialects, idioms, and slang. When you are working on your website, it is important to be aware of these differences. While you can write text that is understandable to everyone, it’s always best to follow the local conventions and use native words where possible. As a result, many businesses are turning to localised e-commerce site to try to recapture lost sales.
The Scale Problem
When starting an e-commerce business, one of the most important decisions is choosing an e-commerce platform. The decision can be difficult because there are many different options, and it's hard to know which one is right for you. However, if you don't choose the right platform, you may face serious problems.
If you're looking for an e-commerce platform that will allow you to reach a large audience quickly, then you should consider using a local platform. A local platform is designed specifically for small businesses and entrepreneurs, so it's perfect for businesses that want to grow quickly. Not only will a local platform allow you to scale your business easily, but it also ensures that you have built a trustworthy community of buyers who trust your products as they find them per their tastes and preferences.
To Conclude
It’s not always easy to know where to start when it comes to e-commerce platforms, but with a little research, you can find one that is perfect for your business. Localising your e-commerce platform allows you to target your customers better and increase your chances of success. By taking the time to localise your e-commerce platform, you will not only improve your customer experience but also strengthen your relationships with them. So, if you're looking for a way to increase sales and build stronger relationships with your customers, localisation may be the key for you!
If you've decided to localize your ecommerce site, then you're serious about increasing your brand exposure and reaching a large customer base. We hope this article clears all your doubts about website localization so that you can get started with it right away. However, don't be afraid to experiment, and above all, don't be afraid to start.
Want to expand your business in the global market? So, don’t wait too long. Get your website localized from us – Lingual Consultancy. We have an experience team of linguists who follow a detailed website localization process for error free translations every time. For requirements/queries drop an email at [email protected] or call us.
