Multilingual Website

Any company can have a global presence, even without physical locations in other countries. By offering a multilingual website, you can cater to users and customers in any country you wish, and establish a foothold in the global market. Expanding a successful monolingual website into a far-reaching multilingual website is quite an undertaking, and requires coordination and a tremendous amount of attention to detail, among other things. Xemion can help you expand your reach through multilingual website design.

Building and maintaining a multilingual website can be a tricky proposition. Yes, the design is, for the most part, replicated from version to version. But it must be a flexible design that will accommodate the different languages, and the nuances that go along with each in order to appropriately cater to the diverse cultures with which you’re trying to establish a rapport.

Xemion can help you with a custom design that will look at home with any language, and for many cultures. Because we offer several site design packages, you’re sure to find one that will fit your budget, and your vision for your multilingual website. Our goal is to help you communicate effectively and easily with your global users and customers. A multilingual website design must take into account the different expectations that may exist among different cultures, and offer enough flexibility to avoid turning any of them away.

Before You Build a Multilingual Website

Offering your information, products, or services to people and customers in other nations is a great way to expand your business. But before you build your multilingual website, keep a few important factors in mind:

  • Offer consistent translations – Some languages, like Spanish, differ from country to country. For example, the same words that mean one thing in Spain may mean something completely different in Mexico. Choose one version and make sure it’s consistent throughout your site. Better yet, offer more than one version of the same language.
  • Be aware of formality – Many languages use different forms of words depending on who is being addressed. There may be certain words you can use with friends and family that would seem offensive to use with someone you just met. Stick with the more formal version for your multilingual website.
  • Decide what currency to accept – Offering your site in another language will be a great benefit to your business unless the people you’re trying to cater to are unable to pay for your products and services. Be sure you’re set up to accept multiple currencies before you launch your site.

Keys to a Successful Multilingual Website

Regardless of which languages you choose to target with your multilingual website, taking these factors into account with further your site’s success:

  • Use native speakers for the content
  • Cater to multiple audiences
  • Make every version easily accessible
  • Proof carefully for errors
  • Offer multilingual customer support
  • Use a host with a good up-time record
  • Be aware of dialects and colloquialisms
  • Find a reliable Internet service provider
  • Make your site easy to navigate
  • Keep usability in mind

Take a look at these multilingual website examples to get a feel for what’s possible. If you still need more information, feel free to use our Learning Center.

When you go global, your site doesn’t have to get lost in translation. Request a quote from Xemion for a multilingual website design now.

If you’re not comfortable with our approach to multilingual website design, please contact one of our recommended partners: