English Website Creation Guide: Costs, Examples, and Recommended Tools
Are you thinking about creating an English website but don't know where to start?
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the information needed to create an English-language website, up-to-date for 2024. It clearly explains specific methods for success, including not only cost rates and production procedures, but also CMS such as WordPress, translation tools such as DeepL, and SEO strategies using Google Search Console.
By introducing successful examples of BtoB and BtoC companies as well as common mistakes, we help readers avoid common pitfalls and create effective English websites.
This article will help you understand the overall picture of website development and the specific steps you need to take to successfully expand your business to English-speaking countries. Please read to the end and take the first step to expand your business globally.1. let's clarify the purpose of creating an English website
English website production is a time-consuming and expensive project. That is why it is extremely important to clarify the purpose of the project before embarking on its production. Without a clear objective, you will not be able to create an effective website, and it will not be cost-effective.
First, "Why do we need an English website?" Who is our target audience? What do you want to achieve with your English website? What do you want to achieve with your English website?
1.1 Why do we need an English website?
The reasons for needing an English website vary from company to company and business to business. Some of the main reasons include
- Expansion into overseas markets
- Capture inbound demand
- Enhancement of corporate image
- Recruitment of global talent
- Strengthen information dissemination capabilities
For example, if a company is considering expanding into overseas markets, an English website is essential to promote its products and services to local customers. Also, tourism and restaurant businesses that want to capture inbound demand can reach more foreign tourists by having an English website.It is important to clarify the specific need based on your company's business strategy, not simply because you need an English website.It is.
1.2 Who is the target?
Who is the target audience for the English website? This is also a very important point. Depending on the target, the design and content of the website, as well as the English expressions used, will vary. In order to clarify the target, the following points should be considered
- Nationality/Region
- age
- gender
- business
- interests
For example, if you are targeting the U.S. market versus the European market, you will need to consider the English language used and the cultural context.Narrowing down your target audience will help you convey your message more effectivelyEstablishing personas is also an effective way to do this.
1.3 What do you want to accomplish with your English website?
What do you want to accomplish with your English website? This is another important factor in setting objectives. By setting specific goals, it is easier to measure the effectiveness of the website and make improvements. The SMART rule is an effective way to set goals.
| (data) item | Description. |
|---|---|
| Specific | Goals must be specific and clear. |
| Measurable | Goals must be quantifiable and measurable. |
| Achievable | Goals must be realistic and achievable. |
| Relevant | Goals must be related to the business strategy. |
| Time-bound | A deadline must be set for the goal. |
For example, set goals such as "increase the number of inquiries," "increase the number of product purchases," or "increase brand awareness," and set specific numerical targets and deadlines for each.Continuously improve your website by setting KPIs to achieve your goals and regularly reviewing your progressMake use of access analysis tools and try to make improvements based on data.
2. types of English website production and cost rates
There are two main ways to create an English-language website: do-it-yourself and outsourcing. Let's take a closer look at each type and cost rates.
2.1 Create your own English website
If you create your own website, you can save money, but it requires a reasonable amount of knowledge and time. The main methods are to use WordPress or a free website creation service.
2.1.1 Using WordPress
WordPress is the world's most popular CMS and is highly flexible and SEO friendly. It also offers a wide variety of free themes and plugins. However, knowledge of HTML and CSS may be required.
Costs include domain acquisition (approximately ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 per year), server fees (approximately ¥500 to ¥2,000 per month), and the cost of using paid themes and plug-ins.
It takes some time to learn WordPress skills, but in the long run, you can run a highly functional website while keeping costs low.
Reference:WordPress.org Japanese
2.1.2 Use a free website creation service
Free website creation services such as Wix and Jimdo make it easy to create an English website. They are recommended for beginners as well, as they allow intuitive operation to add design and content. However, free plans may have limited functionality, and you may not be able to use your own domain.
There is basically no cost to operate with a free plan, but upgrading to a paid plan is required to use features such as your own domain name and ad hiding. Paid plans range from several hundred to several thousand yen per month.
If you want to create a website easily, free website creation services are recommended. However, it may be inferior to WordPress in terms of customizability and SEO.
Reference:Wix
Reference:Jimdo
2.2 Outsourcing to create an English website
When outsourcing, the cost is higher, but you can produce a high-quality website. There are two ways to outsource: hiring a production company or hiring freelancers.
2.2.1 Hiring a production company
If you hire a production company, they can handle everything from planning, design, development, and SEO. This is recommended for large websites or when complex functionality is required.
Costs range from several hundred thousand yen to several million yen, and vary widely depending on the scale and functionality of the website.
If you want to produce a quality website or are short on time, hiring a production company is recommended.
2.2.2 Hiring freelancers
When hiring freelancers, costs may be lower than when hiring a production company. However, quality varies depending on the skills and experience of the freelancer, so it is necessary to choose carefully.
The cost ranges from several tens of thousands to several hundred thousand yen.
If you want to produce a high-quality website while keeping your budget low, we recommend hiring a freelancer with a proven track record.
2.3 Approximate cost of each
Below is a summary of the estimated costs for each production method.
| Production Method | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| WordPress (self-made) | Thousands to tens of thousands of yen per year |
| Free Website Creation Service | Free to several thousand yen per month |
| Outsourcing to production companies | Hundreds of thousands to millions of yen |
| Outsourcing to Freelancers | Tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen |
The cost is only a guideline and varies widely depending on the size and functionality of the website and the vendor you request. It is important to obtain quotes from multiple vendors and compare them.
3. steps to create an English website
The key to success in English website production is careful planning and step-by-step execution. Here we explain the entire process from planning and design to operation and maintenance in five steps.
3.1 Planning and design
The first step is to clearly define the overall website structure, content, and target audience. By planning well at this stage, the process will go smoothly later on.
3.1.1 Setting objectives
Clarify the purpose of creating an English website.By setting specific goals, it is easier to measure achievement and develop effective strategies.For example, it is important to set quantifiable goals such as "increase the number of inquiries from overseas by 10 per month" or "increase brand awareness in English-speaking countries.
3.1.2 Target Clarification
Have a specific image of who you are creating the website for.By analyzing the age, gender, nationality, interests, etc. of your target audience, you can create more effective content.For example, if the target audience is 20-something women living in the U.S., it is necessary to incorporate expressions and designs that match their culture and values.
3.1.3 Content Design
Plan specific content to be posted on the website.By providing information that meets the needs of your target audience and unique content that differentiates you from your competitors, you can attract user interest and lead to conversions.For example, in addition to conveying the appeal of your products and services, you can increase user engagement by posting useful information and blog posts.
A sitemap is also created during this phase. A sitemap is a visual representation of the structure of a website and helps build a navigation system that is easy for users and search engines to understand. A sitemap creation tool can help you create a sitemap efficiently. For more informationSISTRIX sitemap generatorfor more information.
3.1.4 Domain and Server Acquisition
Obtain a domain, which will be the address of the website, and a server to store the data. Choose a domain that is easy to remember and fits your brand image. For the server, it is important to choose one with excellent stability and security. Services such as Name.com and Xserver are commonly used.
3.2 Design
Next, create a design for your website. Aim for a design that is easy for users to view and use. Make it responsive as well, so that it can be comfortably viewed on a variety of devices.
3.2.1 Creating a wireframe
Wireframes are created to determine the layout of a website and the placement of content. Wireframes are the framework of a website and the foundation of its design, and tools such as Adobe XD and Figma can be used to efficiently create wireframes.
3.2.2 Creating a Design Mockup
Based on wireframes, design mockups are created. A design mockup is a concrete representation of the look and feel of a website and is useful for checking with the client and working with the development team. Common design tools include Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
3.2.3 Responsive design support
We will support responsive design so that your website can be comfortably viewed on a variety of devices, including PCs, smartphones, and tablets. Responsive design improves the user experience because the layout automatically adjusts to the screen size.
3.3 Development and Implementation
Based on the design, we actually build the website. This process requires specialized knowledge such as coding and CMS implementation.
3.3.1 Coding
Programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are used to build websites. Coding is an important process to achieve website functionality and design; editors such as Visual Studio Code can be used to code efficiently.
3.3.2 Introduction of CMS
A CMS (Content Management System) such as WordPress makes it easy to manage and update the content of your website without any technical knowledge.
3.3.3 Database Construction
A database is built to store data for a website. Databases are an integral part of managing website content and user information; database management systems such as MySQL and PostgreSQL are used.
3.4 Testing and Release
Once development is complete, testing is performed to ensure there are no problems before publishing. Various tests, such as cross-browser testing and responsive testing, are conducted to ensure that the website is comfortable for users.
3.4.1 Cross-Browser Testing
Verify that the website displays correctly in a variety of browsers, including Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Cross-browser testing is essential because different browsers may display differently.
3.4.2 Responsive Testing
Verify that the website displays correctly on a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. Even if your website supports responsive design, actually testing it on a variety of devices can uncover potential problems.
3.4.3 Security Testing
Perform security testing to check for website security vulnerabilities; ensure proper countermeasures are in place against attacks such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
3.4.4 Public
Once testing is complete and there are no problems, the website is published. Final confirmation of domain settings, server settings, etc. will be made and the website will be made public.
3.5 Operation and Maintenance
Even after publication, the website requires ongoing operation and maintenance, including content updates, security measures, and access analysis. This will help maintain the quality of the website and ensure that it continues to provide valuable information to users.
3.5.1 Updating Content
Regularly adding new content or updating existing content will keep users engaged and improve search engine rankings. Posting blog posts, news, and other content will help keep your website fresh.
3.5.2 Security Measures
Security measures are essential to ensure the safety of your website. Protect your website from cyber attacks with regular security updates and vulnerability assessments.
3.5.3 Access Analysis
Analyze access to your website using access analysis tools such as Google Analytics. By analyzing the number of accesses and user behavior, we can find areas for improvement and operate the website more effectively.
4. recommended tools for English website development
It is important to utilize the appropriate tools for efficient English website production. Here are some recommended tools, including CMS, translation tools, and SEO tools.
4.1 CMS
A CMS (Content Management System) is a system that makes it easy to build and manage a website without specialized knowledge. Here we introduce some typical CMSs.
4.1.1 WordPress
WordPress is the most used open source CMS in the world. It is highly flexible and offers a wide variety of plug-ins to add various functions. It is also easy to support multiple languages, making it ideal for English website development.Can be used by beginners and advanced users alike.The point is attractive. The cost varies depending on the theme and plug-ins, but is generally free.
Reference:WordPress.org Japanese
4.1.2 Wix
Wix is a CMS that can be operated intuitively with drag-and-drop. A wide variety of templates are available, making it easy to create stylish websites. It is also equipped with a multilingual support function, making it suitable for creating English-language websites.Easy to use, even for beginnersThe features of the site are as follows. There are free plans and paid plans, and paid plans include the use of your own domain name and the ability to hide advertisements.
Reference:Wix
| CMS | Advantages | demerit | cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress | Highly flexible, rich in plug-ins, easy to support multiple languages | Requires some technical knowledge | Basically free (depending on theme and plug-ins) |
| Wix | Easy to operate, rich templates, multilingual functionality | Limited customizability. | Free and paid plans available |
4.2 Translation Tools
Accurate translation is essential for creating a high-quality English website. Here are some recommended translation tools.
4.2.1 DeepL
DeepL is an AI translation tool known for its high accuracy. It provides natural and fluent translation results and is useful for creating English website content.Accurate translation down to the nuancesThis is a strong point. There are free and paid versions, with the paid version allowing translation of a larger number of characters and documents.
Reference:Translated from DeepL
4.2.2 Google Translate
Google Translate is a free translation tool. It supports multiple languages and allows for easy translation.Instantaneous translation resultsTherefore, it is useful for simple translation. However, it is less accurate than DeepL, so care should be taken when translating important content. It is recommended to use it only as a supplementary tool.
Reference:Google Translate
4.3 SEO Tools
Once you have created your English website, you should implement search engine optimization (SEO) to make it accessible to more users. Here are some tools to help you with SEO.
4.3.1 Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a free SEO tool provided by Google. You can check the indexing status and search performance of your website.Search rankings and click-through rates for keywords can be analyzed.Therefore, it is an essential tool for SEO. It also helps to identify problems occurring on a website.
Reference:Google Search Console
4.3.2 Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a free tool for analyzing website traffic. Detailed analysis of user attributes and behavior can be used to improve your website.Track access counts, direct return rates, conversion rates, and more.This can be used in conjunction with Google Search Console for more effective SEO.
Reference:Google Analytics
5. success stories of English homepages
Learn what makes a successful English-language website by looking at case studies of companies that have achieved success with their websites.
5.1 Examples of BtoB companies
5.1.1 EBARA Corporation
EBARA Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of industrial machinery such as pumps, compressors, and chillers, is expanding its presence in the global market by developing a multi-lingual website.The English website in particular provides not only product information, but also corporate philosophy and sustainability initiatives.The company's sophisticated design also helps to enhance the company's image. The easy-to-read, sophisticated design also plays a role in enhancing the corporate image.
Reference:EBARA Global Site
5.1.2 Keyence Corporation
Keyence Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of factory automation (FA) sensors, measuring instruments, and control devices,English website with extensive product demonstration videos and technical documentationBy constructing a "Contact Us" form, we have succeeded in promoting customer understanding and increasing their willingness to purchase. In addition, by setting up inquiry forms in an easy-to-understand manner, smooth communication with customers is realized.
Reference:KEYENCE CORPORATION
5.2 Examples of BtoC companies
5.2.1 Ryohin Keikaku Co.
Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. sells household goods, clothing, and food products, and has developed a simple, sophisticatedly designed English website to communicate its brand image to the world.In addition to product information, there is a wealth of content that conveys MUJI's philosophy and world view.We are making our products and services available to our customers, and we are increasing customer loyalty through empathy. We also ensure that our products are localized to suit the culture and needs of each country.
Reference:unbranded good
5.2.2 Snow Peak Corporation
Outdoor equipment manufacturer Snow Peak K.K. effectively expresses its brand image, which emphasizes high-quality products and living in harmony with nature, on its English-language website.Use of many beautiful photos and video clips to visually appeal to customersThe company also focuses on community building by posting information on camp events and other activities.
Reference:Snow Peak
5.3 Key Success Factors
From these success stories, the following are some of the key points for success with English-language websites.
| point | Details |
|---|---|
| Clear target setting | Clarifying who and what you want to communicate will enable you to effectively implement content, design, and SEO strategies. |
| High-quality content | Provide useful information that meets the needs of the target audienceThis will help to gain customer trust and increase engagement. |
| Easy-to-understand UI/UX | Easy-to-use, stress-free websitewill increase customer satisfaction and contribute to higher conversion rates. |
| Effective SEO | Appropriate keyword selection and multilingual SEO can increase inflows from search engines. |
| Continuous Improvement | Utilize access analysis data, etc,Constantly improving our websiteThis will help you achieve long-term success. |
Based on these points, create and operate an English-language website that best suits your business to succeed in the global marketplace.
6. common mistakes in English website production
Even if you have gone to the trouble of creating an English-language website, a few mistakes can prevent it from achieving the desired effect. This section details some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
6.1 Unnatural translation
Unnatural translations are difficult for English-speaking users to read, and are a major factor in losing credibility. Using only machine translation often results in unnatural expressions even if grammatically correct, so be sure to have the text checked by a native speaker or proofread by a professional translator. It is also important to ensure that the wording takes cultural context into consideration.
6.1.1 Common translation errors
| mistake | explanation | workaround |
|---|---|---|
| Too direct a translation. | Replacing a Japanese expression directly into English makes it unnatural. | Change the wording to one that is appropriate for English. |
| Grammatical errors | Errors in tenses, singular and plural, articles, etc., undermine reliability. | Utilize a grammar checker or other native checking system. |
| Expression that ignores cultural context | Slang and figurative expressions can be misleading without understanding the cultural context. | Use expressions appropriate to the target culture. |
The quality of the translation is an important factor in the credibility of the website.DeepLWe recommend that you utilize a highly accurate translation tool such as
6.2 Not meeting the target
If a website is created without clearly defining to whom it is directed, it will not resonate with the target audience and will not lead to conversions. It is important to clearly define the target audience's age group, nationality, interests, needs, etc., and use content, design, and expressions that match them. For example, American English and British English may have different expressions, so it is necessary to use different expressions depending on which target audience you are targeting.
6.2.1 Key points for target setting
- Demographic attributes such as age, gender, occupation, and place of residence
- Psychological attributes such as interests, values, and lifestyle
- Behavioral characteristics such as needs, challenges, and purchasing behavior
By establishing personas, we can create a more specific image of the target audience, leading to effective website development. For more information on how to set up a detailed personaThis articlefor reference.
6.3 Insufficient SEO measures
Even if you have created a great English website, it will not be found by users unless it appears high on search engines. When targeting English-speaking users, further measures are necessary in addition to the usual SEO measures, such as selecting keywords in English, setting appropriate meta descriptions, and multilingual SEO. Search engine algorithms are constantly changing, so it is important to keep updated with the latest information.
6.3.1 Key points for SEO
- Keyword research and selection in English
- Setting up meta descriptions in English
- Multilingual SEO by setting hreflang tag
- Content SEO in English
- Google Search ConsoleUtilization of
SEO should be an ongoing process after the website is created.Backlinko's SEO GuideAlso refer to the following and take other measures based on the latest information.
7. SEO for English website
Once you have created an English website, SEO is a must for your website to be found by people around the world. By implementing effective SEO measures, your website will appear higher in search engine rankings and attract more traffic. Here we explain the important points of SEO for English websites.
7.1 Keyword Selection
The first step in SEO is keyword selection. Understanding what keywords your target audience is searching for and selecting appropriate keywords will increase your chances of appearing in search results.
7.1.1 Utilize keyword research tools
Keyword research tools are useful for analyzing search volume and competition. Free tools include Google Keyword Planner, and paid tools include Ahrefs. Use these tools to select effective keywords.
- Google Keyword Planner:Google Keyword Planner
- Ahrefs:Ahrefs
7.1.2 Consider also long-tail keywords
Long-tail keywords are keywords consisting of three or more multiple-word terms. They have the advantage of being able to target users with niche needs, and because there is little competition, it is easy to aim for higher rankings.
7.2 Multilingual SEO
If your website is in more than one language, not just English, you will need to implement multilingual SEO measures, such as setting the hreflang attribute and optimizing each language version of the page to reach the right users in each language.
7.2.1 Setting the hreflang attribute
The hreflang attribute is a tag used to clearly indicate the language and region of each page to search engines. Setting this attribute correctly allows search engines to display the appropriate page based on the user's language preference. If there is a misconfiguration, the page may not be displayed in the search results.
| attribute | Description. | Example |
|---|---|---|
| hreflang="x-default" | Specify which page to display if none of the language settings match | <link rel=”alternate” hreflang=”x-default” href=”https://example.com/”> |
| hreflang="en" | Specify English page | <link rel=”alternate” hreflang=”en” href=”https://example.com/en/”> |
| hreflang="en-US" | Specify American English page | <link rel=”alternate” hreflang=”en-US” href=”https://example.com/en-us/”> |
| hreflang="en" | Specify the page in Japanese | <link rel=”alternate” hreflang=”ja” href=”https://example.com/ja/”> |
Citation:Google Search Central Help
7.2.2 Optimization of each language version page
Each language version of the page should not only be translated, but the content should be tailored to the respective language and culture. For example, taking into account the date, currency, cultural background, etc., will make the content more natural and understandable for the user.
7.3 Content SEO
Content SEO is a measure to increase traffic to a website by providing quality content to fulfill users' search intent. Content SEO is very important for English websites as well.
7.3.1 Provide content of value to users
By providing useful information to users, you can extend the time spent on your website and increase engagement. It will also make it easier to obtain links from other websites and improve search engine ratings. Be sure to create high-quality content that meets the needs of your users.
7.3.2 Maintain adequate keyword density
Including keywords at the proper density helps search engines understand the theme of the content. However, be careful not to overstuff keywords, as this may be considered spam. Keep in mind that keywords should be placed in a natural way.
Proper implementation of these SEO strategies will improve the search rankings of your English website and bring in more traffic. Continuous improvement and hard work are the keys to success.
8. operation and maintenance of English website
Creating an English website is not the end of the process. Rather, the real work begins after it is published. Maximize the effectiveness of your website and achieve long-term success through ongoing operation and maintenance.
8.1 Updating Content
Regular content updates are very important for SEO; Google appreciates fresh, quality content. For users, constant availability of new information leads to a sense of trust in the site and increases the frequency of visits.
8.1.1 Submission of Blog Posts
Regular blog postingsis very effective in increasing SEO effectiveness. By posting keyword-conscious articles, you can increase the number of visitors coming to your site from search engines. In addition, providing useful information for users can increase engagement with the site. For example, an article could provide the latest information on an industry or explain how to use a product or service.
8.1.2 Renewal of existing content
Regular renewal of existing contentis also important. Not only does it keep information fresh, but it is also effective from an SEO perspective. For example, correcting outdated information or expressions or adding the latest data or case studies can increase the value of your content.
8.1.3 Creating a Contents Calendar
Contents CalendarBy creating a "content management system," you can update content in a systematic manner. By deciding in advance when and what kind of content will be published, you can improve work efficiency and achieve constant information dissemination.What is a content calendar? Creation Procedure, Template, and Success Stories
8.2 Security Measures
Websites are potential targets of cyber attacks. Failure to take security measures can result in information leaks or site tampering, so appropriate measures must be taken.
8.2.1 SSL Conversion
SSL-enabledencrypts communications between a website and its users, preventing data eavesdropping and tampering. SSL is also good for SEO, so be sure to implement it. Specifically, installing an SSL certificate changes the URL from "http" to "https.
8.2.2 Installation of Security Plug-ins
If you are using a CMS such as WordPress,Security Plug-inscan be deployed to enhance security measures. It has features to prevent unauthorized access and malware infection. Examples include Wordfence Security and SiteGuard WP Plugin.
8.2.3 Periodic security checks
Regular security checksto detect vulnerabilities early and take countermeasures. There are several ways to do this, including hiring a professional security company or using online tools.
8.3 Access Analysis
Using access analysis tools to analyze access to your website is essential for improving your website. By analyzing the number of accesses and user behavior, effective improvement measures can be derived.
8.3.1 Google Analytics
Google Analyticsis a free access analysis tool. It allows you to analyze a variety of data, such as number of accesses, user attributes, and incoming routes. Based on these data, you can improve content and optimize marketing strategies.
8.3.2 Search Console
Google Search Consoleis a tool for analyzing your website's performance in Google search. You can check search keywords, click rates, indexing status, and more. These data are useful for SEO.
| tool (esp. software, etc.) | Main Functions |
|---|---|
| Google Analytics | Analysis of access status (number of accesses, user attributes, inflow routes, etc.) |
| Google Search Console | Performance analysis in Google search (search keywords, click rate, index status, etc.) |
By utilizing these tools and analyzing access conditions,User Needsand conduct more effective website management. For example, by improving pages with low traffic or analyzing problems with pages with low conversion rates, you can improve the overall results of your website.
9. summary
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of English website production, from setting objectives to operation and maintenance. Creating an English-language website is extremely important for entering global markets and approaching overseas customers. However, it is not enough to simply translate a website; it is essential to create appropriate content and SEO measures tailored to the target audience.
If you want to keep costs down, you can choose to create your own website using a CMS such as WordPress or a free website creation service, but if you are aiming for high quality website creation, consider outsourcing to a production company or freelancer. DeepL and Google Translate are translation tools. While using translation tools such as and Google Translate, it is important to keep natural English expressions in mind by checking with native speakers in the end.
For SEO, utilize Google Search Console and Analytics, and aim to increase inflows from search engines by properly performing keyword selection, multilingual SEO, and content SEO. Even after publication, ongoing operation and maintenance, including content updates, security measures, and access analysis, is the key to success. Please refer to this article for effective English website production.
