The secret to success in multilingual website translation! Cost-effective professional translation services and SEO
Multilingual website translation may seem like a difficult task, but it is actually an opportunity to grow your business significantly!
Read this page to learn the secret to success in multilingual website translation. A must-see for those who want to make their products and services more accessible to overseas customers and increase sales!
On this page, we will explain the types of translation, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of machine translation, human translation, post-editing, and other types of translation in an easy-to-understand manner. In addition, we will also show you how to achieve cost-effective translations and the advantages of using professional translation services!
We'll also explain in detail how to work with SEO, so you may be able to achieve higher rankings in the search engines!
Importance of multilingual website translation
Multilingual website translation is now an essential strategy for companies aiming for the global market. As the domestic market shrinks and competition intensifies, expanding into overseas markets is a major key to growth. By making your website multilingual, you can reach out to potential customers around the world and greatly expand your business opportunities.
Expansion into global markets
A multilingual website is designed to help overseas customers understand your products and services.Powerful ToolsIt is. By breaking down language barriers, you'll be able to reach more customers and increase your competitiveness in the global marketplace. In order to successfully expand overseas, it is important to understand the local culture and business customs, and then develop an appropriate marketing strategy. A multilingual website is the first step in this process.Very effectiveIt is.
Improve customer satisfaction
The multilingual website is,Improve customer satisfactionIt also contributes greatly to If information is available in their native language, customers can purchase products and services with confidence. Also, if inquiries and support can be handled in their native language, it will help build a relationship of trust with customers and increase loyalty. Providing a comfortable website environment for customers is,Long-term business growthIt is essential to
Enhancement of brand image
The multilingual website is,Enhancement of brand imageIt is also effective for It is important for a company that is expanding globally to maintain a unified brand image around the world. A multilingual website can increase a company's credibility and improve its brand value by providing a consistent brand message in each country. High-quality translation and localization are,Establish brand imageIt's a big contribution to the
For example,JETRO's Overseas Business Q&ABut you also explain the importance of making websites multilingual for overseas expansion.
| Advantages of a Multilingual Website | Specific Effects |
|---|---|
| Expansion into global markets | Expand reach to overseas customers and capture market share |
| Improve customer satisfaction | Increase customer loyalty and repeat business |
| Enhancement of brand image | Improved corporate credibility and brand value |
Thus, multilingual website translation is an important tool for companies that want to succeed in the global marketplace.Essential InvestmentIt can be said that By utilizing cost-effective translation services and applying effective SEO strategies, you can maximize the potential of your multilingual website.
Types and Features of Multilingual Website Translation
There are three main types of multilingual website translation: machine translation, human translation, and post-editing. It is important to understand the characteristics of each and choose the translation method that best suits your company's needs. I will explain them in detail below.
Machine translation (automatic translation is amazing these days)
Machine translation is a method of automatically translating text using a computer program; Google Translate and DeepL translation are typical examples. In recent years, advances in AI technology have dramatically improved accuracy.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | demerit |
|---|---|
Low cost and speedyThis is ideal for translating large amounts of text in a short period of time. | Inability to accurately capture nuance and contextIn some cases, the translation may be unnatural. In particular, figurative expressions and slang are often not translated accurately. |
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a yearSo even if you need a translation on short notice, we can respond immediately. | Mistranslation of technical terms and proper nounsis likely to occur, and is particularly unsuitable for translations in highly specialized fields. For example, in fields such as medicine and law, mistranslations can lead to serious problems. |
Machine translation includes blog posts and news articles,When speed and cost are importantIt is suitable for However, it is not suitable for translating business documents and contracts, which require accuracy. Human checks are always required, rather than machine translation alone.
Reference:Google Translate
Human translation (catch phrases and proper nouns require native checking)
Human translation is translation performed by a professional translator. The translator accurately understands the meaning of the source text and creates a natural, easy-to-read translation. They are also able to understand nuances and context, and take into account cultural backgrounds, which is difficult to do with machine translation.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | demerit |
|---|---|
High-quality translationcan be expected. Our translators will take the intent of the source text and provide natural and accurate translations. In particular, our translators are able to understand cultural backgrounds and nuances. | High cost compared to machine translationTranslation may take some time. Also, depending on the translator's schedule, we may not be able to respond immediately. |
Responding to areas of expertiseWe can also handle We can also handle translations in highly specialized fields such as medical, legal, and technical. We can also accurately translate technical terms and industry-specific expressions. | Translator'sDifferences in quality depending on skills and experiencemay appear. Therefore, it is important to choose a reliable translation company and translator. Check their track record and qualifications. |
Human translation is,Documents that require accuracy and qualityIt is suitable for the translation of Examples include corporate websites, brochures, contracts, and business documents. Human translation is an especially good option for companies that are concerned about their brand image.
Reference:Japan Federation of Translators Associations
Post-editing (AI translation is amazing these days)
Post-editing is a translation method in which the results of machine translation are corrected and edited by humans. Machine translation produces a certain level of translation, and then the translator corrects grammar, expressions, terminology, etc. to achieve a high-quality translation. In recent years, advances in AI technology have improved the accuracy of machine translation, increasing the demand for post-editing.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | demerit |
|---|---|
Lower cost than human translationand provides a higher quality translation than machine translation. It is suitable for translating large amounts of text efficiently. | Machine TranslationLow quality takes time to correctThis can be a problem. It may also take longer than creating an entirely new text, since the meaning must be understood to some extent by machine translation. |
Reduced translation timeThe machine translation process is faster than the human translation process. Translation can be completed in a shorter period of time than human translation, since machine translation produces a certain amount of the translated text. | Translators have the skills to understand and appropriately correct machine translation outputis required. Therefore, it is important to choose translators who have received specialized post-editing training. |
The post Edit by,When both a certain level of quality and speed are requiredIt is suitable for Examples include manuals, technical documents, and news articles. It is also an effective means of ensuring a certain level of quality while keeping budgets low.
Reference:ProZ.com - Post-Editing
How to achieve cost-effective multilingual website translation
Multilingual website translation is an essential investment for companies looking to expand globally. However, translation costs are not cheap. Therefore, we will explain in detail how to maximize cost-effectiveness.
How to choose the right translation service
When choosing a translation service, do not judge by price alone,(material) quality, ,Languages Supported, ,appointed day of delivery, ,Support SystemIt is important to comprehensively consider such factors as the following. For example, if the translation is in a highly specialized field, you should choose a translation company with translators who are experts in that field. In addition, a 24/7/365 support system will enable you to respond to urgent translation requests.
| (data) item | checkpoint |
|---|---|
| (material) quality | Check ISO certification status, translator qualifications, and past translation performance. |
| Languages Supported | Check if the required language is supported |
| appointed day of delivery | Confirm that the desired delivery date can be met |
| Support System | Check the promptness and politeness of response to inquiries. |
| cost | Make sure the fee structure is clear and fits within your budget |
When selecting a translation company, it is important to request quotes from multiple companies and compare them.How to choose a translation companyto select the best translation company for your company.
Effective Communication with Translation Agencies
When hiring a translation company,Objective., ,target, ,literary styleIt is important to clearly convey the following information. For example, if the target audience is younger, the translation should be done in a casual style. Also, if there are many technical terms, providing a glossary of terms can improve the accuracy of the translation.
Further,Periodic progress checksis also important. If there are any questions or requests for correction, communicating them immediately will ensure a smooth translation process.
How to Reduce Translation Costs
There are several ways to reduce translation costs. For example,Combine machine translation with human translationThis allows us to achieve high quality translations while keeping costs down. Also,translation memoryto reduce translation costs by utilizing past translation data. In addition,early bird discountand ... andvolume discountand others may be used to save money.
Also, in the original writing phase,Sentences that are easy to translateIt is also important to keep the following in mind. For example, using concise and clear language, using less jargon than necessary, and taking cultural context into consideration will reduce the burden on the translator, thereby reducing translation costs.Google Search Centraland others to create a multilingual website that is effective for SEO.
Advantages of using professional translation services
The quality of a multilingual website can be greatly improved by utilizing professional translation services. There are many advantages to professionalism, accuracy, natural expressions, and linkage to SEO strategies. Understand the benefits of hiring a translation company to help your business succeed.
High-quality translation
Professional translation services provide high-quality translations that understand culture and nuances, not just word replacements.Highly specialized translatorsThis ensures that industry-specific terminology and expressions are translated accurately. For example, if the translation is in the medical field, a translator with specialized knowledge of medicine will be assigned to the job. This prevents mistranslations and misinterpretations of nuances, ensuring that accurate information is conveyed to the reader. High-quality translations enhance your company's credibility and contribute greatly to the success of your business.
Also,Translation Quality StandardsStandards such as ISO 17100 and JIS Z 8502, which standardize the translation process and define requirements for translator qualifications, serve as guidelines for providing high-quality translations.
Responding to areas of expertise
Professional translation services are available for a variety of specialized fields.Fields requiring a high level of expertise, such as IT, medicine, law, finance, etc.But it is possible to provide high quality translations by professional translators. For example, translations of legal documents require an understanding of legal terminology and differences in legal systems. Professional translation services have translators who are well versed in their respective fields, so you can feel confident in requesting even highly specialized content.
| field | Examples of what we can do for you |
|---|---|
| IT | Software, manuals, websites |
| medical care | Papers, medical reports, and drug information |
| law | Contracts, patent specifications, and judgments |
| financing | Financial statements, investment reports, contracts |
Natural expressions with native checking
Professional translation services include "native checking," in which the translated text is checked by a native speaker.Native checking corrects unnatural expressions and grammatical errors for more natural and readable textThe translation is then finished to the highest quality possible. Native checking is a critical step in improving translation quality. Especially for content that directly appeals to customers, such as marketing materials and websites, native checking can make the content more effective. For example, catchphrases and slogans can be brushed up with native checking to make them more natural and impressive.
Importance of native checking
Native checking is based on an understanding of cultural backgrounds, which allows for more natural and accurate expressions. For example, the Japanese phrase "regards, please" can be expressed in a variety of ways in English, but it is necessary to choose the appropriate expression for the situation. Native checking allows you to select the most appropriate expression based on cultural nuances.
Linkage to Multilingual SEO
Some professional translation services also offer multilingual SEO services.Translation with SEO in mind, including keyword research, hreflang tag settings, and creation of multilingual sitemapsto help increase access to your website from overseas. For example, keyword research will investigate keywords that are actually being searched for in the target country or region, and reflect them in the translation. In addition, hreflang tags can be set to ensure that search engines correctly recognize pages in each language and display the appropriate pages. These SEO measures are very important when creating a multilingual website. By working with a professional translation service, you can implement effective SEO measures and expand your business in overseas markets.
For example.Official Google Informationto learn how to properly set the hreflang tag.
Multilingual Website Translation and SEO
When creating a multilingual website, SEO is as important as translation. Even if you go to the trouble of making your website multilingual, if it does not appear high in search engines, it will not be found by your target users. Here, we will explain the important points of multilingual website translation and SEO.
Keyword research and localization
The first important step is to conduct keyword research in the language of the target country. For example, the word "travel" in Japanese has multiple expressions in English, such as "travel," "trip," and "journey. It is important to understand the nuances and differences in usage of each, and to select appropriate keywords. It is also necessary to localize keywords according to local culture and customs. For example, in Japan, there is the term "Otsukimi (year-end gift)," but other countries may not have a similar culture. In such cases, you may need to replace the word with an appropriate expression or add an explanation.
For keyword research, tools such as Google Keyword Planner can be helpful. Use these tools to analyze search volume and competitiveness to select the best keywords. It is also important to consider the search engines that local users commonly use. For example, Baidu is a major search engine in China.
By choosing the right keywords, you can accurately reach your target audience and increase the number of visits to your website.
For more information on how to conduct more detailed keyword research, please contactGoogle Ads Helpfor reference.
Setting hreflang tag
The hreflang tag is used to tell search engines the language and region of each page on a multilingual website. By setting this tag correctly, search engines can display the appropriate page based on the user's language preference; without the hreflang tag, users may see pages in languages they do not intend, which could lead to abandonment, right?
The hreflang tag is placed in the head tag. For example, the Japanese version of the page should be written as follows
The English version of the page should read as follows
By setting the hreflang tag correctly, you can improve the user experience and increase SEO effectiveness!
For more information on how to set the hreflang tag, seeGoogle Search CentralYou can check it at
Creation of multilingual sitemap
A multilingual sitemap is a file that communicates the structure of a website to search engines. For multilingual websites, it is recommended that a sitemap be created for each language and submitted to search engines. By submitting a sitemap, search engines can crawl and index website pages more efficiently.
The sitemap should be created in XML format. The sitemap for each language should include only pages in that language. The URL of the sitemap can also be included in the robots.txt file to let search engines know about it.
Creating a multilingual sitemap will facilitate crawling and indexing by search engines and increase SEO effectiveness.
Key Points of SEO for Overseas
In SEO for overseas, it is important to consider the culture and customs of the target country. For example, the use of color, design, and expression differs from country to country. Be sure to create a website that is acceptable to users in your target country.
| (data) item | Contents |
|---|---|
| Server Location | Placing the website on a server closer to the target country can improve display speed. |
| domain | Using a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) allows you to show that your website is country-specific to your target country. Examples: .jp (Japan), .uk (UK), .de (Germany) |
| Quality of Content | By providing high-quality, original content, you can gain the trust of users and increase SEO effectiveness. |
| local SEO | Registering with Google My Business, for example, can improve your local search rankings. |
By following these points, you can make it easier for international users to find your website and successfully expand your business globally.
For more information about overseas SEO, please contactBlog post by Kenichi Suzukifor reference.
Multilingual Website Translation Success Stories
Here I'd like to share two examples of companies that have had success with multilingual website translation.
Case 1: Ryohin Keikaku Co.
Multilingual Website Translation Initiatives for Overseas Expansion
MUJI is a well-known company that sells simple, high-quality products all over the world. They place great importance on multilingual website translation in their global expansion. As a result, they have gained high brand recognition and customer loyalty in many countries.
| Language | area | Commitment to Translation |
|---|---|---|
| English (language) | USA, UK, Australia, etc. | Localization takes into account local culture and customs. For example, we use different expressions in American English and British English. |
| Chinese (Simplified/Traditional) | Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc. | Simplified and traditional Chinese characters as well as expressions and terminology tailored to each region. Even within Chinese-speaking countries, there are differences in culture and customs, so meticulous localization is important. |
| Korean (language) | Korea | Thorough translation and checking by native translators to accurately convey the unique nuances of the Korean language. In the Korean market, accurate translation has a significant impact on brand image. |
MUJI is,Localization that respects local cultures and customsand is accepted by customers around the world. For more information.MUJI official websitefor more information.
Case 2: UNIQLO Co.
The secret to success with multilingual e-commerce sites
UNIQLO is a global company that sells high-quality, low-priced clothing around the world. They have greatly increased their sales in overseas markets by effectively utilizing a multilingual e-commerce site. The secret to their success is thorough multilingual website translation and localization.
| point | Specific Initiatives |
|---|---|
| Localization of product information | In addition to translating products according to each country's size notation and unit system, we introduce products that match the local climate and culture. For example, in cold regions, we focus on introducing products with excellent thermal protection properties. |
| Promotion Localization | Promotions are tailored to the culture and customs of each country. For example, in Muslim countries, special promotions are offered during Ramadan. |
| Multilingual Customer Support | By providing multilingual customer support, we smoothly respond to inquiries from overseas customers. This enhances customer satisfaction. |
Uniqlo is,Multilingualization of not only product information, but also promotions and customer supportBy doing so, we provide a pleasant shopping experience for customers around the world. For more informationUNIQLO official websitefor more information.
By effectively utilizing multilingual website translation, as these companies have done, they can increase their chances of success in the global marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently asked questions about multilingual website translation are answered.
What is the cost of multilingual website translation?
The cost of multilingual website translation varies greatly depending on the language to be translated, the number of characters, the specialty, and the type of translation (machine translation, human translation, post-editing). Although it is difficult to give a general market price, a general rule of thumb is that a translation from Japanese to English should cost between 10 and 30 yen per character. However, if the translation is in a highly specialized field or in a rare language, the price may be even higher. In addition, when translating an entire website, the cost will vary depending on the number of pages and amount of content.
To get an accurate cost estimate, it is important to request quotes from multiple translation companies and compare them. When requesting a quote, clearly communicate the type of document you wish to have translated, the number of words, the desired turnaround time, and the field of expertise.
| Translation Types | Quotes (Japanese to English) |
|---|---|
| machine translation | Approximately 1 yen to 5 yen per character |
| PostEdit | About 5 yen to 15 yen per character |
| human translation | About 10 yen to 30 yen per character |
Please understand that the above is only a guide and that actual costs will vary depending on the translation company and project.
For a more detailed sense of cost,Translation company fee structurePlease refer to the following information.
How long will the translation take?
Translation timeframes vary depending on the language to be translated, the number of characters, the specialty, and the type of translation. Generally speaking, translations of 2,000 to 4,000 characters per day are possible. For example, translating a 10,000-character document often takes 3 to 5 business days. However, for highly specialized fields or rare languages, it may take even longer. Also, please note that during busy periods such as the year-end and New Year holidays and Golden Week, the turnaround time may be longer than usual.
If you have a desired delivery date, be sure to mention it when requesting a quote from the translation company. Tight deadlines may result in additional charges.
If you need an urgent translation
If you need an urgent translation, some translation companies can shorten the turnaround time by paying an express fee. However, express rates are higher than regular rates, so be sure to check in advance. Also, some translation companies are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so you can rest assured that you can count on them in an emergency.
What languages are supported?
Although different translation companies can handle different languages, most translation companies can handle major languages such as English, Chinese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian. In recent years, I have also seen an increase in demand for Southeast Asian languages such as Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian, as well as Arabic and Turkish. Furthermore, some translation companies offer services in more than 100 languages!
Check with the translation company in advance to see if the language you wish to translate into is available. Also, keep in mind that rare languages may require specialized translators, so costs and turnaround time may be higher than usual. For more information on the number of languages supported, please seeMultilingual Translation Servicespages, etc. may also be helpful.
summary
Multilingual website translation is an important element in expanding into global markets and improving customer satisfaction. There are various types of translation, including machine translation, human translation, and post-editing, so it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each and choose the best method for your company.
The key to cost-effective translation is choosing the right translation service and communicating closely with the translation company. Be aware of cost savings, but also be able to reach more customers with high-quality translations.
Furthermore, multilingual website translation and SEO are inextricably linked. By conducting keyword research, setting hreflang tags, and taking other international SEO measures, you can expect an increase in the number of visitors from search engines. As the success stories show, multilingualization can lead to great opportunities for business growth. Let's translate your website into multiple languages and capture customers from all over the world!
