Multilingual websites

When building websites in multiple languages there are a variety of challenges - technical, translation and your business processes being some of them. Whilst translation is the obvious challenge, the others are also signficant barriers. We will discuss the factors with you but some prominent ones are below.

 Technical

This encompasses factors such as ensuring that the correct character encoding is specified by the website to the actual way the site is built. How can new pages be added? Is the site flexible to deal with the addition of an unlimited number of pages in different languages or will a designer need to be involved in expanding the site?

What about the design of the site? What about the direction of text? Some text will need to be set as right-to-left for example if it is arabic. This will require technical input.

We are aware of the technical factors associated with multiple language websites and will be able to meet your technical requirements.

 Translation

There are two factors associated with the translation of your pages - localisation and optimisation. Localisation relates to the quirks of language that only a native speaker will understand. It is possible to use online translation such as that provided by Google and whilst these may be able to provide a rough translation, any site that relies upon this method of translation will end up with some strange content.

Optimisation relates to SEO. Terms and phrases that are key in one language may not translate directly in another language. Ideally, the help of a native speaker will be needed again.

 Business processes

Right, you have provided content with the help of a native speak but how are you going to update your website? If you are short of resources maybe you will create translation perfect pages but then only update the pages of one language so that the other pages will at the very least act as a hook for search engines in a different language. Whatever your business constraints, we will be able to work with you to provide a satisfactory solution.

 Cultural sensitivity

Color is an important aspect of any website and the choice of colors will depend on whatever product or service you are selling. However, we will attempt to advise you on what the colours may represent to those from different cultures.

Content Management Systems

Fresh content will keep your visitors coming back and also allow your business website reflect your ever changing business needs. Our CMS puts the control in your hands.