What’s the difference between website translations and other types of translations? Lots, but the biggest differences have to do with search engine optimization (SEO) and mobile readiness.
SEO is just what it sounds like: optimizing a website so that search engines like Google and Bing can properly rank it. Ultimately, SEO plays matchmaker. It connects users (your potential clients) with the most appropriate, highest-quality websites for their search. For example, if someone Googles, “English to Japanese business proposal translation,” there’s a reason websites pop up in certain order: SEO.
Mobile readiness is making sure your website works for any and all mobile devices. It makes sense, since 2015 is also the year in which mobile users surpassed desktop/laptop users. Mobile readiness plays a factor in SEO, and as of 2015, Google (and likely many other search engines) has officially stated that websites without mobile readiness may get dinged with manual penalties. A manual penalty can knock your website’s ranking down, and in some severe cases might remove websites from Google search results altogether.
What Do I Need to Do?
Now that you know you need not only certified, quality translations but also SEO savviness and mobile readiness, you might feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry. Here’s what you need to make your website, translated in as many languages as you like, appease Google search engine algorithms:
1. No duplicate content:
Duplicate content is a huge SEO no-no, but fortunately translations don’t count. Duplicate content is only text copied and pasted in the same language. If you want to have multiple versions of your website in many languages, such as a .com in English and a .fr in French (with no copying and pasting between the two) that’s okay by SEO best practices.
2. Consider an app:
One big part of mobile readiness is having an app, ideally one that’s localized if you’re reaching out to demographics in other countries. It’s not a requirement, but it can be a great help to your SEO and your clients. Trust only a certified translator skilled in app localization to take care of this task.
3. Responsive design:
Here’s another tech term that’s just what it appears to be. It’s a means of designing a website so it responds well no matter what platform or device is used. This can be tricky in some languages, such as Mandarin, where the layout of the characters is very different than English. A poorly designed website will drive away customers and may get you dinged. Again, a localization expert and translator can keep you in the clear.
When it comes to websites, translation means a lot more than sounding native and being culturally sensitive. Rely on Verbatim Solutions for full website translation options so you can reach your global audience on the platform they prefer.
