If you want to take your online store to the next level, you need to start thinking about localization. What does it mean? Basically, localization is the process of translating and adapting your content to specific markets/customers, e.g. by selling in the native language and currency. To make it more relevant for a certain target audience.
The e-commerce market today is more competitive than ever. In order to succeed, you need to localize your store. It’s not enough to just offer your products and services in your own native language anymore. To tap into new markets and reach a wider audience, you need to start thinking about localization.
Localization can be a daunting task, but it’s well worth the effort. Not only will it help you reach a wider audience, but it will also lead to more conversions. In this article, we’ll explain why localization is so important for e-commerce and give you some tips on how to get started.
What is localization?
Localization is the process of tailoring a product or service to a specific market. This can involve everything from translating content to fitting the product images to local customs and culture. It is often crucial to the success of an expanding business in a new market.
There are many factors to consider when localizing a product or service. Who are the target audience, what language do they speak, and what currency do they use are the key factors!
Despite the challenges, localization is a critical part of any global business strategy. By localizing an online store, businesses can reach new customers’ markets, and ultimately, grow their turnover & sales.
Why is it important for my online store?
Why is localization important for online stores? There are a few reasons. First, it helps you reach a wider audience. By providing local languages to your store. Especially when translating into multiple languages. (Translate upto 20 additional languages with langify) Secondly, it helps stores to build trust. Customers feel more comfortable and are open to buying, when they see the store cares about localization and translation of their content into native languages. Naturally, with a reach to a wider audience and trust from customers, stores see higher sales growth.
How can you get started?
Getting started with localization can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. There are several steps you can take to get started:
First Steps:
- Identify your target markets
- What languages do your target audience speak?
- Optimize content like product descriptions and search terms for local audiences.
Next Steps:
- Translate all texts and images accurately.
- Offer local currency & payment.
- Analyze traffic and interaction.
There is a lot that goes into the success of localizating and maintaining a store in multiple languages. Luckily, there are several Shopify apps ready to help you every step on the way to localizing your store(s). langify was the first translation app on Shopify since 2013. With our excellent app, you can get started stress-free with translating your store to reach a wider audience.
Why is langify most recommendable among the many options? Price, Functionality and App integrations. One price, full service! langify offers only one monthly plan of $17.50 with full functionality and all features included. Translate into 20 additional languages and bring translated images to your store. langify is also integrated with many apps on the Shopify App market making it easier to translate app content.
What are the benefits of localization for your online store?
By now, you may be wondering if localization is right for your own e-commerce business? It depends on your business. Are you selling internationally and/or in a country with 2 or more languages, e.g. Canada. Then you need to consider translations.
The top reasons are obvious: Increase turnover & sales, by reaching new customers to maximize your conversion rate and profit. Increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, and greater brand awareness are only some benefits. Talking to your customers in their native language helps you to tap into new markets and reach whole new buyer segments. If you intend to expand your online store, localization is definitely something to consider. Here the top 5:
1. Expand your reach to new markets
2. Enhance your customer’s shopping experience
3. Boost your SEO and visibility
4. Increase your conversion rate
5. Gain a competitive edge in your industry
The benefits are obvious, though it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits before deciding on a certain strategy.
Optimize your SEO – rank higher with Localization
If you’re trying to reach a global audience, localization can be your best friend to target the right customers.
When you localize your content, you’re essentially creating multiple versions of your site. Which are targeted to specific regions and/or languages. This not only helps you reach a wider audience, but also to ultimately improve the final “Search Engine Result Page” (SERP).
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re localizing your site. Find the correct target keywords for each region and/or language. Further, make sure that your website’s design is responsive and can be translated correctly into the different languages. Check out our guide to International SEO
Localization is a great way to reach a global audience for expanding businesses to boost sales
“Love is the attempt to form a friendship inspired by beauty”
- Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 – 42 BC)
Take Advantage of Local Trends
As a business owner, it’s important to stay up-to-date on local trends. By understanding what’s popular in local areas, you can better tailor your products and services to meet the needs of your customers. As well as for specific marketing and advertising efforts, to make this most efficient.
For example, let’s say there’s a new fashion, food or lifestyle trend sweeping a country. You could use this trend to your advantage by offering a new product line in your store, specially tailored to it. Or by featuring the trend in an advertisement somehow.
No matter what business you’re in, there are always opportunities to take advantage of local trends. And if you don’t do it, someone else will… Keep your eyes and ears open, and you’re sure to find ways to use trends to boost your business. Understand local markets and identify opportunities.
What’s Next?
That is up to you! Act globally and think locally. Establish a local presence, rank higher in local search results to boost your business to the next level. It’s a worthwhile effort that pays off in the long run.
Author: This is a guest post by our Shopify Partners, Langify.
