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Making a Website Bilingual: Why It Matters

by | Feb 6, 2025 | More Traffic, SEO, Web Design Best Practices

Have you ever used a browser’s built-in translator and found the results… confusing? You’re not alone! Many people trust Google Translate or other automatic tools to read websites in different languages. But these tools often get things wrong. That’s why making a website bilingual the right way is so important.

Why Browser Translators Fail

Most browsers today have built-in translators. They seem helpful, but they don’t always work well. Why? Because language is more than just words. It includes culture, expressions, and meaning. Automatic translators can make big mistakes that confuse visitors.

Funny and Embarrassing Mistakes

Here are a few ways browser translators can go wrong:

  • An e-commerce site wanted to say “Add to Cart” in another language, but the translation read “Throw in the Basket.”
  • A travel booking website meant to display “Check Availability,” but the translated version read “Verify Existence.”
  • A food delivery service tried to translate “Order Now,” but the phrase turned into “Command Immediately.”
  • A fashion store’s website tagline “Style for Everyone” was incorrectly translated to “Fashion Belongs to No One.”

These mistakes make people laugh, but they also make businesses look unprofessional. If the translation is wrong, people may not trust the company or feel undervalued and unappreciated and will take their business elsewhere.

The Benefits of a Bilingual Website

A properly translated website is much better than using a browser’s automatic tool. Here’s why:

  1. Better Customer Experience – People feel more comfortable when they can read your site in their own language. They stay longer and are more likely to buy from you.
  2. More Trust and Credibility – A well-translated site shows that you care about your audience. It looks professional and welcoming.
  3. Higher Search Rankings – Search engines like Google rank websites higher when they serve users in their own language.
  4. More Sales and Leads – If customers can understand your offers clearly, they are more likely to take action.

How to Make a Website Bilingual the Right Way

Now that you know why it’s important, how do you do it? Here are the steps:

  1. Choose Your Languages – Think about the demographic that have in your area.  What language do you need to add to your site to help them understand you and your services?
  2. Use Professional Translation – Don’t rely on free tools or AI!  They aren’t good enough yet.  Hire a professional or hire a design agency that has people who can handle this.  For example, we have a native Spanish speaker on our team who does our Spanish translation.
  3. Keep Cultural Differences in Mind – Some words or phrases don’t make sense in other languages. A professional translator knows how to adjust them.
  4. Make It Easy to Switch Languages – Add a clear button on your website for visitors to change languages quickly.
  5. Check Your Translations Regularly – Languages evolve. Update your content as needed to keep it accurate.

The Bottom Line

Making a website bilingual the right way is worth it. It helps businesses reach more people, build trust, and avoid embarrassing mistakes. A browser’s built-in translator is not enough. If you want to connect with more customers, invest in professional translation. Your audience will thank you!