Why the meteoric rise of the importance of web translation?  Because the majority of the world’s population does not speak English.  Where do you turn for help?  There are a couple of places to look for external guidance in getting started with web globalization efforts. I caution you to work with a firm that has a proven history of success in adapting Web sites for international markets (Get references!) and understands the key roles that database-driven Web sites and dynamic architecture play in web globalization. Each firm takes a different approach to web globalization. Some offer software solutions in the cloud (something we haven’t covered here but need to be aware of the emerging presence of), while others don’t. Find out what the firm does, how it does it, and how much it will cost. For the layperson, this can be a complex process, but for a firm that has vast experience, it’s a walk in the park. Don’t forget your primary focus before you dive in: know your audience because you are about to get even closer to them!

Web Globalization Service Providers

Here are ten service providers I culled from a variety of sources:

1. Eriksen Translations: http://www.eriksen.com/. Eriksen provides translation, interpreting, typesetting, project management, web localization, and cultural consulting in over one hundred languages.
2. Globalization Partners International (GPI): http://www.globalizationpartners.com. GPI provides Web site translation, documentation translation, and software translation.
3. Hewlett-Packard’s Application and Content Globalization (HP ACG): http://www8.hp.com/us/en/business-services/it-services.html?compURI=1079061. HPACG provides language solutions for applications and content.
4. InWhatLanguage:  http://www.inwhatlanguage.com.  Translates websites, documents, software and multimedia in more than 160 languages and 120 countries.
5. LanguageLine Solutions: http://www.languageline.com/. LanguageLine offers interpretation, translation, and localization services.
6. Lionbridge: http://www.lionbridge.com. Lionbridge provides translation, online marketing, global content management, and application-testing solutions.
7. SDL International: http://www.sdlintl.com. SDL delivers an integrated localization solution and translation services to connect with customers worldwide.
8. Translations.com: http://www.translations.com. Translations.com specializes in a variety of Web site translations, including specialization in legal, patent, certified, and software translations.
9. Welocalize: http://www.welocalize.com. Welocalize specializes in both translation services and analyzing cultural characteristics to ensure that a company’s web offerings are more accessible worldwide.
10. TransPerfect: http://www.transperfect.com/. TransPerfect provides language services and translation-related technologies for companies ranging from small businesses to global enterprises.

Your Web site is oftentimes the first and strongest impression visitors have of you.  If you want international customers to find you, stay longer on your Web site, and buy something from you, then create content that is communicated in their native language.

This article has been adapted from Laurel’s book, “Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably” published December 2013 by Apress.