We’ve partnered with Tamebay to bring you a 10-part video series on how to expand your e-commerce business abroad. In this video, let’s take a look at 4 things you should pay attention to when translating your listings:
Translation vs. localisation
There is a subtle but important difference between translation and localisation. Whereas translation is simply the conversion of text from one language to another, localisation is the adaption of listings to better appeal to your target audience or culture. As an e-commerce seller, you can translate your listings in a number of ways. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons:
#1 Machine Translation vs. Human Translation
On the plus side, machine translation is cheap and immediate. On the downside, as good as machine translation is nowadays, it can’t account for the specificity of most sellers’ items. The more technical and detailed your products are, the less you should consider automated translations.
#2 General Translation vs E-commerce Translation
Like in any industry, there are differences in quality and specialisation.
When it comes to quality cost is not the only factor in helping you determine the best translator for you. Ensure they’re native speakers of the country you’re selling into. Only they’ll know things like the cultural differences which can trip you up. In terms of specialisation – e-commerce specialised translators with good knowledge of the marketplaces, will also help you localise your product titles, SEO, categories, product features and bullet points.
#3 How will you be charged?
The translation industry nowadays often overcharges most e-commerce sellers. Watch the video and discover if you have been overcharged and how to avoid this.
#4 Proofreading should be included in the cost of translation.