I run a popular network tools website that's currently in English, and I'm considering adding a translation feature. I could implement it using JavaScript with cookies or PHP with separate subdomains to improve SEO. However, I'm unsure if it's worth the effort. Would translating the site actually boost my traffic or improve search rankings, considering English is so widely spoken? If it is beneficial, what languages should I prioritize? I could do Spanish easily, but I'm not sure about other languages like Chinese or Indian languages due to translation difficulties.
5 Answers
Think of it as a business decision. Calculate the potential return on investment after translating your site. If the effort costs you 80 hours, will those languages bring enough users to make it worthwhile? You might even consider just waiting until you see a demand.
Before diving into translations, track your site's analytics. Knowing where your users come from can help you decide if translations are necessary. Most modern browsers offer translation features too, which might suffice for now.
Honestly, I don't think it's worth it for most small sites. Larger companies can afford to hire professional translators and localization experts, but for many, Google's translation services might suffice unless you have a strong need for precise communication.
If you're aiming for a localized presence, translation can help—especially if you're selling products. But for blogs or personal sites, it might just add complexity without much reward. Also, consider if you can support users once they switch languages.
It really depends on your audience. If most of your visitors are English speakers, you might not gain much from translating the site. However, if you see significant traffic from non-English speaking countries, it's worth considering. Just make sure to avoid using automated translations like Google Translate—invest in quality translations instead.
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