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1. Translation isn’t localisation
A successful multilingual website isn’t just translated, it’s localised.
Literal translation ignores how people actually speak, search and interact online in different countries.
Concrete examples:
🇬🇧 UK English vs US English
- “Flat” vs “apartment”
- Date formats (05/03/2024 means 5 March in the UK, not May 3)
- UK audiences generally expect a more professional and nuanced tone than US audiences
💶 Local formats and habits
- £1,000.00 vs €1.000,00
- Miles vs kilometres
- Short, efficient forms preferred in the UK
A word-for-word translation may be grammatically correct, but it often feels confusing, unnatural or simply irrelevant.
And when content doesn’t feel natural, users leave.
2. What really makes a multilingual website work
An effective multilingual site is designed for local audiences, not just multiple languages.
That means:
- Using local search terms people actually type into Google
- Adapting tone (clear, professional, trustworthy for UK audiences)
- Adjusting UX habits and content structure
- Creating culturally relevant messaging and visuals
When visitors feel the site was built for them, trust increases, and so do conversions.
3. The real benefits of a localised multilingual website
🔹 Stronger international SEO and better rankings in local search results
🔹 Higher conversion rates thanks to clear, familiar messaging
🔹 Increased credibility in new markets
🔹 A better user experience across languages and regions
A multilingual website done right turns your brand from local to international, without losing clarity or identity.
Final thought
Speaking to the world isn’t about adding languages to a menu.
It’s about communicating clearly, naturally and strategically with real people, in a way that feels natural to them.
If you want your website to perform internationally, localisation isn’t optional, it’s essential.
