Before you localize your site for China, ask yourself these 3 key questions. It could save time, money—and your reputation.
Thinking of translating your website into Chinese? Ask these 3 crucial questions to decide if it’s the right move for your business and avoid costly mistakes.
READ MORE >>> Is a Chinese Landing Page a Good Investment?
Is your website attracting a growing audience from China? If so, translating your website into Chinese could significantly expand your reach and unlock the vast potential of the Chinese market. However, before investing in professional Chinese translation services, it’s crucial to carefully consider several key questions. Analyzing your website traffic through tools like Google Analytics can provide valuable insights into the level of Chinese interest in your products or services, helping you gauge the potential for success in this market.
Here are some essential questions to ask yourself before committing to a Chinese translation project:
1. How much does the translator charge?
Cost is a major factor when translating from English to Chinese. This was brought into sharp focus when we analyzed our Google Analytics data and discovered that our CEO and founder’s blog post, “How Much Does Mobile App Localization Cost?” was the most popular. This underscores the importance of understanding translation pricing.
Translation costs and rates vary depending on the project’s nature and the translator’s pricing model. Some may charge a fixed rate, others per page, and still others per word. The aforementioned article provides a helpful overview of average costs.
Insider’s Tip: A valuable cost-saving measure is to ask potential translators if they utilize Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools and maintain a translation memory of common phrases and terminology. Transparent translators will be forthcoming about this, and leveraging CAT tools can significantly reduce costs by avoiding redundant translations.
2. Do I really need a Chinese version of my site (even just a single landing page)?
A Chinese website can boost engagement and sales, but before investing in localization, consider these important factors:
Can it improve performance?
- A well-localized e-commerce site can increase sales by 200%.
- Multilingual websites often boost conversion rates.
Is your business ready?
- Consider company size, product range, and budget.
- If you’re new to the market, take time to research before committing.
Can you market it effectively?
- Translation alone isn’t enough—Baidu SEO & digital marketing are crucial.
- Ask if translators provide SEO and online marketing services for China.
3. Who will translate my website (or page)?
Not all translators are the same! To ensure accuracy and industry relevance, ask these key questions:
Does the translator specialize in your industry?
Legal translators → Best for contracts, land titles, and compliance documents.
Medical translators → Experts in healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biotech content.
Marketing translators → Skilled in adapting brand messages for the Chinese audience.
What experience do they have?
Ask for past projects related to your industry.
A translator with sector expertise will understand the right terminology & nuances.
💡 Insider’s Tip: If working with a translation agency, request a list of experienced translators who have handled similar projects.
Key Takeaway: Choosing a specialized translator ensures accurate, high-quality translations that resonate with your target audience.
Let us help you break down language barriers. Contact us now.
