Thinking of investing in a Chinese website?
There are a number of factors to consider in this process. In total, this guide covers everything you need to know about starting your translation and localization strategies. From finding the right language partner to technical details and marketing perspectives, this guide is comprehensive.
Why Consider a Chinese Website?
Even if your English website is thriving, check your analytics—there are often Chinese users already visiting your site. A translated site is a long-term investment to tap into this valuable market.
Things to Consider Translating Your Website
- Written Texts for Target Regions
Decide if your target is Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan. There are distinctions in the written languages used:- Mainland China: Simplified Chinese is standard.
- Hong Kong & Taiwan: Traditional Chinese is preferred.
Consider both for wider reach, and discuss cost-saving options with your translation provider.
- SEO Strategies for Baidu
Baidu is the dominant search engine in China. It is essential to translate content into Chinese and optimize it for Baidu’s algorithms. While there are VPNs that allow users to access Western platforms, the majority of Chinese users rely on Baidu.- Focus on quality content for better indexing.
- Ensure webpages in Chinese are available in HTML for proper indexing.
- Content to Translate and Transcreate
What type of content is most important to translate? Start with product descriptions, services, and taglines.- Use transcreation for culturally relevant and engaging marketing content (e.g., slogans, banners).
- There are many benefits to using copyediting for retail and service content.
- Website Hosting in Mainland China
Having a web hosting server in Mainland China is optional but beneficial.- It is essential to understand the Great Firewall and the need for an ICP Beian License if hosting within the Mainland.
- Be prepared for technical challenges if maintaining both English and Chinese versions.
- Dedicated Tech Support
There is a clear need for tech support for ongoing updates and maintenance if integrating marketing strategies.
How to Work with Translation Agencies
- Prepare a List of Pages
There are various ways to prepare for the translation process. Use spreadsheets to prioritize content and track progress.- SEO specialists can use this list to optimize content for Chinese search engines.
- Ensure Content Is Translatable
Writing in simple English is a way to ensure content is easily translated. There are benefits to avoiding jargon and colloquialisms to streamline the process. - Provide a Glossary and Style Guide
There is a need for a glossary and style guide to improve the quality and accuracy of translations. Translators can better understand specific terminologies in context. - Request Quotes and Samples
There are many translation agencies, but asking for samples or tests can help you evaluate their quality. Request a quote for your project and negotiate rates for repetitive words detected by CAT tools.
Why Translate Your Website?
There is no longer a physical barrier for Chinese customers to engage with your business. With just a few clicks, they can visit your website, browse products, and watch videos. A localized website improves user experience and opens doors to new markets.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Partner with the right Chinese translation agency and treat the collaboration as a long-term investment in your business’s growth.
Let us know how we can help you succeed!
