What are the best tools for web content translation?

The decision between MT and HT need not be binary. A hybrid approach, combining the efficiency of machine translation with the finesse of human refinement, emerges as a strategic sweet spot. This approach strikes a balance between speed, cost-effectiveness, and linguistic finesse, catering to diverse content needs. Choosing the best tool hinges on a meticulous assessment of needs and budget constraints. For high-volume, time-sensitive content, MT may be the go-to solution. Conversely, critical pieces requiring precision and cultural nuance might find their match in the hands of human translators. The art lies in crafting a translation strategy that aligns with both content objectives and resource considerations.

Currently there is a multitude of translation tools available on the market, that offer powerful features and can aid translators in producing high-quality translations. They can handle various formats, have built-in glossaries, and support the use of translation memories.

Translation software provides the quickest and most effective way to translate your website. The best tools can be deployed in minutes with a simple JavaScript injection and work with most CMS platforms. Consider the following features when translating your website: - A contextual editor can help you leverage a machine translation (MT) and allow you to make spot edits in-language without requiring a human to translate your entire website from scratch. - A glossary allows you to save critical phrases and keywords to be used on any content that is automatically translated via MT, so the translations become tailored to your brand. - A tool that supports various deployment methods enhances SEO so your in-language content shows up in SERPs.

Website localization goes beyond translation, hence it's key to adapt the content to other aspects of the target culture. Apart from colors and images, the website should be also adapted to the way the target users navigate the content or make purchase decisions. For example, when localizing websites for cultures with high-risk avoidance, it's helpful to display more data about company awards, payment security, or privacy policy, as well as showcase testimonials and product reviews.

At the heart of any translation are localization software and tools. Content Management Systems (CMSs), website builders, and plugins emerge as the architects shaping the translation landscape. A standout example in this realm is Autoglot, a translation plugin for WordPress, seamlessly blending technology with ease of use. Such tools serve as the foundation, providing the scaffolding for a dynamic and accessible website. Its seamless integration empowers WordPress users to effortlessly translate and localize their content, ensuring that the essence of their messaging resonates with diverse audiences.

When choosing a tool for website localization, it's important to consider whether the tool offers a live preview, supports the most common file formats (e.g. HTML, XML), and offers advanced quality assurance features. You can choose between desktop or online tools. Some examples of desktop tools include SDL Trados Studio and MemoQ. The main online tools designed for website content localization include Crowdin, Lokalise, Phrase, or Transifex.

It's important to adapt not just the content but every element of a website to connect with language-first users. Localization becomes relevant in this situation. This ensures a better user experience for vernacular users. Using AI-based language localization technologies can add value to the localization efforts as it helps you have complete control over your content. These localization technologies also ensure that there is complete synchronization between the original and translated websites.

Think of SEO from the very beginning. Do keyword research in the target language (not based on the source), use that to guide what pages you translate because I guarantee that not all of them will be relevant. Create unique content for different markets. Don't be trapped in loc workflows - CAT tools are not great for creative copy and keywords are not terminology. You also want to make sure you're not using a translation proxy that only lets you carbon copy the source language.

Multilingual site search is an overlooked but important consideration in the website translation conversation. Most in-language site search features “synonym management”, “typeahead search”, and “phrase suggestion.” But this is hard to do in a multilingual setting because these features are dependent upon backend keyword indexing of all target languages. Essentially this means duplicating the effort put in for your source language with your target languages. The best first step toward achieving true multilingual site search is to index your website in-language. If you are working with a website translation provider, consider their support for fully integrated site search capability at the outset of your project.