In İstanbul it is tempting to add English, Russian and Arabic to every site. Sometimes that is exactly right. Often it is three times the work for nothing.
01Two questions to ask
- Do people already message, call or walk in speaking that language?
- When they write to you in it, can someone in your business answer?
If both answers are yes, a second language is worth it. If the second answer is no, the site will bring enquiries you cannot handle.
02Do it properly or not at all
- Have a person translate it. Automatic translation buttons produce text that reads badly, and Google recommends a separate address for each language version instead.
- Give each language its own full set of pages, so someone searching in that language can find them.
- Translate the practical parts too: prices, opening hours, directions and the contact buttons.
Start with one extra language, the one your customers use most. Add another only when the first is bringing work.
