10 Ecommerce Translation Mistakes to Avoid

Get in touch with Active Translation Services for legal translation. When expanding your business to new markets, it is important to translate your ecommerce site accurately to ensure a positive customer experience. However, several common translation mistakes can easily occur. Here are ten of the most common ecommerce translation mistakes to avoid:

1. Translating phrases literally

Phrases that sound idiomatic in one language may not make sense when translated literally into another language. For instance, the English phrase "It's raining cats and dogs" does not mean that it is raining cats and dogs, but rather that it is raining very hard. Therefore, a literal translation of this phrase into Spanish, "Está lloviendo gatos y perros", would be "It is raining cats and dogs", which does not make much sense.

2. Not taking into account cultural differences

Cultural differences can also cause translation problems. For example, in some cultures it is considered impolite to directly ask for someone's age, while in others it is considered rude to refuse a request. It is important to be aware of these cultural differences when translating your ecommerce site, to ensure that your translations are accurate.

3. Translating slang words  

Slang words often do not have an equivalent translation, and can cause confusion for customers. For example, the English slang word "cool", which means "great" or "awesome", does not have an equivalent translation services in Spanish.

4. Not using a professional translator

It is important to use a professional translator to translate your ecommerce site to ensure accuracy. A professional translator will be familiar with the nuances of the language and will be able to translate your site accurately.

5. Forgetting to localize

Localization is the process of adapting your translations to fit the cultural context of the target market. For example, you may need to translate your site into different dialects or use different terms to refer to common objects. Localization is essential for providing a positive customer experience in new markets.

6. Not translating all of your content

One of the best ways to improve your website's SEO is to translate your content into multiple languages. However, you don't need to translate all your content to improve your SEO. In fact, translating your entire website can actually hurt your SEO if you don't do it correctly.

Instead, focus on translating the most important parts of your website. This includes your homepage, landing pages, and key product and service pages. Translating these pages will help you reach a larger audience and improve your SEO simultaneously.

7. Translating too literally

Translating too literally can be a problem because it can change the meaning of the text. Sometimes it is necessary to translate words and phrases more loosely to capture the meaning of the text. This is necessarily valid when translating between languages. Certified Translator Dubai must ensure that the text still makes sense when translated.

8. Not using a professional translator

There are many reasons to use a professional translator when translating a document. However, one often overlooked reason is the importance of using a professional translator when translating legal documents. Legal documents are often complex and require a high level of accuracy. Therefore, translation errors in legal documents can have serious consequences.

It is important to use a professional translator familiar with the legal terminology and legal process to ensure accurate translations. A professional translator will also be aware of the cultural nuances involved in translating legal documents.

Using a professional translator is the best way to ensure that your legal documents are translated accurately and effectively.

9. Not proofreading your translations

Your translations are only as good as your proofreading. Unfortunately, many translators do not take the time to properly proofread their translations, which can lead to mistakes and poor quality translations.

Proofreading is important because it allows you to catch any mistakes you may have made while translating. It also allows you to ensure that the translation reads correctly and is consistent with the original text.

Proofreading is not as difficult as it may seem. All you need is a good understanding of the language you are translating into, and a bit of patience.

Here are a few tips for proofreading your translations:

-Read the translation out loud to make sure it sounds correct.

-Check for grammar and spelling mistakes.

-Make sure the translation is consistent with the original text.

-Confirm that the translation is appropriate.

-If possible, have someone else proofread your translations.

Following these tips will help you produce high-quality translations that are accurate and consistent.

10. Not localizing your translations

When translating, it's important to ensure that your translations are localized for the target market. This means taking into account differences in culture, language, and dialect. If you don't localize your translations, you may end up with translations that don't make sense or that sound awkward.

One of the most important aspects of localization is ensuring that your translations are culturally appropriate. For example, you may need to use different terms or expressions in different parts of the world. You also need to take into account differences in grammar and syntax.

Localization is also important when it comes to language. For example, if you're translating into a language with a different writing system, you'll need to ensure that your translations are formatted correctly. Similarly, you'll need to use the appropriate dialects and accents when translating into different languages.

If you're unsure how to localize your translations, many resources are available online. You can also visit legal translators and localization experts to help you prepare your translation services for the target market.