How to Tap into a Global Audience with a Multilingual Store

In the age of internet globalization, having an online presence is as essential for a business as coffee on a Monday morning! But it’s not just about having an online store but a multilingual ecommerce website.

That’s right! You don’t want to limit your potential by catering only to a single-language user base.

This study shows that 40% of customers won’t buy from a website unavailable in their native language. Moreover, 65% prefer website content in their language. These numbers highlight the importance of a multilingual online store that speaks the language of its customer base.

The data becomes even more relevant when selling in a country with multiple official languages or gearing up to expand globally. You need a multilingual ecommerce website to cater to your target audience, so find out how to make one below.

The Importance of a Multilingual Ecommerce Website

Let’s dive right into why creating a multilingual ecommerce website is essential for brands looking to expand their horizons.

Global Presence

Creating a multilingual ecommerce website goes beyond mere translation; it’s about establishing a global presence. Allowing your online store to be accessible in different languages enables you to tap into new markets and bring an international customer base.

Brand Image

With a multilingual ecommerce website, you are not only selling your products but also your brand. Your willingness to accommodate and communicate with your customers in their language speaks volumes about your brand’s customer-centric approach. It builds a sense of reliability amongst your customers, further enhancing your brand image.

SEO Advantage

Having a multilingual ecommerce website gives you an SEO advantage as well. Search engines recognize and reward websites that cater to a diverse audience. Hence, your website can potentially rank higher in different regions, increasing your organic traffic.

Local Legislation

Catering to a global audience also means complying with local language laws. By translating your website into your customers’ language, you ensure that all your store policies comply with local laws.

A multilingual ecommerce website ensures that your customers are well-informed about the policies in their native language, leading to a more transparent shopping experience.

Personalized Experience

When you translate your store into your customers’ preferred language, you provide a personalized experience. From browsing products to receiving transactional emails, every aspect of their interaction with your store will resonate with them.

Economical Advantage

Currency conversion is another essential factor that can significantly affect the customer’s shopping experience. Offering product prices in the customer’s local currency adds another layer of personalization, making their shopping experience on your multilingual ecommerce website seamless.

How to Create a Multilingual Ecommerce Store

Creating a multilingual ecommerce store might sound like a daunting task. On many platforms, enabling multilingual features often involves installing paid applications or themes, setting up a separate website, incorporating tabs, or engaging in custom development.

Here at Ecwid by Lightspeed, we aim to empower your success from the get-go by providing you with the necessary tools. We’ve diligently crafted a truly multilingual solution, allowing your customers to effortlessly view your store in their preferred language with just a click.

Translate Your Online Store Effortlessly

Choose from 36 languages to translate your store directly from your Ecwid admin; no third-party software is required.

Ecwid auto-translates all interface texts and store labels (like buttons or headings on product pages) in your online store based on your customer’s set language.

Customers can choose their preferred language when browsing or it can be detected through geolocation — we make it easy for you and your customers.

Customers have the option to switch between translations using the language switcher

Add Custom Text Translations with Ease

Take your multilingual shopping experience to the next level by effortlessly adding translations of your custom texts directly in the Ecwid admin. This encompasses product names, descriptions, variations, options, shipping methods, and beyond. No coding is necessary — simply copy and paste.

Adding shipping method translations in the Ecwid admin

Translate Key Store Documents

Enhance your store policies and tax documents by including translations that are compliant, localized, and easily understood by all your customers.

With Ecwid, you’ll be able to send automatically translated tax invoices to customers in their preferred language, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Moreover, you have the capability to add translations to legal documents such as your terms of service, privacy policy, and return policy.

Boost Customer Connections with Translated Emails

With Ecwid, you can enhance customer experience by sending automatically translated emails and notifications in the language your customers use while browsing your storefront.

Ready to start? Set up an Ecwid account and follow the instructions in our Help Center to create a multilingual ecommerce website with Ecwid.

Examples of Multilingual Ecommerce Websites

Looking for inspiration? Check out these successful multilingual ecommerce websites powered by Ecwid:

Eden sells natural wellness products created by a nonprofit committed to employing and educating disabled adults. Their online store is offered in two languages.

Lovely Roses is a floral boutique and delivery service offering a website available in three languages.

As for Banzai, this one-of-a-kind stationery and print shop lets their customers choose from four languages. Talk about reaching a global market!

More Tips to Convert International Customers

If you’re serious about growing your business internationally, you’ll want to spend some time reviewing your international shopping experience.

Creating a multilingual ecommerce website is a great first step, but here are a few other things you might also consider:

• International customers typically use foreign currencies for online purchases. Shopping should be enjoyable, so spare your international customers the mental math. Instead, show them prices in their local currency with the Currency Converter app.
• Make payments easy for international customers by using a global payment provider like PayPal, which is present in 200 countries. If you want to add a specific local payment option that’s popular within a specific country, chances are you’ll find it among Ecwid’s 70+ integrated payment options.
• Pick a reliable international shipping provider. Ecwid is integrated with big companies like UPS, USPS, FedEx, etc., which offer fast global shipping services.
• Set up taxes and comply with local laws. For example, if you have customers from the EU, you may need to set up VAT and comply with GDPR.

To wrap up, having a multilingual ecommerce website not only helps you reach a wider audience but also provides a better shopping experience for international customers. With the right tools and strategies in place, you can successfully navigate the challenges of selling internationally and tap into new markets.

Remember, a global presence isn’t about merely selling everywhere; it’s about speaking your customer’s language, meeting their needs, and exceeding their expectations. So don’t wait any longer; turn your ecommerce website multilingual to make it customer-centric and accessible worldwide.

Reach a global audience with a multilingual store
Learn more

• International Business Online: How to Start Selling Globally
• Sell Around the Globe With a Fully Multilingual Storefront
• Mastering Cross-Border Ecommerce: Key Tips to Success