Why Multilingual Websites Are Essential for Global Growth

Introduction

If you operate an online business, you already know that growth depends on expanding your audience. But did you know that only about one quarter of global internet users are native English speakers? When your website is available in one language, you’re effectively ignoring three‑quarters of potential customers. In this post we explore why multilingual websites drive growth, why manual translation isn’t the only option and how you can implement a scalable solution.

The case for multilingual

Let’s start with numbers. The majority of the world’s population prefers to buy from websites in their own language. People are more likely to complete a purchase when product information and checkout flows are presented in their native tongue. Surveys have shown that even proficient second‑language speakers trust brands more when content is localised. As a result, companies that invest in multilingual sites see higher conversion rates and greater market share.

Cost and time barriers

If translation is so beneficial, why do many businesses stick with a single language? The main barriers are cost and complexity. Manual translation by professional linguists ensures accuracy but comes at a price: translators often charge £20–£40 per hourtranslatepress.com. A 30‑page website can run into thousands of pounds. Machine translation is cheaper (mid‑tier tools cost around £20 per monthtranslatepress.com), but generic AI output can be awkward and may fail to capture nuance, harming your brand.jetpack.com

In addition, translation involves more than converting words. You must adapt your URL structure, meta tags and navigation, follow W3C internationalisation best practices such as declaring page languages and using UTF‑8 encodingw3.org, and implement hreflang tags so search engines serve the right versionjetpack.com. For most businesses these technical tasks feel daunting.

Hybrid approach to translation

The good news is that you don’t have to choose between cost and quality. Jetpack’s classification of translation methods identifies three options: manual translation, machine translation and a hybrid approachjetpack.com. The hybrid method combines AI’s speed with human review to refine translations and avoid embarrassing errorsjetpack.com. This approach delivers accurate, localised content at a fraction of the cost of pure manual translation.

Cloning and automation

Another way to reduce complexity is to clone your existing website. Cloning replicates your design and layout so you don’t need to rebuild pages from scratch. You can then apply translation to each page, saving time and ensuring consistency across languages. When your site is cloned and translated using a service like Eldris, the system automatically handles URL structures, meta tags and hreflang annotations. This integrated approach solves the technical hurdles that often deter businesses from localising.

Building trust through localisation

Translation is about more than words – it’s about trust. When you speak your customer’s language, you signal respect for their culture. Localised user interfaces, support information and payment options make customers feel at home. They’re more likely to complete a purchase, subscribe to your newsletter or share your content with friends.

Practical steps

Here’s how you can start implementing a multilingual strategy:

1. Analyse your audience – use analytics to identify which countries and languages generate the most traffic. Look for growth opportunities where translation could have the biggest impact.
2. Prioritise languages – start with one or two languages that correspond to your largest non‑English audience segments. Add more later.
3. Choose a translation method – decide between manual, machine or hybrid translation. For most businesses, hybrid solutions offer the best balance.jetpack.com
4. Plan your URL structure – decide whether to use subdirectories (example.com/fr/) or subdomains (fr.example.com). Ensure each language gets a unique URL and implement hreflang annotations.jetpack.com
5. Clone your site – replicate your existing design to save time and maintain brand consistency. Tools like Eldris automate this process.
6. Localise images and graphics – avoid cultural insensitivity by using relevant images for each market.
7. Test and iterate – review your translated pages for accuracy, tone and conversion. Use A/B testing to refine your messaging.

Conclusion & CTA

Multilingual websites are not optional if you want to grow globally; they’re essential. By adopting a hybrid translation approach and leveraging automation, you can overcome the cost and complexity barriers that hold many businesses back. Eldris provides everything you need: cloning, translation, SEO configuration and an editing portal.Ready to expand? Start your free demo and see how your site looks in another language. If you have questions, explore our Pricing or Contact us and our team will guide you.