[WARNING] You May Be Writing Your Posts in the Wrong Language!
These past days I came across a few pretty interesting facts about the use of languages on the internet that may be of great importance to most of us.
Going straight to the point...
We all know that most web content is in English (it's an estimated 55%).
But did you know that according to a survey conducted by Common Sense Advisory in Jul-Aug'06:
- 72.1% of consumers spend most or all of their time on websites in their own language?
- 72.4% of consumers would be more likely to buy a product with information in their own language?
- 56.2% said that the ability to obtain information in their language is more important than price?
People would actually pay more for info in the language they more comfortable with, their native one.
This speaks strongly to me since my mother tongue is Portuguese.
But it should also echo in everyone's ears as a great opportunity to increase your sales on targeted markets.
Speak/write in Japanese if you're targeting Japan, French when targeting France, and so on.
Yes, it's much easier to create copies in just one language (a.k.a. English) and probably most of your readers also read in English.
But, remember, they PREFER in their own language. And you can use this fact to get ahead of your competition.
One More Important Piece of Info:
According to Babel.com, English is only the THIRD most spoken language in the world.
- Mandarin comes FIRST
- Spanish is SECOND
Now, I wonder...
How are you going to use all this data to benefit your online business?
Recent Comments
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I write only in French. It was for me never in question, not only because of the language, but for the sensibility, for the authenticity.
Thank you Eliane for this objective fact.
Wow I dis not know that. I've been thinking of adding my native Swedish to greatergaiter.com Now I may just do that!
Yes, there is a good point. You need to be aware first which market you are targeting - if it's (an) English speaking country/ies, writing in English is perfect. Otherwise, it would be advisable to stick to the language of the market you are targeting.
Exactly, Sammy.
We all have to have a strategy if we want to be successful.
These numbers might help someone change the course of their businesses.
All the best.
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Thank you for this post Eliane! I think it´s one of the first questions that comes up to everyone´s mind when getting started into this business... At least, it happened to me :)