Issues To Be Aware Of When Designing Websites For Foreign Markets

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Working as a web designer is fantastic. You can work with clients from around the globe, expand your reach and increase your potential earnings dramatically.

However, these advantages do come with some challenge. It’s not all smooth sailing! If you’re interested in working with overseas clients, then there are some things you need to be aware of. If you use these tips and prepare correctly, then the sky’s the limit!

Language

An obvious issue can be if your customer comes from a non-English speaking country or territory. Communication, copy-checking and SEO all become more difficult – even just speaking with the client themselves might be your first hurdle.

Keeping in touch using email or messenger conversations is a good way to work around a language barrier. It’ll avoid the pitfalls that can appear if you only communicate via phone call.

You can also find some excellent translation services online these days. These can help bridge any gaps between you and your client. It’s also a good idea to always ask the customer to double check any copywriting that’s been completed using translation services. This way you can be sure that everything is correct and your client is happy before anything goes live.

Research

Imagine the scene: it’s all going well. You and your client are communicating effectively. You start doing your research into the content and information you’re going to need for this foreign language website and then… your access is denied.

Working with clients from different areas means that some of the information you need to access is on websites that are unavailable in your region.

Don’t despair! We have the answer!

You can get around this problem by using a VPN – Virtual Private Network. This can trick your device into thinking that you are in a different location, which means you’ll be able to access whatever you need.

If you’re going to use a VPN, you need to be sure to find the best VPN for the area you’re trying to emulate. There are some great comparison and review sites to do this and find out how well each VPN works in different areas.

Cultural Differences

One of the best things about working with clients around the world is the amount you learn about different cultures. However, if you aren’t aware of the differences that can occur from place to place, you run the risk of being caught out.

Be aware that customers in one country may be looking for something different compared to somewhere else, even if they’re shopping with the same company.

For example, you won’t get beef or pork products in McDonald’s in India due to the large Hindu population. Compare this to what McDonald’s customers are looking for in the US and you understand how widely countries can vary.

Servers

Even between English speaking countries there are differences to be aware of. British English and American English have differences in spelling and terminology. Don’t talk to an American firm about pavements and don’t ask a British one about their favorite color! Not being consistent with your client’s natural use of language marks your content as different or strange.

Do you need to put a local business on a local server?

Well, yes and no.

There are advantages such as speed – not as important previously but still relevant – and if you go with a local server, data privacy is covered by local laws.

If you’re going to be managing the website, then that might change your mind on using a local server, since it might been your regular office hours differ from your host’s technical support. Not good for those unexpected issues!