Building a successful online business requires the use of language people can understand. If you are wondering what’s the best website language to use for marketing or business, then you need to think further than just using English. Why not consider going multilingual instead?
One country that is increasingly attracting investment by international brands, entrepreneurs and other companies is Poland. By translating your app or website into Polish, you can tap into this fast-growing marketplace. A Polish translated app or website could help you reach millions of new customers. So, do not limit your customer reach by limiting your language.
According to research, only 15% of the global population speak English (Lingoda). Imagine how many new customers you could communicate with by using people’s preferred language? Multilingual websites and apps enable prospects to easily converse with you. This will allow you to build better relationships with your online audiences, resulting in higher engagement with your marketing content.
An engaged audience is much more likely to convert into paying customers, resulting in more sales for your business. When your website or app users can choose their own local language, this increases familiarization. As your prospects become more familiar with your brand, they will feel more comfortable asking questions and buying from you. When it comes to your website, SEO translations are also important. Knowing how certain keywords perform in multiple languages will help your website to rank highly in search engine listings.
If your competitors do not offer a multilingual user experience, this will distinguish your business from others within your marketplace. You might be able to take advantage of this further by carving out a niche within a local market and expanding your own customer base.
If you are undecided on what language to use for your website or app, first carry out some market research. The best way is to analyse your potential customer base, and in some cases, you could even ask users what their preferred language might be. Most nations have official statistics that provide data on the languages spoken in that particular country.
One way of seeing a user’s preferred language is the http protocol. Web browsers send a list of optionally weighted languages to a user, which represent the user’s preferences. This is not completely guaranteed, but it is one way of gaining clarity on who’s using your platform.
Although Google Analytics offers insights into the IP geolocation of your website traffic, you need to remember that people speak multiple languages within one country.
Using the example of an app targeting a Polish audience, you would include relevant information that resonates with their needs, wants and desires. This involves a deep understanding of the Polish people’s culture so you can use any language nuances. The Polish translated text also needs to be of a high quality to capture people’s interest.
Whatever language you choose, it is important to use relevant phrases within your app or website text. It is crucial that you fully understand the meanings of any wording used in case there are variances. Don’t forget that a phrase in one language may have a completely different meaning in another country. So, localizing your text is essential.
According to a survey carried out by CSA, 68% of customers are happier to pay a higher price for a localized product. Localization benefits mobile apps and website content by improving the user experience. Localized text uses specific details which are relevant to the user’s nationality, for example, language phrasing and local currency.
By using a translator who is also a localization expert, your business or brand will be able to attract and retain more customers. Lang Bay offers professional English-to-Polish mobile app translations and website translations. By translating and localizing your app or website into Polish, you can take advantage of one of the fastest-growing markets in Europe.
Do you need an experienced translator to transform your app or website into a multilingual platform? Email info@langbay.eu to find out how I can help you.
Entering Polish markets involves translating an enormous amount of content. Websites, blog articles, social media posts, documents, messages and emails need to be in the Polish customer’s target language. Your first thought may be to use an AI or machine translation. Free-of-charge solutions have their advantages, but at the same time, they hide many risks. Find out the advantages and disadvantages of using translation software.
The program uses algorithms, artificial intelligence and machine learning to translate text. For this to be successful, the application must have extensive knowledge of many languages' vocabulary, grammar and spelling rules. How is the translator supposed to know all this? Most online translators use language models that gather extensive collections of texts from countries worldwide. Based on these, they learn the probability that after X, you need to insert Y. This allows the programs to recognise words, their meaning and grammar to produce longer sentences and texts.
In recent years, neural networks – or applications that mimic the activity of the human brain – have been increasingly used. These networks learn translation from a large amount of text translated by humans and then use this knowledge to make neural machine translation, increasing machine translation's correctness.
An app that translates texts is faster than a human translator. Google Translate or DeepL take a few seconds to change the language in a document with a few hundred characters. Instant response and high responsiveness are essential when translating short content, such as an in-app message, email or SMS.
The most significant advantage of online translators is that they are available for free, so you don’t have to pay for them. When we must convert large amounts of content into another language, an online program will be less costly than a professional translator.
Every year, we have access to better and better machine translation tools. Artificial intelligence companies are outdoing themselves in creating new programs that will understand the language even better. However, there is still much room for improvement.
A program will translate any text but not 100% correctly. There are often problems with understanding the context, especially in the case of phraseologies and idioms, colloquial language or professional words. In addition, online translators cannot consider the nuances and subtleties of the language even though they use neural machine translation. Hence, the content is unnatural and does not sound like a human wrote it.
The low quality of a translator is acceptable when you are doing it for your use and not sending it to someone else. When we want to translate a mobile app, contract, sales email or make an important document translation, we cannot afford a translation full of errors and inaccuracies.
People who are native speakers of a particular language often use words or expressions that you won’t learn at school or find in standard dictionaries. An online translation tool does not use colloquial or everyday language. The translations it will make are more like guessing what words are used most. It does not consider the context in which the situation is happening – the time of day, the person to whom the message is directed or dialects.
When creating content for the Polish market, you must ensure that the consumer from that country does not think a robot wrote your content. The reader wants valuable content written without errors, tailored to the given demographics and geographies.
Many people forget that an online translator learns while working thanks to the data provided – including what users type in on the fly. All of the content that goes into a program or mobile app is stored and can be used by the corporations that created the technology.
You do not need to be concerned about privacy when translating a menu in a restaurant. However, you must rely on something other than AI translators when you do a secret document translation or need to translate a contract, a sales performance report or business emails.
Data security in the clash with AI is a concern for many companies, and the solution to this is to ban employees from using AI. Organisations that have blocked ChatGPT, among others, include Bank of America, Panasonic, Fujitsu, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. Their number continues to grow.
Every brand should have a voice, i.e. a specific way and style of communicating with the public. Companies prepare a communication strategy in which they determine, among other things, whether they want to be serious, funny or friendly and whether they will address their audience directly in the singular or plural. Every message, email, social media post and blog article should fit into the brand voice. It will help the brand stand out, be recognisable in the marketplace and maintain consistency.
On the other hand, machine translation does not allow you to stick to the brand’s tone of voice. Every time you add content to a program, it starts the translation from scratch – applications cannot refer to what has been written or pasted in before. Such text will be different every time and inconsistent with the brand vision.
It is worth using a professional translator when you want your business to grow in the Polish market. You will then be confident that your content is of high quality, without errors, and perfectly fits the context or situation. Furthermore, you will know that the data you share is safe and will not be used by third parties.
Machine translation is not completely bad! I can even argue that it isn’t a threat to the translation profession. The problem arises when you rely entirely on machine translation software, especially if you want to be considered a professional company.
Do you want to enter the Polish market, but you don't know how to start translating? Do you need translation and localisation of websites into Polish? I have a lot of experience in business translations. I prepare translations that reflect both the tone and voice of the brand, as well as fit into the culture of a given country. Write to me at info@langbay.eu and let's talk about cooperation.
With the arrival of millions of Ukrainian refugees across Europe, organisations need to consider the Ukrainian translation of the text. It is also worth including Russian translation, as this is often a first language for many Ukrainians and a second language for most. At a time when communication is critical, it is crucial to avoid any language barriers.
According to the UN, 6.3 million people fled Ukraine at the time of writing, and many sought refuge in neighbouring countries. Poland has received the most significant number of refugees, reported as 3,396,792, followed by Romania, with 930,341 people. Ukrainians travel across Eastern Europe to countries such as Germany and the UK.
Although Ukraine is not part of the European Union (EU), Ukrainians have been granted the right to stay for three years by the EU within its 27 member states. Refugees will have access to medical treatment, social welfare, housing and schools. As a result, several public organisations and private businesses will need a Ukrainian translator to communicate effectively with Ukrainian people, especially those who need urgent help and humanitarian assistance.
Where refugees are victims of violence, injured due to bombing raids, or pregnant, extra care must be taken to ensure those affected are helped promptly. Communication in Ukrainian is essential to ensure people can be treated effectively and quickly. Consider translating patient literature and medicine labels into Ukrainian or Russian if you work for a health organisation.
In Moldova, for example, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has estimated that 36% of refugees are children, around half are girls, and half are boys. They also estimate that 80% are women. In any country, the ability to translate important information into Ukrainian or Russian will be the difference between a successful or failed settlement of the refugees.
Along with hospitals, healthcare providers and organisations providing humanitarian assistance, several sectors should consider Ukrainian-Russian translation services. Below are a few examples:
Localisation is an integral part of any translation service. Whether you are an organisation producing public information or a business creating marketing, localising your text for Ukrainian readers will ensure relevance. Localisation provides a proper cultural context, mainly if you publish important messages on social media or a website.
We now provide Ukrainian and Russian translation services – see our translator's profile. By embracing these languages, your organisation can effectively support displaced Ukrainian people. You will also be seen as inclusive and forward-thinking, ready to respond to the increasing need for more precise Ukrainian and Russian communication.
If you are looking for an English-Ukrainian-Russian translator to help you convey important information and messages, get in touch today.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60555472
https://www.vox.com/22983230/europe-ukraine-refugees-charts-map
If you have an e-commerce business, translating your online shop to Polish could help you increase your sales and customer base. With a stable and growing economy, Poland is of increasing interest to global retailers. And when you consider that 20,000,000 Poles live outside of Poland, there is a vast untapped market awaiting online retail businesses.
Recently, I have started translating blog articles for Badoo, a well-known company that aims to reach Polish communities worldwide. I believe that online retailers should also embrace the opportunities available by targeting a Polish audience – and translation of an online shop is the key.
Put simply, you will have access to millions of new customers and a growing market thanks to online shop translation. During the first quarter of 2022, Poland’s GDP was expected to be significantly higher than the EU over the coming year, with a forecast of 5.5%. Poland is a highly attractive market because of its diverse economy, macroeconomic stability and infrastructure investments.
Although the average income in Poland is still below the EU average, unemployment is deficient in comparison, but it’s estimated that 54,000 people in Poland have management jobs.
Poles are increasingly receiving salaries with more disposable income and the ability to spend more on products. However, this only accounts for residents of Poland alone. Imagine the possibilities of selling to Poles based across the globe. The conclusion: forgetting about Polish customers could be missing out on millions of sales.
Understanding how Polish customer thinks and what affects their purchasing decisions will help you translate your products into attractive items people want to buy.
According to one study (“Market diversity in the times of the new consumer”, MAM platform), the Polish customer is a rational thinker who will change stores to find better offers. They weigh value by equally comparing price with quality. As a result, they are less likely to be loyal to one particular brand, which means online shops need to earn their trust.
For more detailed demographic insights, read our previous blog; 27.
Poles prefer to know whom they are buying from, especially regarding online transactions. Without a Polish language version, which means an effective Polish translation of your website, customers may become wary and choose to buy elsewhere. Marketing messages must be relevant, impactful, and customised to the Polish speaker. Social media posts need to talk to people in their language with an appropriate cultural understanding and awareness of social nuances. It can't be translated by machine translation, which does not support the cultural and social nuances.
The translation is not just about converting words into Polish; it is also essential to ensure “localisation” so your marketing is relevant to Poles. When you prepare a foreign language version, you need to localise your marketing content. Localising your online shop ensures a proper cultural context to resonate with the Polish customer.
Consider the different areas of your e-commerce store. To gain Polish customers, translate your website content, blogs, social media content, and shop and product descriptions. Pay attention to your Polish customers using an interactive, personalised approach.
For paid social media advertising, ensure adverts are localised and targeted correctly to a Polish audience. Online retailers who use a customised approach to their paid social adverts tend to see a greater reach and impact.
As an online retailer, it is worth selling through Allegro.pl platform. Like Amazon and eBay, this is the e-commerce marketplace leader in Poland, with an estimated 20 million users. 75% of Poles prefer buying online because it gives them 24/7 access to products.
If your online shop has not been translated into Polish, you will miss out on immediate sales. By ignoring this critical market for the long term, your online store will also miss out on a valuable, growing customer base that could provide repeat business for many years.
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Looking for an experienced e-commerce translator, who can help you sell products to Polish people anywhere in the world? Get in touch today.
Sources:
https://instreamgroup.com/en/export/poland/
https://aploqtranslations.com/polish-e-commerce/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_diaspora
https://omnipack.com/blog/e-commerce-in-poland
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/guide-polish-consumer-matylda-setlak/
https://aploqtranslations.com/guide-to-targeted-social-media-marketing/ https://rmx.news/poland/polish-economy-expected-to-grow-at-faster-rate-than-eu-average-over-next-two-years/
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"Untapped potential." "Poland: the regional leader." "A record year in terms of foreign investments in Poland." These are just a few headlines from articles praising Poland as an excellent investment place.
If you are also considering investing in Poland, the following article should help you decide if it's worth starting your own business here.
They say the numbers don't lie, so let's begin with some data from various reports.
In 2020, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency completed 58 foreign investment projects with a total value of over €2.7 billion [1].
The value of the investments in Poland is estimated at $21.8 billion (data for 2020) [2].
Poland ranks 3rd in Europe regarding the number of greenfield investments, making it the CEE region leader [3].
Detailed studies are available online, including the Deloitte report “Investing in Poland: Untapped Potential. The Experience of German Investors” [4] and the information on the Polish Investment and Trade Agency www.paih.gow.pl website.
These reports are full of details, data and charts. The information presented in this article has been carefully selected to give you a brief overview of investing in Poland.
The geographical location of Poland is one of the country's main assets. Important European transport routes run through Poland, and the network of highways and expressways constantly expands. Add to that the numerous transhipment terminals, ports and airports, and you'll end up with a perfect transport hub linking the West, South and East of Europe and China.
Poland is also a safe place to set up manufacturing plants. Considering the supply chain problems revealed by the COVID-19 outbreak, Poland offers a clear advantage over distant Middle Eastern countries.
Numerous research institutions, academic incubators and universities involved in technological research create a favourable climate for business development based on new technologies—the population of well-qualified employees eager to grow and improve their skills is still rising. Poland's investment climate has been recognised by giants international companies such as Microsoft and Google, which invested $3 billion to build a database in Warsaw [5].
If you are in the business of developing new technologies, Poland might be the place for you. Notably, the famous start-up Booksy, one of the world's most popular platforms for making appointments at beauty salons, took its roots from here.
The Polish economic landscape is as diverse as its natural landscape. Investment in e-mobility, smart cities, smart homes and renewable energy sources is rising. You will be satisfied if your company specialises in IT or operates in the automotive sector. The furniture, fashion and cosmetics industries also have the potential for success.
Let's remember that there are people behind the numbers. Entering the Polish market means accessing a population of 38 million consumers who enjoy using mobile applications, playing video games and discovering modern technologies.
Poland was ranked 2nd among Europe's top 10 cashless countries [6]. The majority of Poles use payment terminals and other innovative solutions.
If you set up a business in Poland, you can also find well-educated and specialised employees. According to the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, "nearly 1.3 million students study at Polish universities, which makes Poland 4th in Europe regarding the number of students" [7]. Many of those students specialise in science, engineering or mathematics.
The Polish economy is recognised as stable and with high growth dynamics. The economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has finally slowed down, and analysts say that Poland has fared better than the average country in European Union.
Is Poland the perfect country to invest in? Although the overall landscape seems promising, you must know the potential difficulties in doing business in Poland.
The common barriers to effective business development in Poland include tax regulations, tax rates and political instability. At the same time, you can also take advantage of special economic zones located in many regions of Poland. To invest in Poland successfully, you must have a firm grasp of the economic reality, keep up to date with changing regulations and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
One of my tasks as a translator is to provide linguistic and business support to entrepreneurs starting their businesses in the Polish market. I will help you take the first steps by facilitating communication with various authorities or contractors.
The cultural context of translations, which goes beyond linguistic correctness, is critical in succeeding in a new market. My translations are properly localised and bring foreign brands closer to Polish audiences.
To sum up: Should you invest in Poland? Let the data answer that. According to the 12th edition of the investment climate survey conducted by Grant Thornton, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency and HSBC, 94% of foreign investors would invest in Poland again [8].
1 https://www.paih.gov.pl/20210113/paih_podsumowuje_rok, accessed on: 23.09.2021.
2 https://www.paih.gov.pl/polska_w_liczbach/potencjal_inwestycyjny, accessed on: 23.09.2021.
3 https://www.paih.gov.pl/polska_w_liczbach/potencjal_inwestycyjny, accessed on: 23.09.2021.
4 https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/pl/Documents/Reports/pl_inwestycje_w_polsce_raport_1%20.pdf
5 https://www.paih.gov.pl/polska_w_liczbach/innowacyjny_kraj_z_ogromnym_potencjalem, accessed on: 23.09.2021.
6 https://www.paih.gov.pl/polska_w_liczbach/kapital_ludzki_i_statystyki, accessed on: 23.09.2021.
7 https://www.paih.gov.pl/polska_w_liczbach/kapital_ludzki_i_statystyki, accessed on: 23.09.2021.
8 https://grantthornton.pl/publikacja/inwestycje-zagraniczne-w-polsce-dlaczego-warto/, accessed on: 23.09.2021.
The average smartphone user has ten applications installed[1]. Users go shopping with them, and the apps motivate them while they jog and adjust the temperature in their bedroom. When launching an application on the market and into the clients’ lives, you should support them in their native languages. Why? Because it pays off.
Did you know that, in 2020, Android users downloaded 108.5 billion mobile applications[1]? Every third person uses them in Poland, and, according to indications, these numbers will grow[2].
English is the leading language among mobile applications, and many Polish people speak it well enough to use an application without facing any problems. Meanwhile, research by the Polish Central Statistical Office shows that only 30% of Polish people know English on a communicative level[3]. On the other hand, the Office for Electronic Communications reports that “most Internet users have mobile access to it on their phones (91.2%)”[4].
Conclusions? Almost every person in Poland aged 15+ has a phone, but only one in three speaks English well. When you plan to enter the market, you should make sure you have good mobile app application translation in Polish to gain the customers’ favour and increase sales.
When analysing the statistics, bear in mind Polish expatriates. According to the estimations, as many as 4.5 million Poles live abroad[5]. They create a large group of mobile application users as well.
Mobile apps are no longer just entertainment, social networking sites and games. They move into our everyday lives more and more often – controlling an air conditioner and even a washing machine from your smartphone is now possible. Manufacturers of audio and video devices and household appliances equip their products with applications that offer incredible possibilities. However, most of them remain beyond the users’ reach as even the most user-friendly interface won’t replace the users’ native language. In general, application users are forced to use a foreign language, use only some features, usually the essential functions and do not benefit from the full functionalities of devices or programs.
Whether a mobile application is translated or not now has a decisive impact on purchasing a vacuum cleaner, oven, or TV set. We are more likely to shop in our native language than in a foreign language, and the same applies to the subscription of services. The app’s language version directly impacts sales, builds trust in the brand, and makes it more possible to succeed in foreign markets.
Global brand applications are systematically translated into Polish, Dutch or Swedish. However, there is still much work to be done.
For example, look at Strava – a popular mobile app in Poland for sports. Cycling and running enthusiasts are especially fond of it. In 2020, Poles covered 3.3 million km, measured in English. The press office of the application manufacturer does not say how many Strava users there are in Poland. We know nothing about translating the application into Polish as well. So far, it is available in 12 languages, including Portuguese and Dutch[1].
Krawaty do włosów (hair ties, but the Polish word “krawat” means a man’s elegant garment) and karma dla studentów (students’ food, but the Polish word “karma” means a dog or cat food) are just examples of text translation made by one of the e-commerce giants. Automated mobile app translation is sometimes amusing, but it can also mislead the user (especially in user manuals) or discourage the user with artificial vocabulary. Localising the translation will help prevent such errors. When you plan a foreign language version of a mobile application, use the services of an experienced translator who will provide the correct translation in terms of linguistics and offers mobile app localisation, which means adapting it to the culture of a given country and specific traits of the market.
I am at your service if you are looking for a translator who will make the translation of your mobile application understandable and adapted to the cultural context. I provide 100% human and error-free translations that will help you win the hearts of your mobile application users.
[1] https://mobiletrends.pl/raport-przecietny-uzytkownik-korzysta-30-aplikacji-miesiecznie-10-dziennie/, viewed on July 26, 2021.
[2] https://www.telepolis.pl/wiadomosci/prawo-finanse-statystyki/google-play-store-2020-pobrane-aplikacje-przychody, viewed on July 26, 2021.
[3] https://next.gazeta.pl/next/7,163022,27035256,co-trzeci-polak-korzysta-z-aplikacji-mobilnych-69-procent-z.html, viewed on July 26, 2021.
[4] https://www.polishexpress.co.uk/tylko-niecale-30-proc-polakow-zna-jezyk-angielski-w-stopniu-komunikatywnym-polacy-na-potege-klamia-w-cv, viewed on July 26, 2021.
[5] https://www.money.pl/gielda/uke-92-9-polakow-korzystalo-z-telefonu-komorkowego-70-5-z-internetu-w-2019r-6479674512459393a.html, viewed on July 26, 2021.
[6] https://businessinsider.com.pl/finanse/makroekonomia/na-emigracji-zyje-10-proc-polakow-w-europie-malo-kto-nas-przebija-w-tej-kategorii/j7kzxw4, viewed on July 26, 2021.
Globalisation and localisation of translation relate to adapting communication to the needs of those who speak different languages, live in other countries, and are immersed in different cultures.
Today, multilingual communication for various markets is already prepared at the product planning stage. You can approach translating texts that are meant to suit many different audiences in two ways — through globalisation or localisation. This article will explain the difference.
The globalisation of translation aims to prepare a text connecting people of different cultures. To do so, the text must not contain references only understood in a small community. In the process of globalising translation, the translator must also take good care of any troubling thoughts and elements. The translation of such type of text takes work. While these might seem funny in one culture, they may confuse or be considered offensive in another. The translator’s task is to simplify communication, avoid idioms or locally fashionable but globally incomprehensible phrases, and, above all, ensure that the translated material is consistent. Therefore, the text will be universal and general at the end of this process. Its main goal is to build understanding between people who speak different languages. Having globalised the translation, you can use the exact text on a website or product packaging in multiple languages in other countries.
More and more products, however, cannot function in distant local markets with a literal direct translation. Therefore, we mean the localisation of translation when it comes to adapting a product to the local market culture. This process makes the text embedded in the local context understandable at the level of a given culture. Companies decide to localise their communication in the target language as it brings measurable benefits.
Research conducted by Distomo shows that localised applications are downloaded 128% more often than non-localized competitors. In addition, the profits of localised applications are 26% higher than those without local language versions.
If you want the text localisation process to be effective, you should proceed with a series of activities I will not refer to in detail right now. Those activities include distinguishing all of the elements of culture and content characteristics for a given country already at the product planning stage and continuing until the product enters the market. This stage is called internationalisation. Omitting it extends the time it takes to launch a product on a given market. Localisation is broader than translation, but this text focuses only on language standards.
Localisation is a process used by the translator to reflect the cultural context of a given country instead of preparing text for everyone. It is more than just a matter of good translation. It is also more than just a matter of literal translation. Regarding localisation, the translator must identify and neutralise linguistic barriers and embed the linguistic sensitivity of a given cultural circle. For example, they might omit incomprehensible cultural references or replace them in the translated text with clear and understandable ones. You can not employ machine translation for this process, but you need a professional translator who does not translate each word separately but looks at cultural and business context.
Localisation translates computer software, games, applications, websites, or marketing and advertising content. Wherever the translated text serves a goal (the goal might be to make a purchase or encourage subscriptions to a newsletter), localisation increases the chances of success. The point is for the communication recipient to be unaware that they are reading a translation and instead perceive the text as if it were written primarily for them. The effect of localising a translation is communication that sounds familiar and inspires trust. Localised translation can improve the perception of a brand in the local market and translate into more significant interest in its offer.
Regardless of the type and purpose of the text, the more natural it sounds to the communication recipient, the more effective it is. Irrespective of whether you need a literal translation or localisation — contact a professional translator. Translation will give you quality, and localisation will help you achieve your goals in the target language.
The E-commerce market in Poland is one of the fastest developing e-commerce markets. With over 38 million inhabitants, around 83% of the population has access to the Internet. Each year, the number of people doing their shopping online increases.
Interestingly, Poles prefer to shop in online stores operating in Poland. Only 12% of Polish Internet users shop on foreign websites. The conclusion is obvious: you need a store based in Poland to reach local customers.
According to the Omni-commerce report from June 2020 (unfortunately, it is only available in Polish):
72% of Polish Internet users who shop online make up more than 27 million potential customers. This number includes people from different age groups, among them seniors. However, the largest group is people aged 35 to 49, primarily residents of large cities (with over 200,000 inhabitants). Mobile devices are more likely to be used by women; the youngest Internet users are in the 15-24 age group.
Poles buy clothes, shoes, books, CDs, cosmetics, electronic devices, and event tickets online. Compared to previous years, in 2020, there was a significant increase in expenditure on groceries, interior design (including furniture), and decoration products. Unsurprisingly, experts associate this trend with the current COVID-19 pandemic. The important thing is that the pandemic convinced Poles that shopping online is safe. Poles do their shopping mostly on online marketplaces, with Allegro.pl being the competition's unmatched leader.
Saving time and money is the most crucial reason Poles shop in online stores. To conquer the Polish market, you need to be fast. More than 80% of buyers want the delivery to be carried out within 24 hours of placing the order. You can also offer a free return policy, competitive shipping prices, lower costs, and various discounts to encourage shopping.
The quality of logistics services in Poland is very high. You may outsource all of the steps of the logistics chain, from storage to order processing. The most popular package delivery methods include courier services and parcel machines. Postal services take third place on the podium. Parcel machines (paczkomaty) are automated parcel collection points. In Poland, more than 7,000 of these machines are spread throughout the country. Customers can collect their deliveries on their own 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is very convenient, and many people choose only this way of delivery.
Research shows that Poles consider online transactions to be safe. The sellers themselves are the primary source of their doubts, which is why you need to establish your credibility from the very onset of your market presence. A great website considering the Polish cultural context will lay the foundation for your success. You'll find more on this topic in 5 ways to make your translated website more successful.
Source: Omni-Commerce Report, June 2020
Need an experienced e-commerce translator? Get in touch with me today! >>
A well-designed multilingual website will help you reach your international markets successfully.
Language verification carried out by a native speaker will ensure that your website contains no mistakes that are caused by a lack of cultural knowledge.
Your website is a business card that lets customers get to know you and assess whether they can trust you. By sharing information about your products and services on it, you build relationships with your customers. The ultimate success of your offer depends on the quality of your communication.
Your website is also an online marketing tool that will help you collect user information and gain new customers. Translation errors significantly impact your success rate no matter what purpose you want to achieve through your website. Here are five things you should consider to increase your effectiveness.
Brands with multilingual websites that provide content designed for a specific market are usually more likely to be effective than companies that translate the same content into different languages. The choice depends on the characteristics of the end-users in a given country. If you want to demonstrate to your customers that you understand the country in which you offer your services or products, working with a native speaker will help you build a better understanding of new and existing customers. Every polyglot knows how difficult an art translation is. Even though the tools supporting a translator's work using neural machine translation continually improve, only a human translation is noteworthy. Automatic machine translation will give you less than a human who understands the target language's culture and can immediately translate your website using appropriate spot words or phrases in a given cultural setting.
If you have an extensive website with a store or several automated messages sent to your customers, you may also want to have them translated. The professional translation will ensure they are correct and consistent with the rest of the website.
As aforementioned, your site is your business card. You have only one chance to make an excellent first impression, especially in Poland. Many Poles find gaining fluency in a foreign language challenging because the Polish education system focuses on error detection. Many educated Poles feel uncomfortable speaking in a foreign language due to the fear of making mistakes. On the other hand, at the same time, they are incredibly critical of any stylistic errors on websites, so if you need to be more reliable by Polish customers, you need an excellent translation.
One of the most common mistakes, usually caused by the desire to save time rather than money, is skipping the proofreading step. Proofreading costs are not high, and the process ensures your website is not riddled with errors. Typos are not only irritating to the reader; they can also distort or change the meaning of a message entirely. Communication with the customer has to be crystal clear. If the customer gets confused or deterred by errors, they will leave your website.
When looking to translate your website, choosing talented people who know the language is not sufficient. You need to select a person with extensive experience in marketing and sales translation. It will guarantee that the website translation will be done with accuracy and persuasive effectiveness of your content. An experienced and qualified translator can improve the text for the best results.
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