Blog – News and language tips

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Ready to conquer new markets with your online shop? Carefully considering your approach is key, which is exactly where things tend to go wrong. Language proves to be a stumbling block more often than one might think. You won't reach international customers with a simple translation of your homepage or product descriptions.

In order to truly connect and sell across borders, you’ll need a smart translation strategy. One that takes cultural and technical differences into account, on top of linguistic accuracy.

Search engine optimisation - or SEO for short - has never followed set rules. On the contrary: the rules of the game are constantly changing under the influence of technological developments as well as user expectations. Those who want to score online need to offer relevant information in a variety of formats, adapted to the cultural context and with a trust factor – and all this across language borders.

Yet another challenge is due for 2025: search engines increasingly answer user queries with AI-generated summaries. These are so good that people often don’t need to click through to other websites anymore.

The key question is: how do you get your content into that smart AI summary? So, here they are: 3 SEO tips for 2025, to ensure you stay visible on the web in the future!

Picture this: you notice that your new promotional video on your website is reaching your target audience. Mission accomplished! Or is it? Because what if (potential) clients cannot listen to the sound of your video due to certain circumstances? Without subtitles, they miss the message and you lose them... This is one of the many opportunities that you might miss, without even realising it. Because did you know that worldwide, one out of four people deal with a (temporary) disability? And thus may struggle to understand your message?

Do you address your international audiences in English? You are not the only one. On the contrary. Many companies assume that everyone speaks English. Their reasoning goes something like this: "If we offer our content on the website, on social media and in leaflets in English, we're home safe." Sounds reasonable enough, but it doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. After all, language is much more than a means of conveying WHAT you have to say. It also affects HOW your message is received, interpreted and assessed.

The connection forged with your target audience through your brand, your story, and your products and services is primarily emotional; a bond that is easier to build in their mother tongue. A foreign language, however familiar, speaks to us on a more rational level - leaving our emotions less affected. Just one reason why you want to translate your content to the languages of your target audience. But there are four more reasons. Explore them here!

Do you create video material for your business? You’ll know how powerful the right voice can be to really drive home your message for your target audience. In this blog post, we will show you what to look out for when choosing a voice-over. With practical tips, we will help you find the perfect voice, deliver a convincing message and highlight your brand in an authentic way.

Wondering how to prepare for an international trade fair or looking for tips for successful trade fair participation? To truly stand out, you need more than just an eye-catching booth. Incorporating multilingual marketing materials, professional interpreting services, and cultural awareness training can help you forge deeper international connections. Below are 10 best practices for trade fair exhibitors, designed to power your success at any event, anywhere in the world.

If you want to increase your commercial opportunities across the language border or abroad, a multilingual website is indispensable. Did you know, for instance, that 90% of consumers only buy from an online store if it is available in their own language?

Delivering a top-quality translation for every client is what we at ELAN Languages aim for every day. That’s why we always select a native translator who is completely familiar with your industry. Do you often use terms specific to your business or sector? Then it is crucial that these are translated properly every time. A terminology list provides important guidance in this regard. For you and for our translators.

Your new catalogue is almost ready - only the translation remains. Would you like the final product to convince your (potential) customers and not come across as a hastily translated text? We are happy to give you three golden tips. You will notice that the translation of your catalogue will be so much smoother and more economical.

A promotional video on Facebook, a video presentation for a trade fair, a clip on your website with instructions ... Nowadays, communication is about more than just texts.

ELAN Languages has acquired Übersetzungsbüro Lingua-World, a reputable translation and interpreting agency headquartered in Cologne, with 12 other offices across Germany...

When you want to have a text translated, the price question always comes up first. How is this calculated; per character, per word, or per line? It’s an easy decision to make.

Your social media updates, an email to a foreign-language colleague or that final caption in your brochure...

Do you urgently need a short text of no more than 100 words translated during office hours? Or would you like your own translation to be proofread?

As a responsible person, you keep a close eye on the cost of your translations and you do not want to waste any time. Bingo, you are not alone! We are also fond of smooth and cost-effective translation processes. These three tips will help you get even more out of your translation budget.

ELAN Languages is the right place to be for all your professional translations. But did you know that we can also help you with all your other language questions? From copywriting to desktop publishing to subtitling: we have the solution for every language-related need. Whatever your request, these services will help your business move forward:

Are you planning a meeting or conference with non-native speakers? Make them more efficient by using interpreters. That’s always a good idea! Another one is to draw up a smart plan of action in advance – that way, you’re absolutely sure that your interpreting flows freely. These five tips will help you do just that. Because, “to be prepared is half the victory”.

Whether it’s a translation, copywriting, subtitles, or a voice-over project: our translation experts invariably ensure a flawless end result. But such a top-notch translation doesn’t just appear out of thin air – you too can do your part. That’s why we’re sharing these three tips to make the translation process that much smoother and more economical.

We believe that good agreements make good friends and transparency prevails. That’s why you’ll find just one rate on your translation quote, which we’ll respect. That makes it refreshingly clear and fair for you. Additional surcharges or other unpleasant surprises on your invoice? Not at ELAN Languages. When it comes to our quotes, we lay all our cards on the table.