Why Do Manufacturers Need a Multilingual Website to Expand and Compete Globally?
If you’re a manufacturer with a monolingual website, you’re turning away business without even realizing it.
Here’s why: 40% of consumers won’t buy from a site that isn’t in their native language. Even more surprising, 56% of online shoppers say that reading content in their language is more important than price.
Let that sink in. Buyers prefer to pay more rather than struggle with a language they don’t fully understand. And if they land on a site that doesn’t speak to them? They leave. Fast.
A multilingual website is thus a must-have for manufacturers looking to grow internationally. Idea Marketing Group helps manufacturers turn their websites into powerful sales tools that work across languages and markets.
Here’s how a multilingual website can open the doors to business expansion and higher sales.
1. A Multilingual Website Brings Global Buyers Back
English may be the most common language online, but it accounts for just 52% of web content. That means nearly half of the internet’s content is in other languages, with Spanish (5.5%) and German (4.8%) being the next most widely used.
The numbers tell the real story:
- China has over 1 billion internet users, making it a prime market for manufacturing sales.
- 41 million people in the U.S. speak Spanish, which means even domestic manufacturers benefit from translation.
- In Europe, Russian, German, and French dominate. English doesn’t even make the top three.
If your competitors offer website localization and you don’t, guess where international customers will go?
A multilingual website ensures that potential buyers find, understand, and trust your products wherever they’re from.
2. A Multilingual Site Converts Traffic Into Sales
Alt text: Website analytics dashboard showing traffic sources and conversion rates, highlighting how a multilingual website increases sales.
You might be getting plenty of visitors, but how many are actually buying?
- 76% of consumers prefer purchasing from websites in their language.
- 73% want product reviews in their native language before making a decision.
Now, think about how technical your product descriptions are. If an industrial buyer can’t read your specs, compliance details, or warranties, they won’t take the risk. They’ll go to a supplier who makes it easy to understand.
A multilingual website removes the guesswork. Buyers see exactly what they’re getting, which reduces hesitation and increases sales.
3. Search Engines Reward Multilingual Websites
Even if your products are perfect for global buyers, they won’t find you unless your site ranks well. Multilingual SEO helps manufacturers rank higher in search results by optimizing content for different languages and locations.
Here’s what happens when you don’t localize your content:
- Search engines like Google, Baidu (China), and Yandex (Russia) prioritize local-language content. If your website is only in English, you’re practically invisible.
- Localized keywords make a huge difference. Buyers in the UK search for “stainless steel tubing,” while U.S. buyers look for “stainless steel pipes.” Without website localization, you miss out.
- A multilingual website improves dwell time and reduces bounce rates—two critical SEO factors.
More visibility means more traffic. More qualified traffic means more sales. And when your digital marketing for manufacturers strategy includes multilingual SEO, you’re setting up for long-term growth.
4. Global Buyers Trust Brands That Speak Their Language
Manufacturers know that quality matters. However, trust is what seals the deal. And trust starts with clear communication. When a buyer lands on your website, they need to feel confident that your company understands their needs. If they have to struggle through poorly translated content or can’t find support in their language, they’ll move on.
- 68% of consumers switch brands when customer support isn’t available in their language.
- 64% of buyers will pay more for brands that offer a localized experience.
- Buyers immediately trust a company more when its website speaks their language.
For manufacturers looking to attract distributors, wholesalers, and international B2B buyers, a multilingual website sends a clear message: “We take global business seriously.” And that’s what separates industry leaders from companies struggling to gain a foothold in new markets.
5. A Multilingual Website Puts You Ahead of Competitors
Many manufacturers still haven’t adapted. That gives you a major advantage if you act now.
Here’s how a multilingual website helps you outperform competitors:
- Localized product manuals and guides reduce customer support issues, making you the preferred supplier.
- Non-English content positions your brand as an industry leader, attracting bigger deals.
- Manufacturers who invest in translation lock in long-term global clients while competitors struggle to break into new markets.
When a buyer has to choose between two suppliers, one with localized content and another that’s English-only, who do you think they’ll pick?
The Right Way to Build a Multilingual Website
Slapping a Google Translate widget on your website might seem like an easy fix, but it’s a shortcut that could cost you business. Automated translations are notorious for errors, especially when dealing with complex manufacturing terms, compliance details, and industry jargon. A single mistake could confuse potential buyers—or worse, make your company look unprofessional.
A multilingual website should feel natural, localized, and easy to navigate for every visitor, no matter where they’re from. That’s why professional website localization is the only real solution. Done right, it ensures:
- Accurate translations that maintain technical precision in product descriptions, manuals, and compliance documents.
- Multilingual SEO that helps your website rank in Google, Baidu, Yandex, and other country-specific search engines.
- User-friendly navigation that adapts to language differences, from right-to-left scripts like Arabic to region-specific date formats.
At Idea Marketing Group, we specialize in building high-performance multilingual websites designed to help manufacturers sell more, rank higher, and connect with international buyers.
Future-Proof Your Manufacturing Business With a Multilingual Website
A monolingual website limits your growth, sales, and credibility. The numbers prove it:
- Buyers prefer websites in their language.
- Multilingual SEO improves rankings and traffic.
- A localized site builds trust and converts more leads.
At Idea Marketing Group, we don’t just translate your site—we create a global sales tool that puts your business ahead of the competition.
Are you ready to expand internationally? Let’s build a multilingual website that works for your manufacturing business. Contact us today to get started.