International Business and Technology Blog

What are the most spoken languages in the world? 

When your company decides to increase its exports, chances are language plays a key role in choosing which markets to target. Investing in that export market means investing in that language - and what are the costs and benefits of adding a language to your export base? Focusing on four of the most spoken languages globally, this blog sets out some of the main linguistic issues exporters face when expanding their businesses into new markets with different languages. What are the most spoken languages? How many countries speak Spanish, or Arabic or French? What knowledge of the language do you need to be competitive? How different is the language to your native language? And what about English – is it really a global language?  

Canada is the United States' second largest trade partner in the world, and number one importer of US goods. Canada has a population that is well connected, close-by, and ready to do business with US companies. With a large population of English speakers, and 90% of them on the internet, it is a great market to enter for exporters!

Use online tools to your advantage to be found, understood, and transact your business in Canada. 

When going global with your website, language and translation is unavoidable. What are your company’s choices and what makes for great translation? Let’s discuss some of the key issues you need to have in mind when thinking about going global online. A website that your international prospects can understand and engage with is essential for today’s exporters. Your company’s international websites need to have local content, culture, language and demand preferences, to ensure your company gets found and gets understood. With website translation, localization and a focus on the target audience, misunderstandings can be avoided, and a unique online experience created for your customers:

“Localisation involves many tasks including translation, multilingual project management and software engineering and testing. […] For companies wishing to attract and hold international customers - either through traditional shops, e-business, or a combination multilingual sites and localisation are vital.” Bert Esselink, author of ‘A practical guide to localization’

Farécla Products Limited (Farécla) had decided to invest in a website for one of their most important export markets, China. But the website was not localized or optimized for the Chinese market. The contents had been translated into Chinese characters but without background expertise in how Chinese websites actually function or how to connect with prospective Chinese customers: the website was not fit for purpose. Management began reviewing possible solutions with IBT Online and we are proud to have helped Farécla build a great Chinese online platform for doing business: a fully localized, optimized and functioning website that acts as a springboard for social media, online marketing, ecommerce – in line with the company’s strategy to grow their sales, brands and businesses in China.

Reach new export customers and grow your business rapidly with the Michigan Online Global program. The top 3 benefits are: 1) attracting new international clients and growing your exports with global websites and social media programs 2) Online Global export, sales, brand and business success and 3) matching funds to invest in your business development ($6,000, $3,000 and $15,000…). How does that work for you? Make the internet work for you globally: help your international prospects, customers and partners find you, understand you and do business with you… 

China is one of the largest economies in the world- with a 23 trillion dollar GDP and over a billion people, it is a force to be reckoned with! China is well connected, embraces new technology, and is very mobile-friendly. Although China has its challenges- new tariffs, government red tape, and unique online environment, when a company begins to understand China and all of its complexities, it can be a very lucrative and successful target market. 

Use online tools to your advantage to be found, understood, and transact your business in China – one of the most internet-aware markets in the world.

Mexico is one of the largest trade partners of the United States, is well connected, and has a population that is tech-savvy and modern - a dream destination for any exporter. The people of Mexico are well connected, avid social media users, and love to watch videos. 

Use online tools to your advantage to be found, understood, and transact your business in Mexico – one of the most internet-aware markets in the world.

Geolocation is the "identification of the real-world geographic location of an object", one example of this is Internet Protocol (IP) mapping where a device (mobile, computer…) is connected to the internet. So far, so good and so simple. But it is not! Geolocation is actually extremely controversial with regards to today's ever changing internet connected, legal, commercial, political and societal world. Hence it is complex and has spawned a multi-billion $ solutions industry delivering a range of products, software and service providers that affect as well as provide solutions for your website(s)…

Calling all of Floridian exporters! The Florida Online Global program has 3 top business development benefits for you. How does 1) growing your export sales, brand and business, 2) starting your Online Global success story and 3) $8,000 work for you?

Renowned for its technology and ability to deliver, Ocean Optics has every reason to be confident of its global success. To make sure the Ocean Optics brand is showcased at its best, management decided to invest in its online footprint. As a Florida exporter, the company took advantage of the innovative Florida Online Global Program and in mid-2018, Ocean Optics boasted its first 2 fully localized websites for target export markets; Mexico and Brazil. IBT Online is proud to have helped them get online globally.

With headquarters in Florida, Ocean Optics was eligible for Enterprise Florida’s Online Global Program. As a public-private partnership, Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI) is the principal economic development organization for the state. Working with IBT Online, EFI initiated an innovative program to help Florida companies with global ambitions get the right sales and marketing tools: international, fully localized websites and social media marketing.