11 benefits of multilingual government websites

Benefits of a multilingual government website:

1. Improved accessibility.
   You make your website more accessible to residents who do not speak the standard language, which contributes to inclusivity and equality.
2. Greater accessibility.
   Multilingual websites make information and services available to a wider group of residents, including newcomers and expats.
3. Better communication.
   Multilingual websites ensure clearer communication and reduce the risk of misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
4. Better user experience.
   By serving residents in their native language, you improve the user experience and ensure better interaction with your services.
5. Compliance with laws and regulations.
   Offering multilingual options is mandatory. With a multilingual website, you immediately meet these requirements.
6. Increased engagement.Residents feel more connected to their community and government agencies when they have access to information in their own language.
7. Positive reputation.
   An inclusive, multilingual approach shows that your government values diversity and takes everyone seriously.
8. Increased accessibility for tourists.
   Municipalities with high tourist numbers benefit from multilingual information, which contributes to a positive image and convenience for visitors.
9. Cost savings on customer service.
   Fewer questions at the counter or over the phone thanks to clear, multilingual online information.
10. Better crisis management.
    In times of crisis, such as pandemics or natural disasters, a multilingual website ensures that crucial information is disseminated quickly and effectively.
11. Future-proofing.
    A multilingual website prepares your government for future changes in demographics and language preferences.

The challenges of a multilingual website

Managing a multilingual government website presents several challenges. First of all, it takes a lot of time to manually update and maintain content in multiple languages. On average, this costs about 1 FTE per language, per website. It is not just a matter of translating texts, but also of complying with strict accessibility guidelines and optimizing for search engines (SEO). With limited resources and expertise, this can be a huge burden for municipalities, water boards, and provinces. Added to this is the complexity of ensuring consistency and accuracy in all languages, which is essential for maintaining a reliable and inclusive digital presence.

Shift2 x Weglot: the solution for multilingualism

Want a multilingual website, but daunted by the challenges? With Shift2 Weglot, the solution is at your fingertips. Our tool makes it easy to make your website multilingual, without requiring in-depth technical knowledge. With support for over 110 languages, Weglot provides accurate, automatic translations that immediately comply with accessibility standards.

What's more, Weglot makes it easy to check and validate translations. This means you can edit your texts and correct translations. We also offer guidance and support for the implementation and ongoing optimization of your multilingual website. This saves you time and resources and minimizes complexity, while providing a user-friendly, inclusive online experience for all your residents.