The internet has allowed companies to reach markets across the world, but in the process, it has thrown up new challenges for cross-border sellers. Most importantly, while the web has brought people together, it hasn't erased language barriers.
Whatever language they speak, web users want to be able to relate to the brands they patronize. They want clearly expressed information, but also value humor and references to their native cultures.
In other words, to sell across borders, companies need ways to speak to people that go beyond simple translation. They need ways to relate to people on a human level. That's where transcreation enters the picture.
Defining Transcreation
For those who are not familiar with the term, "transcreation" is exactly what it sounds like - a mixture of translation and creation.
When writers transcreate, they take an original text and tease out what it is trying to do. They think about the tone of voice, the cultural references, and the factual details it contains. Then they convert it into an accurate translation that's tailored to a completely different cultural context.
Done well, this results in texts that replicate the key details of a product description, blog, or any other piece of content but which speak to different audiences in ways they will comprehend and enjoy.
Why Transcreation Is Important in Marketing
1. Relatability
Most importantly, transcreation services provide a way to engage readers in different cultures by using language and references that make sense to them. For instance, it doesn't make sense to talk about "end runs" or "hail Mary passes" if a company is selling to Germans, but these terms will be broadly familiar in the USA.
Transcreation involves finding terms that act as analogs for the original text -- a process that we often refer to as content localization. The core transcreation goal is to communicate the sense of what the original tried to convey using cultural tools that are appropriate for the target audience.
2. Avoidance of Misunderstandings
Transcreation also seeks to allow companies to smoothly transfer their content across borders without unfortunate slip-ups. If you've ever used Google Translate to convert product descriptions into another language, you'll appreciate this problem. All too often, the results are confusing, and can even be offensive in some cases.
Literal translations are always vulnerable to this issue as words don't necessarily swap seamlessly between cultures. By using transcreation services, companies can avoid this pitfall. Instead of strange phrasing and vocabulary, they can convert jokes and slang without any mishaps.
3. Accuracy
Verbal misunderstandings can turn off audiences, but so can factual errors. When companies enlist transcreation professionals, they can usually be sure that their content partners will double-check any facts in the original text. And they won't blindly convert numbers or technical terms.
For instance, if American apparel companies are launching sales campaigns in Europe, they will need to make sure that sizes are converted appropriately. Transcreation experts will be able to fine-tune the overall content involved instead of just translating the text.
Why Transcreation is Better than Translation in Marketing
At greatcontent, we are huge supporters of transcreation over translation. While linguistic skills are admirable, they are not enough to allow brands to shine when they internationalize their campaigns. Instead, companies often need to think bigger and find solutions that blend translation, initiative, and creativity.
This isn't always the case, though. For example, when selling highly technical products, much of the content creation required will entail very strict translations to communicate data effectively. And in global industries, localization doesn't always matter when selling worldwide. But it does matter for many customer-facing eCommerce sellers and service providers.
When applied properly, transcreation will boost sales in target markets, build the profile of your brand, and promote trust among your audience. So Prenez contact with us to discuss how to combine multilingual copywriting with imagination. We'll find a way to craft marketing campaigns to capture the attention of any audience.
