Language is the key to international growth in 2026
If international growth is top of your sales strategy for 2026, then translation and interpreting services are vital to tackle global language barriers.
We look at practical steps businesses should take when preparing to grow their capability overseas.
Use market research to identify your next overseas territory
Expanding into new international markets in 2026 requires more than just ambition, it demands a strategic approach grounded in thorough market research. For businesses aiming to grow overseas, market research is the foundation that helps identify which territories offer the greatest potential for success. By analysing local consumer behaviour, industry trends, and competitive landscapes, organisations can make informed decisions about where to invest their resources.
However, entering a new territory isn’t simply about translating your website or marketing materials. Effective translation goes beyond language; it ensures your messaging resonates with local audiences and avoids cultural missteps. Cultural considerations are equally crucial, understanding local customs, values, and business etiquette can mean the difference between acceptance and rejection in a new market.
By combining comprehensive market research with skilled translation services and deep cultural insight, businesses position themselves for sustainable international growth in 2026 and beyond.
Localise your sales approach
As more businesses set their sights on international growth in 2026, the importance of localisation cannot be overstated. Expanding into new markets requires more than simply translating your website or marketing materials; it demands a deep understanding of local customs, traditions, and cultural nuances. Effective localisation ensures that your products and services resonate with diverse audiences by adapting not just language but also tone, and messaging.
Localisation plays a crucial role in this process, but it’s only the first step. For true impact, businesses should consider local dialect variations and subtle differences in meaning that can influence how a message is received, in particular when launching geotargeted marketing campaigns. By respecting these distinctions and incorporating them into your sales approach, you build trust with potential customers and demonstrate genuine commitment to meeting their needs.
Build multilingual digital touchpoints
For businesses aiming to expand their reach globally in 2026, building multilingual digital touchpoints is no longer optional, it’s essential. Website translation should be at the forefront of your strategy, ensuring that your site communicates effectively with audiences from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Translating landing pages used in marketing activity is equally crucial; these are often the first point of contact for new customers and must deliver clear, localised messaging that resonates.
Paid advertising campaigns also benefit immensely from language adaptation. Running ads in multiple languages not only increases visibility but can also help to improve click-through rates by making content more relevant to each target market.
Finally, don’t overlook SEO in different languages. Optimising your website for international search engines involves more than simple translation, it requires an understanding of local search habits and keywords unique to each region. By partnering with a translation company to rework content into multiple languages, businesses can gain a competitive edge.
Use interpreting services in sales meetings
The importance of effective communication when people speak different languages cannot be overstated. Whether meetings are held in person or virtually, utilising a professional interpreting service is essential to bridge the language barrier and foster strong client relationships. With advancements in video technology, interpreters can now seamlessly participate in virtual meetings, ensuring that language differences never hinder progress.
Engaging the support of an interpreter demonstrates respect for your prospective clients’ language, which can significantly enhance trust and rapport. Moreover, professional interpreters are trained to maintain strict confidentiality, safeguarding sensitive business information at all times. By integrating interpreting services into both face-to-face and online client meetings, businesses position themselves for successful international expansion while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and respect.
Practical steps to integrate language solutions into your 2026 sales strategy
- Start by identifying your target markets – understand where demand for your products or services exist and which regions offer the most promising growth opportunities. Undertake thorough market research to gain insights into local consumer behaviour, regulatory requirements, and cultural nuances that may impact your approach.
- Budget for language services early in the planning process – allocating funds specifically for translation, localisation, and interpreting ensures you can communicate effectively with new audiences without unexpected costs derailing your strategy.
- Find a trusted language solutions provider – they’ll need to understand both the nuances of the languages involved and the specific needs of your industry. A reliable partner will help you navigate complex projects and maintain consistency across all communications. Look for a company with a strong track record of delivering high quality translation and interpreting services, who are long-standing members of trade organisations such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.
- Prepare your marketing collateral – translating and localising materials such as brochures, websites, product descriptions, sales presentations and social media campaigns. Tailoring content to each market not only demonstrates respect for local cultures but can also increase engagement and conversion rates.
Reach out to NRL’s team
When you’re ready to enter a new sales territory then our team are on hand to help you with your translation and interpreting needs. We work in more than 135 languages and have a network of trusted linguists who have local knowledge of your target languages, and experience supporting businesses across the globe.