1. Should you do it?

2. What are the benefits?

3. Are there any special laws that you need to understand?

Here's a guest post from Christian Arno, the founder of Lingo 24 with some advice. Be sure to add your thoughts and share your questions (and experiences) in the comments area.

How to Tap into Non-English Markets

by Christian Arno of Lingo 24

The world wide web, as its very name implies, is a truly global phenomenon. The Internet has opened up vast new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, as the entire world is just a mouse-click away from parting with cash for your goods and/or services.

That's the theory at least. The Web does indeed offer glorious opportunities for those savvy enough to take advantage, but there's a little more involved than simply setting up your own little corner of cyberspace and waiting for the business to roll in.

Identify your markets

It's possible that you have a product or service with truly global appeal but, let's face it, whatever you're selling will in all likelihood be better received in some areas than others. Good market research will help reveal exactly where you can reasonably expect to make an impact and, even if you do have a global product, targeting a select number of markets will help keep your campaign focused, as well as simplifying processes such as website localization. One excellent tool for identifying keyword opportunities, and market gaps, in foreign markets is Google’s Global Market Finer, which presents the varying search volumes and PPC bid prices for keywords in countries around the world.

Localize your website

Making your website accessible is a must when trying to tap into non-English markets. English is still the single most commonly used language online and, as in the business world, it remains the lingua franca or common language of the Internet. Even so, it represents just under half of all online usage and studies have shown that multilingual users put more trust in sites in their own native language, especially when it comes to spending money online. A monolingual approach would clearly cut off huge swathes of potential customers.

Depending on the number of target markets and your realistic expectations of the returns you can expect from them, it may be enough to set up micro-sites or foreign language pages navigable from your main website. A fully localized website will be more expensive and time consuming to set up and maintain but will also give you the opportunity to invest in a country code Top Level Domain, such as .de for Germany or .fr for France. This will not only give your site a more ‘local', trustworthy feel but it will also boost your rankings on Google and other search engines, who use locality as one of the factors in their search algorithms.

The power of social networking

Social networking sites are not simply about playing Farmville or finding out what a casual acquaintance had for breakfast. They are about that in part, of course, but they can also be a useful marketing tool, and businesses both large and small are increasingly using these sites as part of their marketing armory. Businesses can directly engage with customers, helping to build brand loyalty. They can monitor the online conversation about their products and services, garner feedback and generally spread awareness of their products.

The bigger social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, do have global audiences, but it's worth bearing in mind that in some markets other local competitors rule the roost. In South Korea, for example, Cyworld is the market leader while Orkut is the most visited site in Brazil. It isn't essential but it may be worth checking the popular sites in your target market and maintaining a presence on those.

Translation issues

When crossing into non-English markets, the issue of translation is one of the most important things to consider. Your marketing and website content must all be translated and the quality of the translation will directly reflect on how your potential customers view you and your product. Automatic translation programs such as Google Translate and Yahoo! Babel Fish offer a cheap and easy way to get a literal translation, but they can be prone to contextual errors and this can leave your copy looking stilted and amateurish. Enlisting the aid of a native speaking translator will help catch any mistakes and will also bring cultural knowledge to the task.

When dealing with ebooks and electronic information, you also have to consider whether to actually translate the product itself or whether to try to market it to multilingual readers in its original form. Having even a short book translated can be a hefty undertaking and you should be sure that any fully translated work will actually have an audience before you start. For this kind of work, good quality translation is essential and only a skilled, native-speaking translator should be considered for the job.

Check publishing rights

Another issue when selling ebooks worldwide is that of publishing rights. Even ebooks in English cannot always be sold in different English speaking territories such as the United States, the UK and Australia. This is because publishers may be granted the rights to publish a piece of work only in certain, exclusive territories, meaning that a book to which you hold the US rights may not necessarily be able to be sold in the UK. This may apply whether the work is in print or electronic format and the issue can become even more tangled when dealing with translated versions. Put simply, ensure that you have the rights in place before selling an ebook anywhere.

There's undoubtedly a lot to consider when harnessing the Web to tap into non-English markets but, equally, there are massive potential rewards to be had if you're willing to put in the time and effort.

About the Author

Christian Arno is the Managing Director of Lingo24, Inc. Visit Christian's website at www.lingo24us.com. Follow Lingo24, Inc. on Twitter.

In the past twelve months, they have translated over forty million words for businesses in every industry sector, including the likes of MTV and World Bank.

So, grab a cup of your favorite drink. (I've got a glass of Merlot. Go ahead and grab something yummy. I'll wait.)

It's story time….

At the NAMS in August of last year (2009), I met a guy named Dan Morris. That's him over there ->

I didn't particularly care for him. I felt he was a bit aloof.

Normally my gut instinct on people is dead on. But, I totally missed the boat on this one.

I met this same guy again in January of this year (again at NAMS) and he grew on me. Quickly.

(He says that there's about a six month grace period before people like him. He's funny like that.)

Anyway, in January at NAMS, we were hanging out in the hotel lobby telling stories and I told one from many moons ago back when I was working at a camp, the summer after I graduated from high school.

Here's the story…

You see, I was a camp counselor (I lived at a girls camp that summer).

One week, we decided to go on a field trip with our girls to an air show that was nearby. I had 6th grade girls most of that summer and that was the age of this group.

Well, one of the girls was having a rough time. I think she struggled a bit, in general. I don't know her whole story, but she was certainly not happy to be at camp or to listen to me most of the time. It didn't keep me from trying, though.

Obviously, when the van pulled up at the air show, I was planning on keeping close watch on her. So, when she left the van with her backpack on, I took note. I knew it was none of my business as to why she wanted it with her, but I was concerned — and I was right.

As we were walking, I kept noticing she was looking over her shoulder so I stuck close. And, sure enough, she took off.

Well, as an 18 year old girl, what do I do? I run after her, not thinking about what would happen when I caught her. I just didn't want to lose her in the crowd.

So, I ran after her and eventually caught her — which became a problem. I called her name a few times and it only made her run faster, so, eventually I tackled the poor girl in the gravel.

You can imagine the faces of the people around us, staring at us. I figured I'd be talking to security in minutes. I mean, an 18 year old tackling a 12 year old? Not pretty. Plus we were both pretty scratched up and sweaty. I'm sure we were pretty scary looking.

I had no idea what to do. Obviously this wasn't in our pre-camp training. So I held up my little wooden name tag that had my camp name on it (not even my real name) and yelled “It ok. I'm a camp counselor!”

For some reason, that appeased the onlookers and they started to walk away. (Bizarre, right?!) So, she and I stood up, patched ourselves up, had a long talk, and we went back to the field trip.

Well, after that day, she and I bonded. That girl wrote to me for years after that. I often wonder about her to this day and hope she's found happiness.

Well, this story makes me giggle to this day, and I was laughing (and probably snorting while laughing) while telling it. I mean, a wooden name tag? GEEZ. But then NAMS ended and I went home and forgot completely about sharing the story.

When I got home from NAMS, Dan emailed me and asked for my address. He said he had something he wanted to send me. I figured it was a greeting card or a business card or motivational CD or something. You know. The usual stuff – which is all very thoughtful.

Well, I got a box in the mail. When I opened it I found a framed picture of this:

Yes, Dan had commissioned a drawing of the story that I had told. And, I laughed my butt off. (My favorite part is how all the adults look horrified, but the kids are all smiling.) lol. So true! It is now hanging in my office and it's one of my favorite gifts ever.

The lesson? Dan knows networking.

What did Dan do that was right?

• He paid attention.
• He did something personal, that I know he didn't just mail to every single person at NAMS. (Because if he did, well that'd just be silly.)
• He did something that stood out to me.

And, for that, he made a friend for life.

You ever hear of the law of reciprocity?  Well, this post is the start of it. And, yes, you can bet, when Dan needs something, I'll do my best to help.

If you'd like to get to know Dan Morris, check out his blog Letters from Dan. He's someone worth knowing.

Thanks for sharing my story time. And, have a great day!

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

PS. If you'd like to hang with me and Dan and a bunch of other cool people, please join us at NAMS in January.

The audio recording of our interview is at the end of this blog post. Just look for the “play” button and listen. It’s free!

I met Bob at a Live Event earlier this year (Willie Crawford's 50th Birthday Celebration) and then we got the chance to hang out again at Ken McArthur's IMPACT event in Orlando a month or two later.

See? Here we are!

Elizabeth Ashe, me, Bob, Lynn Terry

I knew that I liked Bob immediately, even before we were introduced. I noticed his warm smile and I wanted to meet him, even before I realized how flippin' smart he was, too. He just stands out in a room full of people as someone who is really special.

Also, every time I walked by him, at the event, I noticed that he was typing notes in a weird program. It turns out that he's a Free Mind addict and he's helped me to learn about the program and use it, too. It's great for brainstorming ebooks before you start writing them, and for thinking through projects that involve a lot of steps.

Learn more about Free Mind and Bob's tutorials on the program here
-> Free Mind Training (You'll get rid of post-it notes forever.)

So, anyway, I finally got an introduction and I knew my life would be better off for knowing this new friend.

Here's more about Bob so you can see why I think he's cool:

Bob Jenkins is an internet business marketing teacher, with ten years experience teaching teenagers and teachers. He is the creator of several online training courses that teach you how to get better customers and increase your profits. Specializing in social networking strategies for business and creating information products from teleseminars, Bob can help you use internet marketing tools and strategies to promote your business online.

Paid “Must Have” Tools Recommended by Bob:

• Blogi360 – Blogging Platform that makes it very easy to use WordPress.
• Aweber – Autoresponder & List-Manager. I use this, too.
• Instant Teleseminar – Makes hosting teleseminars easy.
• Camtasia – Recording & editing videos of your screen.
• Butterfly Marketing – the Shopping Cart & Affiliate Management system that Bob prefers.

Free “Must Have” Tools Recommended by Bob :

• Tweet Deck – For organizing and managing Twitter.
• Mind Maps: Free Mind – Organizing everything in Bob's head!
• Roboform: Saves Bob at least 2 hours/week. I use it, too! (Free trial, but you'll want to upgrade.)

Bob's Mentors

• Mike Filsaime
• Paulie Sabol
• Donna Fox
• Adam Urbanski
• Melanie Benson Strick

Takeaway Points

• Having an accountability partner is huge.
• Make a difference in what you do and you'll love your business!
• You'll need different mentors over time, depending on what you're focusing on at the time.

One lucky listener will win…
One Month of FREE Access to Bob's IM Success Library!

As always, one lucky listener will be chosen to win a prize. All you have to do is listen to the show and leave a comment about what you learned from the show — and you'll be entered to win one month of Bob's IM Success Library.

What is it? Well, let me just tell you!

At the IM Success Library, you'll have access to step-by-step video and audio courses that cover EVERYTHING you need to know about things like:

– list building
– information product creation
– affiliate marketing
– technical know-how
– website management
– traffic
– autoresponders
– Twitter and Facebook
– and a lot more.

The fact is, it's impossible for me to tell you in this blog post just how much of an impact this will be for your business. So, check it out by clicking on the graphic below. (Site will open in a new window.)

After listening to the show, comment below about something you learned from the show — and you'll be entered to win. If you're already a member at IM Success Library, then we'll work out an alternate prize.

• Blog World Tour Continues ~ Critical Networking mistake #1: Greedy Gus http://bit.ly/1FK2Z #
• What are the biggest networking mistakes one could make? Want to make sure I don't miss any biggies in this series: http://bit.ly/1FK2Z Thx! #
• http://twitpic.com/8sbu1 – Kickin' back with my Cousin at a beach house we rented in Port St. Joe – Florida & drinking Mojitos. #
• eek! Lightening. Adios. Powering down now. Have a great night all. #
• Please share your biggest networking frustrations so I can blog about them at @odinnsorensen's blog this week: http://bit.ly/1FK2Z #
• Are you a Fussy Fiona? Find out how it could be costing you money in my guest series about Networking Mistakes: http://bit.ly/13UO4F #
• The “Anti Fussy Fionas” mentioned here http://bit.ly/13UO4F are @BobTheTeacher @lynnterry @odinnsorensen @ronplr #
• Best thing I've done — teach my 7 year old how to make coffee and bring it to Mommy while I'm working. Sweet baby girl, how I love thee! #
• Hey guys. Don't leave me looking like a no-comment loser in front of @odinnsorensen on my guest blog series, please. http://bit.ly/13UO4F #
• Assuming @paulcooley is not at the hospital welcoming the newest member of his family, I get to interview him in 15 min! Yay either way! #
• Thought for the moment: I just love @williecrawford for being so accessible and genuine! #
• You know you're a work at home mom when your daily to-do list is written half in pen and half in crayon. ((sigh)) #
• RT @CaptnAffiliate: Free Top Traffic Tips Event With Willie Crawford & Doug Champigny http://tinyurl.com/l9nelm <– looks like a good one! #
• Quoting @PerryBelcher –> “It sticks out like a turd in a punch bowl.” Have you watched this great video yet? http://bit.ly/3CbOC #
• The Blog World Tour continues –> http://bit.ly/Er5UZ Are you an Unreliable Ursula and how do you deal with one? #
• My vent turned into a bigger vent: http://bit.ly/4cbvUA
  Affiliate training. Are you for or against it? #
• is wishing she was driving through Illinois again this year and could visit @annetteyen and her beautiful, talented daughters. #
• Thank you @lynnterry @TraciKnoppe @MikePaetzold @SharonMcP @sstraylor @AffiliateBus @redsweb @alyssaavant <– Cool folks to follow! #
• RT @odinnsorensen: Have you read what my guest blogger @NicoleDean is writing on http://odinnsorensen.com Check it out! #followfriday <- #
• RT & TY @HelenaRitchie: Awesome women 2 follow & learn from – @NicoleDean @TiffanyDow @lynnterry @FeliciaSlattery @MariaAndros #followfriday #
• RT & TY @traceym09: #followfriday more for business wealth mindset @ErinBlaskie @FeliciaSlattery @NicoleDean #
• Feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to work where my kids are within hugging distance at all times. #
• Just realized that Stomper Live 8 and NAMS are back to back weekends. Do I spend 10 days in Atlanta? @lynnterry – you doing both? #
• Last post in the series about Networking Mistakes: http://bit.ly/FDhdG
  – My Blog World Tour #
• When will I ever learn not to send a mailing on a Friday before a holiday? ((rolling eyes at self)) #
• Free PLR Recipes and Articles –> http://www.yummyplr.com/friendsofnicole Samples to see if you like YummyPLR.com – Hope you will! #
• hee! http://bit.ly/pL97K
  <– don't you just want to kiss this little cutie?! #

Powered by Twitter Tools.

I have four products planned, but I don't know which one is most needed first. So, let me lay it on the line here…

I'm struggling with focus. I just started my podcast which I love love love. I'm writing my first book. I want to grow EasyPLR.com. I've got a few offline clients. And, of course, my #1 business commitment is to keep InfoProfitShare.com growing. But, at the same time I have customers asking me to teach more courses – “when can I buy your next course?”

However, you know me. I don't want to create something and have you buy it unless you can actively USE it to get results. You know.. the “DO” part of making money online.

I  have so many projects going on right now that I don't know which one to complete first. And, as I teach you — if I try to do them all at once — none of them will get done.

So, help me… to help you.

If you could have me create a course customized for your needs, filling in a gap that you have in your business or to help you get past a roadblock to make more money online, what would it be?

Keep in mind that this type of course would be for intermediates (my newbie courses are either free or at JustAddSweat.com). Also, keep in mind that my area of expertise revolve around creating and promoting infoproducts, affiliate management, recycling content, using PLR, and networking. I can teach other topics, but those are my strengths and I think it wise to teach what I know best. Don't you?

So… let me know how I can help you more. Give it to me. I'm listening.

Thanks in advance for the focus!
Nicole

For instance, look at my new blog!

Logo is by Jen Hauck of InternetMarketingChic.com

Blog is by Kelly McCausey of FreshNets.com

I had a brainstorming session with my new press partner, Sharon McMillan this morning and am very excited about the future. She's going to make me famous!

I just took on two interns yesterday (I don't know if I can name them yet, but trust me that you'll be hearing about them … much, in the coming weeks!)

And, I just found a new, budding copywriter who is going to help me revamp my headlines. http://getawayvirtualservices.com

The thing that I'm really excited about is that I connected with all of these women at one of two places:

www.MomsMastermind.com – my favorite networking hang out.
&
www.Shelancers.com – my favorite site for Service Providers.

I just wanted to give a shout out to all the amazing women out there and say “Thank you” to those who make me look good every day.

Nicole

Kelly asked….

My next question for you is this: What do you think of Twitter? And why don’t I see more of you there?

Hey Kel,

I really enjoyed reading your list of Pet Peeves for your Online Talk Radio Show. I agree on all of those. They would bug me, as well. As for not promoting the interview, that is just bad manners. But, I do find that a lot — that lack of reciprocity. Now, when I promote something that John Reese comes out with, I don't expect him to reciprocate — or if I promote something like GoDaddy as an affiliate, but in networking circles, I don't hear “What can I do for YOU?” as much as I'd like after doing something for someone else. Or even a “Thanks.” Hmm… I guess I feel a blog vent coming on about this one. lol.

However, that wasn't YOUR question to me. Yours was Twitter. I am on Twitter, as you know – Nicole Dean on Twitter. I actually do enjoy it, although I find my time on Twitter gets spent quickly. All of a sudden it's time for me to get the kids and I haven't gotten through my To-Do list at all. Kind of like me with forums — so I have to limit that time a bit. The other reason I haven't been Twittering is that I haven't been able to get the site to load in weeks. I click on it in my browser and it sits on loading … and loading… and loading… but that must just be me? Maybe it's a sign. Or maybe I need to try it in a new browser. lol.
I still get traffic from Twitter and I do like stopping by to say ‘Hey I just blogged about…' but I can't chat on there too much or I'll end up chatting with my wonderful friends and making new ones. (Dreadful, I know.) Maybe I just need a good lesson in moderation?

So, that's my Twitter Truth.

ok. So, back to my question for you… going back to my beef earlier, what do you consider when networking with other work at home moms on a long-term basis. For instance, what makes you loyal to one person and not another? (Other than quality, of course.)
Chat soon, mi amiga!

Nicole

They also offer you the opportunity to be an exhibitor (set up a booth) which you can also find at the website above. I hope you'll join us.

Hi there – I'm Aurelia Williams and I am the owner of Real Life Solutions http://www.reallifesolutions.net/ which is a Family Life Resource site created to help you and others lead an emotionally & physically healthier, more productive and less stressful life.
Real Life Coaching: www.reallifecoaching.net is myPersonal Life Coaching Site. I am dedicated to helping women live a life that is: less stressed and more organized, filled with more self confidence and a life that also follows the direction of their goals.
I am also one the Resident experts on the great WAHMTalkRadio show.

Do you have any recent news, products, a new launch, freebies, etc.

I am offering women a 10% off of their coaching package. I also have a wonderful eBook: Journey To Joy http://www.reallifecoaching.net/ebook.shtml

What are your absolute favorite products or resources you can't live without in your business (or have helped you the most)?

There are many resources that have been invaluable to me. The ones that top my list are Internetbasedmoms.com, Mom Masterminds and networking with other WAHMS such as yourself Nicole. Also watching awesome wahms make it truly inspires me. Also my VA's – I can't forget them. They are awesome!

What's your best advice for someone just starting out in online business (getting traffic, article marketing, networking, etc.)?

Don't give up!! Start with your passion and grow from there. Find a great mentor and ask for help when needed. Never, ever be afraid to ask questions.

Find Free Reprint articles by Aurelia Williams

Kelly, tell us about your businesses.

I host Work at Home Moms Talk Radio which launched in November 2003.

In addition to the show, I also

* mentor Work at Home Moms in building successful online businesses
* publish a print mini mag for WAHMs
* host teleseminars
* create information products.

Tell us about your products. I'm familiar with all of them (since I'm one of your biggest cheerleaders, but let's tell everyone else about them).

Mom Masterminds!
Shoestring Radio is my audio course for those interested in starting their own internet radio show.
Easy Article Marketing (you know!) – (Kelly and I did this project together!)
What are some products or resources you can't live without in your business (or have helped you the most)?

Alice Seba, Aweber & my web host! LOL!

What's your best advice for someone just starting out in online business (getting traffic, article marketing, networking, etc.)

Start doing something – don't wait for perfection. You will learn by doing more than anything else.

What is your number one question about online business, getting traffic, networking, affiliate programs or article marketing?

My number one question? Shoot – that's easy. Why is it so hard to please BOTH Google and Yahoo? ROFL!

Don't I know it, Kelly! lol.

Grab Kelly's wonderful articles for your website or blog here –
Free Reprint Articles by Kelly McCausey