ForumsAdvertising, Sales and Marketing

Well, I am French living in US and I think if living in a different country, we must learn the country's language even if we don't write or speak perfectly.

My site is in English and I don't see the necessity to add the French language on my website because my main target audience is in US. When I promote my site on French sites or on French directories then I wrote in French. I also specify on the French sites that I am a French speaker if some French don't know English and want to contact me in French that's ok.

"bilingual" website, YES we do.

Where are you located??
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For public services, I agree, NatOnline, it is beneficial for all in this country to be able to speak English at a basic level. However, when people get to vote with their dollars buying products and services from private companies, they chose to deal with companies that connect best with them - and this often includes dialoguing in the language that they are most comfortable speaking.

The key is to identify and define your specific target market - don't go after the "everyone" market or lose sight that there may be variation within your base. If your target base speaks English as a second language, then you should serious consider not only translating your copy, but partner with a pro that understands the cultural dynamics of that particular market.

When I learned French and Spanish, one of the first things that teachers taught me was to not try and translate English word-for-word into French or English. It doesn't work. The same holds true for your marketing efforts. For example, a 7th generation US citizen of Irish heritage doesn't have the same frames of reference or hot buttons as a first or second generation immigrant from Mexico. You need to get to know your base or hire a pro to teach you the nuances of your market.

All the Best,

Doug Dolan
The Solopreneur's Guide
http://thesologuide.com