When it comes to website localization or website translation into English, things can get tricky. If your website is only in Russian or written in awkward English, you could be missing out on a whole world of opportunity—literally.
I was recently approached by a Russian-speaking client who asked me to revamp their website to sound more like it was written in English. Ironically, it was written in English… And to be fair, the English wasn’t bad—but it wasn’t quite good enough.
One common mistake Russian speakers make when writing websites in English is this: they think in Russian. But you can’t think in Russian and expect to write well in English. The result is often bulky, clunky, and hard to read.
I took the job and reworked the entire site—keeping the original ideas, but expressing them in clear, natural English. I made sure every sentence made sense, flowed well, and connected logically with the rest. The client was more than happy with the result.
These days, your website is the first thing people see when they find your business. It’s your introduction, your handshake, your storefront. But if it’s written in poor English—or even “okay” English that just doesn’t read naturally—you’re closing the door on potential clients, partners, and customers.
As someone who’s been working in website localization for over 30 years, and as a certified member of the American Translators Association (ATA), I help Russian-speaking businesses localize their websites into natural, fluent English—adapting the whole message for an English-speaking audience.
Here’s why localizing your website is one of the smartest moves you can make:
1. Reach More People—A Lot More
The goal of localization is to help the English-speaking client connect with what you do immediately. By localizing your content into English, you open up your site to a global audience, not just in English-speaking countries but everywhere English is a common second language.
2. Make a Great First Impression
People make snap judgments—it’s true. If your website is hard to read in English or feels like it was run through a machine translator, it can turn visitors away. A professionally localized site builds trust and credibility. It shows you’re serious about connecting with people beyond your local market.
3. Get Found on Google
If you want to show up in English search results, your content needs to be clear, relevant, and written in idiomatic English. When I localize a site, I don’t just translate or write—I help with SEO-friendly content that flows naturally, uses the right keywords, and feels like it was written for that audience from the start.
4. Speak the Culture, Not Just the Language
Good localization isn’t just about swapping Russian for English—it’s about adapting your message so it clicks with English-speaking users. What sounds persuasive in Russian often comes off as long-winded or overly formal in English. I help you say what you mean—in a way that resonates!
5. Stand Out from the Crowd
Many businesses skip localization or rely on machine translation or AI. Yet, when writing lacks personality—which is often the case with AI-generated content—you lose clients who are flesh-and-blood people. It’s a common misconception that machines can write for people. Machines don’t write; they simulate writing. Machines can write for machines. Only people write for people.
People don’t just read information—they read to connect with people. If your site sounds natural and clear in English, your clients will feel that connection.
Let’s Make Your Website Work in English
I’ve been helping businesses bridge the language gap for three decades. I know the Russian language and culture inside and out—and I know how to bring your message to life in English. If you’re ready to make your website more global, more visible, and more effective, I’d love to help.
Let’s connect and talk about how to make your Russian website shine in English.
