China is constantly in the news at present due to its phenomenal economic expansion. With more and more businesses wanting to buy China and more Chinese businesses wanting to move abroad, the Chinese market is growing. In short, China is on the fast-track to becoming a world economic heavyweight.

The potential for lucrative small business ventures within the country are unquestionable. One road that provides businesses huge inroads into the country is the internet. A Chinese website, properly structured and considered, gives a point of contact to millions of potential new customers and customers. All the signs are pointing to the fact that companies that act now in getting their websites translated into Chinese and properly marketed using local search engines, stand the best chance of capitalizing on a fairly young economic gold my own.

Looking at recent business activity and reports from China, the internet is looking strong and healthy. Both Yahoo and google! are now involved with the Chinese internet industry in prepare yourself. Google most recently launched its AdWords business in China. The local Chinese search engine Baidu. com just floated on the currency markets with massive success. Statistics show that the number of internet surfers in 2005 stands at 103 million users, merely 7. 9% of the Chinese population. With greater access to the internet and falling prices for processing hardware, this figure will only increase. Furthermore, an escalating number of Western european and American companies would like to break into the market through Chinese websites, such as Liverpool and Manchester U . s . Football Clubs who both clearly see the financial potential of selling their goods to a eager Chinese audience.

The sign clearly says, “China — Land of Business Opportunity” سرمایه گذاری مدیریت ثروت LFC. For businesses wanting to cash in on this growing marketplace the Chinese website is very important. Chinese internet surfers are turning more and more to the internet as a source of information, goods and services. Companies that deal with anything from clothing to vacation to consulting are all in demand. Those that get a place in the market now might find secure future revenue.

In the grand scheme of things, the returns a Chinese website brings outweighs small initial costs involved in producing it. A Chinese website will act as your marketing tool, attract new clients, give you a competitive edge and ultimately increase your revenue.

Prior to having your Chinese website translated or designed you need to understand who you are targeting. When this article refers to “China” it means landmass China. In China the “simplified” screenplay is used. However, in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia the “traditional” screenplay is used. Be sure to use the correct screenplay when having your website translated.

There are two ways of going about presenting your Chinese website. Firstly, to have all of your site translated into Chinese. This however can only really work for small, compact sites. Larger sites will need a more substantial financial pay out. Secondly, a company might wish to produce a “microsite”. This is where the most important information about a company is translated and abridged into a few pages so a Chinese visitor can access the basics about who you are, what you do and how to contact you.

To get your Chinese website up and running you will need a good translation or localization agency. They will be able to study your current site, understand the intention of your site, help define your target audience and then take care of the translation of the web-site’s content into Chinese. Some agencies can also take care of the website design work too.

Other services you might want to consider ensuring maximum impact of your site are a Cross Cultural Assessment and Search engine marketing. A cross cultural assessment is carried out by an expert in cultural differences. They will look at the structure of your site, the use of colours, pictures, art logos and presentation to make sure it is not offensive to a Chinese audience. They will also advise on the could help boost your web-site’s appeal. For example, the use of colour red is considered auspicious in China.

Once you have your Chinese website you will need to be found. A few companies now provide multilingual search engine marketing. This is where your website will be submitted to major Chinese search engines and directories; structured using certain key keyword phrases and phrases and promoted on the internet through links from other sites.

Expansion beyond national edges is imperative for today’s businesses seeking long term growth. China clearly is a wonderful chance of businesses buying a potential source of revenue from overseas. An adolescent, internet savvy population demonstrate that a Chinese website is one of the most reasonable yet highly successful means of tapping the market.