Swifteq: Unlock Zendesk Guide’s multi-language features

A guide to setting up and managing multiple languages in Zendesk Guide, with best practices for structure, translation quality, and ongoing maintenance.

It’s hard for native English speakers to imagine struggling to find information online since over half the internet is written in English (despite only around 16% of the world’s population speaking it proficiently). But I don't live in an English-speaking country, so I experience this struggle daily.

Let me paint a picture for you.

Imagine needing to buy painkillers for your teething toddler. You know exactly what worked back home, but you're in a new country where those brands don't exist.

You find liquid ibuprofen, but your child does better with chewables—except you don't know how to search for "chewable" in the local language. Eventually, you give up and ask your local-speaking spouse to help.

Now imagine that this is something you have to deal with in every aspect of your life.

Your accounting software, insurance website, utility bills, etc.—none of them are in English. And Google Translate only gets you so far ("it's raining pipe-stems" is easy enough to figure out, but good luck with "to fall with your nose in butter").

And if you think I'm making elephants out of mosquitoes here, CSA Research's 2020 "Can't Read, Won't Buy - BSC" report supports my frustration.

The report found that 65% of consumers prefer content in their native language and 40% of shoppers won't buy from websites in other languages, highlighting the importance of multilingual communication in delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Customer service professionals face the challenge of meeting these demands while maintaining consistency and efficiency.

Fortunately, Zendesk's language detection and multilanguages support make it easier than ever to create a smooth and integrated support experience for a diverse audience.

Let's explore how you can transform your help center into a multilingual powerhouse and why tools like Swift's Help Center Translate app can redefine efficiency in this journey.

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