Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you covered Web globalization?

We have covered Web globalization since 1999. Company founder John Yunker wrote the first book devoted to Web globalization. In all, we have studied the evolution of more than 1,500 global websites across all major industries. He has authored 11 annual editions of The Web Globalization Report Card.

 

Do you outsource your research?

No. We conduct all research ourselves. There is no substitute for experience and hands-on work, and that is what companies have come to expect from our research and products.

 

How does your research help companies?

Web globalization is a very challenging and often expensive undertaking. We help companies avoid repeating the mistakes of those who went before. As the first firm to identify and promote best practices in Web globalization, we are passionate advocates for the importance of website globalization for business success. But we do much more than simply help companies build better Web sites; over the years, we have trained marketing and IT teams on cultural and strategic globalization issues, assisted in vendor selection, and provided valuable insights into how companies budget for and manage their global Web sites.

 

How does your research help companies improve their bottom lines?

Our consulting on global navigation helped one multinational improve traffic to its country websites by 30% in just two months. We helped another company culturally localize its e-commerce site, resulting in a 15% increase in sales conversions in Europe. Naturally, results will vay by company. But our focus is clearly on helping companies get results. We don't just make recommendations and leave companies to figure out the how, where, and how much. We will provide detailed, hands-on recommendations, short-lists of vendors, and a game plan for motivating team members around the globe.

 

What types of companies have you worked with?

We have worked with a wide array of large and small organizations, from The World Bank to FedEx to Panasonic to John Deere. Our research has covered every major industry. We are happy to provide references upon request.

 

What about non-profits?

We have provided pro-bono services to non-profit organizations to help them expand globally and, if you are such an organization, please feel free to contact us.

How do you assure clients that your research is truly objective?

Byte Level Research is a privately owned company, and we do not own shares in or have a financial stake in any of the globalization vendors we comment upon. We find that companies come to us precisely because we offer a truly independent point of view.

Do you sell research to translation vendors?

A number of translation, localization and software vendors do purchase our services and reports; however, more than 80% of our revenues comes from the companies who develop global Web sites and not vendors. While we value our relationships with vendors, they do not influence our analysis. And we do not charge vendors to be included in our analysis or reports. For example, none of the vendors included in The Savvy Client's Guide to Translation Agencies paid to be included

Why Is Web globalization so important?

The Internet connects computers, but it is language that connects people. If you want your Web site to speak to the world, you need to create a Web site that speaks to the world. Web globalization is playing a critical role in the success (or failure) in markets around the world. And Web globalization isn't just for the very largest companies; successful Web globalization can quickly turn a local hotel into a global destination.

 

What's the difference between Web localization and Web globalization?

These terms are often used interchangeably although they do mean separate things. Web localization typically refers to adapting a Web site to a specific country or audience, which may or may not include translation. Web globalization includes localization as well as a process of "internationalization" and many other tasks related to expanding a company's Web presence globally. We tend to use Web globalization because this term resonates more strongly within the business community.

Is John Yunker available for consulting services?

Absolutely. But because we're a small shop, we can take on only about five projects per year. If you have a project in mind, please contact us.