opinion

Tactics for Translation

I saw a thread on another message board today asking whether or not paysite translations were really worth the trouble – a topic that I’m also interested in – and as such I posted a brief response, which I’d like to elaborate on.

It’s important to note that I don’t have any real numbers yet or substantial testing behind these comments; they’re simply a few thoughts on the subject from my current viewpoint, but thoughts to me, anyway, that stand to reason. Let’s get into it:

Lots of folks are now using multi-lingual join pages, which is a great step in the right direction. Currently, Ayrora is offering multi-lingual payment links and join forms using PasswordByPhone, and that’s great, but it’s only a very basic strategy for dealing with non-English speaking surfers; and without multi-lingual tour pages, we’re not presenting as compelling or understandable a reason to join as is possible – and thus many prospects may not even make it to the join page (although in this example, they don’t need to, since these geo-IP targeted multi-lingual links appear on all of our tour pages).

For those surfers that do make it to the join page, CCBill’s signup forms come in several languages as well, and also offer payment options in several currencies – an important plus that makes things easier for potential customers – and making things easier results in increased sales.

But tours and join pages aside, what happens once the surfer enters the member’s area?

If he can’t readily understand the navigational options, the user experience is diminished and retention must inevitably suffer as a result, making “going multi-lingual” an in-depth approach that must be executed site-wide in order to maximize effectiveness.

While it’s easy enough to use geo-IP and other technologies (or simply allow for user selections via those cute little flag icons) to dynamically generate navigational links and other buttons or text in the surfer’s language, I’m making things even easier by going “cross-lingual” – that is, using English links but also having easily understandable iconic images, such as a still camera for a link to the photo galleries and a video camera for the link to the video galleries, a book for stories, a gift box for extras, etc., so that regardless of the user’s language – or indeed, of his or her ability to read – he or she can still easily navigate and enjoy the site.

Beyond navigation, it’s also important to offer any help files and other support resources you have in the surfer’s native language as well.

One other observation: a “Babel Fish” translation may or may not be better than nothing, but it does make a great base from which a professional translator can “clean things up” – something that might make your resulting text more along the lines you intended, while also saving you a few pesos.

And speaking of saving money; for those with more limited budgets, but with a desire to “do the best they can within reason,” a simple solution is to have your site professionally translated into the most popular and profitable languages, and rely on the “Babel Fish” approach to free online translations of less-popular or less-profitable languages.

The bottom line is that the more people you can reach with a marketing message they can understand, the more money you will make. It’s all a numbers game – especially if they can read the numbers...

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

Sarah Illustrates Spins Chill Vibes Into Viral Fame

Lounging in her sunny SoCal backyard in between content shoots, with her hair swept into a no-fuss ponytail and the sun dappling her shoulders, Sarah Illustrates looks every bit the hot mom next door — because, well, she is. The kind of mom who bakes fresh bread on the weekends, juggles dance recitals and baseball games, and delights in life’s simpler joys, like family time and trips to Target.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

How to Use Adult-Friendly Link Tools to Boost Fan Conversions

In the world of adult content, where platforms play favorites and policy changes happen overnight, “link in bio” isn’t just a digital afterthought — it’s a frontline tool. A well-crafted link hub can turn a casual viewer into a paying customer. Yet far too many creators treat their link page like a neglected parking lot: messy and littered with broken promises.

Megan Stokes ·
profile

WIA Profile: Cynthia Wielgosz Elliott

The past year has been a challenging one for the team at premier lubricant manufacturer Sliquid. Late in 2024, company co-founder Dean Elliott passed away after battling cancer, though he managed to flash his wide, signature grin until the very end.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

How to Protect Your Likeness in the Age of AI Content

Imagine your AI twin shooting content, flirting with fans and collaborating with world-class talent. No glam team, no reshoots, no bad angles. Meanwhile, you’re offline, on vacation, maybe horizontal in a robe at the Four Seasons.

Gabrielle Christ ·
opinion

Michigan's Intimate Ideas Offers Playful Retail Setting for Wide Range of Shoppers

Jerry Manis, the regional manager of Intimate Ideas’ Michigan stores, never planned on working in adult retail — but he says it’s turned out to be a surprisingly rewarding gig.

Quinton Bellamie ·
profile

Nade Nasty on Balancing Kink and Care Behind the Camera

Don’t let the name fool you. Onscreen, Nade Nasty projects the larger-than-life personality of a chaotic showman occupying a world that is strange, specific and entirely his own. Offscreen, however, he’s a thoughtful, detail-oriented creator — who just happens to have a serious flair for the eccentric.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

WIA Profile: Lainie Speiser

With her fiery red hair and a laugh that practically hugs you, Lainie Speiser is impossible to miss. Having repped some of adult’s biggest stars during her 30-plus years in the business, the veteran publicist is also a treasure trove of tales dating back to the days when print was king and social media not even a glimmer in the industry’s eye.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

Kraig McGee Blends Family Values, Creative Background at TAF Distributing

Walk into any Adam & Eve store in the Mountain West region of the U.S. and you’ve likely stumbled into a TAF Distributing outfit. Owned by industry veteran Kraig McGee Jr. and staffed by his closest family members, McGee’s 35 TAF-operated stores span 13 states, from woodsy Idaho to scenic Utah and well beyond.

Colleen Godwin ·
opinion

Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices

The digital landscape is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, and while AI offers immense potential, it’s also being weaponized. One disturbing trend that directly impacts adult businesses is AI-powered “DMCA takedown services” generating a flood of fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How Pleasure Brands Can Ethically Market to LGBTQ+ Communities

Every June, the rainbow floodgates open. Suddenly, pleasure products are “Pride-themed,” companies change their logos and brands rush to show just how inclusive they are — at least for 30 days. But as a queer, nonbinary marketing strategist who works with adult brands year-round, I’m here to say: Rainbow dildos alone are not progress. They’re often just noise.

Hail Groo ·
Show More