How Much Does It Cost to Translate a Website in the UK?

Translating your website into another language is one of the quickest ways to reach new markets and boost conversions overseas. But if you’ve been researching “how much does it cost to translate a website?” in the UK, you’ve probably seen wildly different figures.

The truth? Website translation costs vary depending on content volume, language choice, industry complexity, and whether you need extras like SEO localisation. This guide breaks down realistic UK pricing, based on industry averages and 30+ years in the translation business.

1.  Factors That Affect Website Translation Costs

1.1 Number of Words

Translation agencies in the UK usually charge per word. The more text, the higher the cost.

• Small brochure-style site (1,500–3,000 words) – cheapest to translate.

• E-commerce site (10,000–50,000+ words) – higher cost due to product descriptions, T&Cs, and metadata.

• Multi-service corporate site (5,000–15,000 words) – mid-range pricing.

Low-competition keyword to include: website translation pricing per word UK

1.2 Languages Required

• Common languages (French, German, Spanish, Italian) – usually £0.10–£0.12 per word.

• Specialist or rare languages (Japanese, Arabic, Finnish) – often £0.13–£0.15 per word.

1.3 Subject Matter Complexity

Specialist content — like medical devices, finance, or legal, requires translators with niche expertise. Rates are higher because accuracy is critical.

Low-competition keyword: specialist website translation UK

1.4 SEO Localisation

If you want your translated site to rank on Google in other countries, you’ll need SEO translation (also called multilingual SEO). This involves:

• Translating meta titles & descriptions.

• Researching foreign-language keywords.

• Adapting URL slugs.

  
  

   Expect +15–25% on top of the base translation cost.

1.5 CMS Integration

• Manual copy/paste – cheaper but time-consuming.

• Direct CMS integration (WordPress, Wix, Shopify, Magento) – adds a technical fee.

• API/connector solutions – fastest but highest setup cost.

•  Hidden Costs Businesses Forget

• Image localisation – Updating graphics or banners with translated text.

• Legal review – Ensuring compliance with local advertising, labelling, or privacy laws.

• Testing – Checking for layout issues like text overflow in other languages.

• Ongoing updates – Adding new blog posts, product descriptions, or seasonal promotions.

•  How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

4.1 Use Translation Memory Tools

Agencies like ours use translation memory software to store approved phrases. This means repeated text (e.g., “Add to Basket”) isn’t charged again.

4.2 Start with Key Pages

If you’re testing a market, begin with your homepage, top-selling products, and contact page before translating everything.

4.3 Batch Updates

Avoid translating in dribs and drabs as it’s more cost-efficient to send larger batches at once.

4.4 Choose One Language First

If budget is tight, prioritise the market most likely to generate ROI before expanding further.

Low-competition keyword: affordable website translation UK

5.  How Long Does Website Translation Take?

6. Small site – 3–5 working days.

7. Medium site – 1–2 weeks.

8. Large e-commerce – 3–6 weeks (including testing).

Speed depends on translator availability, complexity, and whether the site needs technical integration.

6.  Choosing the Right Translation Partner

Look for:

• Experience in website and SEO translation.

• Ability to handle your CMS.

• Proven quality processes (ISO certification is a plus).

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

• Real human translators — not just machine output.

•  Example: Translating a UK Fashion Brand’s Shopify Store

A UK fashion retailer wanted to target the German market. Their store had 12,500 words, mostly product descriptions and seasonal collection pages.

• Language: German.

• Price per word: £0.10 (due to high volume and repeat phrases).

• Total translation cost: ~£1,250.

• Additional: £250 for SEO keyword research & metadata.

• Timeframe: 2 weeks.

Result: Organic German traffic increased by 47% within 3 months.

8.  Final Thoughts

Translating your website is an investment and in many cases, it pays for itself quickly if you’re targeting a market with high demand for your products or services.

By understanding the real factors that influence cost, you can set a realistic budget, avoid hidden charges, and get a translation that truly works for your audience.

If you’d like a tailored quote based on your actual website size and goals:

📧 Email: sales@ttmltd.com 📞 Phone: +44 1606 352 527