Which words would you enter into a search engine if you’re looking for an international translation agency? Translation. And what was the Black Eyed Peas’ new album called again? There you go.
Well, shit hit the fan.
What’s going on here?
The Black Eyed Peas, also known as BEP, recently released a new album: Translation.
I’d be entirely fine with the title if it weren’t for the fact that we’re a translation agency that uses SEO to improve our online visibility. And it’s not just us. I’m willing to bet that nearly all Language Service Providers (LSPs) around the world use SEO.
For all those who have been living under a rock the past few years, I’m happy to explain the idea behind SEO. For those who are already familiar with this marketing strategy, this would be a great time to get yourself a cup of coffee. Or watch a mukbang Q&A video on YouTube.
Search Engine Optimisation
‘SEO’ is an abbreviation of Search Engine Optimisation. This term refers to designing your website in such a way that a search engine can ”read’ it and estimate its value more easily. When a search engine perceives your website as attractive or important, it’ll be given a higher ranking position in the search results, which of course is something you want.
There are various ways for you to make your website SEO-proof, but one of the most important factors in search engine optimisation is adding SEO keywords or search terms. These are words or combinations of words that people use to find certain content, like ‘vacation rental Ibiza pool’ or ‘translation agency Amersfoort’.
Now, the “proverbial shit” I mentioned at the beginning of this blog. This has everything to do with the keywords and search results for translation agencies around the globe. Which words would you enter into a search engine if you’re looking for an international translation agency? Translation. And what was the Black Eyed Peas’ new album called again? There you go.
It probably wasn’t this band’s intention to pull the search engine rug out from under translation agencies and other LSPs, but it still is what’s happening here. (OK fine, I may be exaggerating slightly, but I swear this whole shebang affects search engine results).
I regularly check for important developments in the international language industry. When I’d type ‘translation’ into Google and filter for ‘news’, I used to get mainly news articles and updates on new AI applications for machine translation. Now, however, the first things I see are reviews about the Black Eyed Peas’ new album. That’s all very well. If you like their music, that is. But that isn’t exactly what I was looking for.
The search results will probably get back to normal after a while. But it is quite interesting to see the release of a new album having such an impact on the international translation market.
