Adventures in web globalization, since 2002
Rarely do I see a global gateway make it into a TV commercial. But I was watching ESPN’s recent advert for its mobile app and there is was — a global gateway, shown below. The commercial shows the global gateway …
Starlink, the SpaceX-operated satellite communications service, “is now delivering initial beta service both domestically and internationally, and will continue expansion to near global coverage of the populated world in 2021.” Naturally, I was curious to see if the Starlink website …
A common refrain in Global by Design are the many risks of using flags as part of your global navigation strategy. As I’ve noted over the years, many companies have since dropped flags, companies such as Apple, Airbnb and Spotify. …
There are still a few days left before I teach a two-hour class devoted to best practices in global navigation. July 27th9am to 11am PSTClass link You’ll learn: The four core elements of a successful global gateway strategy Country codes …
Awhile back, I documented the evolution of Apple.com. Now let’s take a look at Nike.com. I hope you like it — and I welcome suggestions for future videos. PS: Nike is ranked #52 in the 2021 Web Globalization Report Card.
As a Mailchimp user I was intrigued to be greeted by this header recently: I clicked on the link and found the following five languages: Not many languages, but a start. And I was happy to see the generic gateway …
A localized website is of little value if local users cannot find it. And yet many global websites continue to make visual and technical mistakes that keep local websites effectively hidden from their intended visitors around the world. Which is …
One of the major takeaways from the Web Globalization Report Card is the importance of providing “front doors” to your localized websites. These doors begin with the addresses themselves, which may not include the .com domain. In fact, I’d recommend …
After posting my Web Globalization Report Card video I was asked to comment on the global evolution of a few websites. So I thought I’d put together a brief presentation on Apple.com, a website most everyone is familiar with, and …
I’m pleased to announce the publication of the 2021 Web Globalization Report Card. This is the 17th annual edition of the Report Card, and it reflects a challenging year. Yet there is much to be optimistic about as we look ahead. …
Just before we wave good riddance to this year I wanted to share a list of those articles that were the most visited. I started this blog back in 2002, so I’m always surprised when I see something I wrote …
As readers of this blog know, I’ve long advocated for Apple to abandon its use of flags on its global gateway. I first began saying so publicly in 2004. In 2010 I thought Apple was getting close to giving up …
Luxury brands treat language is another of their luxury item, instead of the necessity it truly is.
For the 2020 Web Globalization Report Card, I benchmarked the following 7 professional services websites: Accenture Capgemini Deloitte Ernst & Young Goldman Sachs KPMG PwC Deloitte emerged number one overall, followed closely by KPMG. Professional services websites reflect highly decentralized …
Tesla was benchmarked in the 2019 Web Globalization Report Card. Of the 16 companies studied, Tesla finished in the lower half (higher scoring than Honda and Subaru, but still with a number of recommended improvements). Sadly, based on a recent …