When I first started publishing online, I thought being bilingual would be my superpower. I grew up speaking French with my family and community, but I also studied and worked in English. Writing in both languages felt natural to me, and I believed it would help me reach a wider audience.
But then reality hit.
One day, a friend asked me a simple question: “Why don’t you have as many subscribers as others with the same experience?” I laughed, because I knew the answer wasn’t simple. There are many variables — consistency, marketing, timing — but one factor stood out: language.
The Language Gap
Most of my technical posts are written in English. That choice made sense: English is the dominant language in tech communities, and it helps me connect with global readers. But my immediate circle — friends, family, and many people in my community — are francophone. They see my posts, but they don’t always feel comfortable diving into technical explanations in English.
On the other side, native English speakers sometimes sense that my writing carries a different rhythm. It’s clear and professional, but perhaps missing the “native nuance” they’re used to.
So I found myself in a strange middle ground: bilingual, but not fully accessible to either group.
That’s when I realized I needed to teach my readers how to use translation tools. If I couldn’t write every post in two languages, I could at least empower them to translate my work easily.
A Story of Discovery
I remember the first time I showed my cousin how to translate one of my blog posts. He had clicked on my latest article about pricing strategies, stared at the English paragraphs, and sighed.
“Eric, I want to read this, but it’s too much English for me.”
Instead of rewriting the post in French, I opened Google Translate. I copied the link to my blog post, pasted it into the box, and selected French. Within seconds, the entire article appeared in his language. His eyes lit up.
“Wait, that’s it? I can read everything now?”
That moment changed how I thought about blogging. Translation wasn’t just a technical trick — it was a bridge. It meant my ideas could travel farther than my words alone.
How Readers Can Translate Blogger Posts
1. Google Translate Website
- Copy the link to the blog post.
- Go to Google Translate.
- Paste the link into the left box.
- Choose your target language.
- Click the translated link on the right — it opens the blog fully translated.
2. Right‑Click Translate in Your Browser
- Open the blog post.
- Right‑click anywhere on the page.
- Select Translate to [Language].
- The page instantly switches.
3. Mobile Browser Translation
- In Chrome mobile, tap the three dots menu.
- Select Translate.
- Choose your language.
Safari and Edge have similar features. Readers can translate on the go, while commuting or relaxing at home.
Adding AI Assistants to the Mix
Translation tools are powerful, but sometimes they feel mechanical. They give you the words, but not always the context. That’s where AI assistants like Copilot and ChatGPT come in.
Imagine this: you’re reading my blog post in English, but you’re not sure about a technical term. Instead of struggling, you can copy the sentence and ask Copilot or ChatGPT:
- “Explain this in French, but keep the technical meaning clear.”
- “Summarize this paragraph in simple English.”
- “Translate this into Spanish, but make it sound natural.”
These AI tools don’t just translate — they interpret. They can adjust tone, simplify jargon, or even give examples. For bloggers, this means our readers don’t just get access to the words, they get access to the meaning.
Why This Matters for Bloggers
When I explain these steps to my audience, I’m not just teaching a trick. I’m saying: “I see you. I know language can be a barrier, but here’s how we can cross it together.”
For bilingual creators like me, this is crucial. We don’t always have the time or resources to publish every post in two languages. But by guiding readers toward translation tools — and showing them how to use AI assistants — we make our blogs more inclusive.
It also builds trust. Readers appreciate when you anticipate their needs. A small note at the end of a post — “Not in your language? Use Google Translate, your browser’s translate option, or ask Copilot/ChatGPT for help.” — shows care and hospitality.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, I realize that my friend’s question about subscribers was a gift. It pushed me to think about accessibility, not just content.
Being bilingual is still an advantage, but it’s not automatic. It requires strategy. Sometimes the best strategy is not to write more, but to teach your readers how to unlock what you’ve already written.
Translation tools aren’t perfect. They may miss idioms or technical terms. But when combined with AI assistants, they become more powerful. Google Translate gives you the raw translation, and Copilot or ChatGPT can polish it, explain it, or adapt it to your context.
For me, that’s what blogging is about — inviting people in.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a blogger, don’t underestimate the power of showing your readers how to translate your posts. It’s not just about technology; it’s about connection.
When my cousin smiled at the translated version of my article, I realized that every click of “Translate” is a small act of inclusion. It says: “You belong here, too.”
So whether you write in English, French, Spanish, or any other language, remember that your words can travel farther than you think. All it takes is a link, a right‑click, or a tap on a mobile screen. And now, with AI assistants like Copilot and ChatGPT, your readers can go even further — turning translations into conversations, and conversations into understanding.
Maybe that’s how you’ll grow your subscribers — not by changing who you are, but by helping others meet you halfway.