Post: #1

I am about to launch my first blog and have already finished writing a few posts in English language. Now I am thinking about whether I should make a bilingual blog (German and English) out of it. From all the blogs I follow (in my niche and in other niches as well) I have never seen a multilingual blog. What is the reason for that? Is it too much work?

Anyways, here are the Pro's and Con's I figured out for providing german and english content:

PRO's:

1. In the beginning it will be easier for me to reach german readers than english readers. I am already present in a few german forums where I could offer solutions to the people there.
2. I already know some successful german bloggers who are willing to support me with guest posts.
3. Since german is my native language, the quality of the german posts will be a lot higher than the quality of my english posts.
   

CON's:

1. It is more work. I have to write every blog post twice and network on both german and english sides. If i stick to one language I can focus more on the actual work.
2. I will need a wordpress plugin, which will cost money.
   

I am also thinking about writing the original posts in german language and then let them translate by someone who is excellent in both languages. Does anybody know how much that would cost me?

All in all: Do you think it is worth it to run a blog in 2 languages?

Post: #2

If you see yourself monetizing your blog at some point then it may be worth to run a bilingual blog by spending some money into hiring a freelance translator or spending time doing it yourself.

I personally can't think of any blog that is fully bilingual. I suggest you try blogging on just one language first and then translate some of your more popular posts (kinda like RoK did on their girls w/ tattoos article).

Overall I think you've got nothing to lose by experimenting a bit. It sounds like you should first stick to German, specially since you mention that other bloggers could support you on your project. You are also lucky in that many Germans speak decent English, so if eventually you want to stick to English only you probably wouldn't lose part of your audience.

Post: #3

Many major sites are in multiple languages. If it is as simple as translating the posts you write and buying a wordpress plugin, I don't see a reason not to do it. You have access to millions more people if you blog in both languages. However if you decide to only go with one, choose english. From what i can tell, your language skill is high enough that most people wouldnt even be able to tell that your native tongue is German. Plus, there are a lot more Germans who speak english than Americans and Brits who speak German.

Post: #4

I was thinking about the exact same thing recently.

I believe the "more work" part of the equation is negligible compared to the potential gains. Especially because translations of your own content will be a breeze once you get the hang of it.

I, for one, will definitely do it that way.

Where you from? What you do?

Post: #5

I'd have two separate blogs. That may help google understand it better and rank them higher in searches from different countries.