Liferay Released 2026 Website Localization Report
New survey data shows how poor digital language adaptation drives U.S. consumers to abandon online purchases.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Language Learning
Live Poll
Do you avoid making online purchases from companies with poor website translations?
A new report from Liferay reveals that 56% of multilingual U.S. consumers have abandoned an online purchase because of poor website localization. The research highlights that even when translations are rated highly, technical or cultural lapses often cause shoppers to walk away.
Why it matters
The findings underscore a significant disconnect between digital services and consumer expectations, suggesting that language adaptation is now a core competitive advantage. Companies that fail to provide culturally nuanced, human-verified content risk losing nearly half of their potential multilingual customer base to competitors.
A survey of 800 U.S. adults found that 90% of consumers have noticed localization errors, with 82% confident they can identify machine-translated content. While 43% of respondents credit human involvement for strong localization, only 20% attribute quality results to AI alone.
The players
Liferay
Liferay is a software company that provides an enterprise-level digital experience platform for building websites and applications.
Pollfish
Pollfish is a third-party market research platform that facilitates survey distribution to targeted consumer demographics.
The details
Liferay conducted this research via the Pollfish platform in September 2026, focusing on adults who utilized a digital service in a non-English language over the past year. Data shows that 54% of consumers who rated non-English content as good or excellent still abandoned purchases due to specific localization deficits.
Timeline
Liferay conducted the survey throughout September 2026.
The 2026 Website Localization Report was released on October 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
This report highlights a growing consumer skepticism toward automated translation, signaling a shift in the digital experience economy. As users become more adept at identifying low-quality AI-generated content, the preference for culturally adapted, human-verified experiences is becoming a standard expectation.
For the average consumer, this means your online shopping experience may become more reliable as companies adjust to these quality demands. Conversely, shoppers should remain aware that even websites with high-quality translations may still harbor cultural errors that disrupt a smooth checkout process.
The takeaway
Businesses must prioritize authentic language adaptation rather than relying solely on AI to maintain customer trust and prevent cart abandonment. For consumers, being mindful of the source of website content can help you identify when a brand is truly investing in your localized experience.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving standards in digital communication at Language Learning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
Live Poll
Do you avoid making online purchases from companies with poor website translations?
