California beer company, 805’s Mexican lager, “Cerveza,” has a lot of potential in resonating with Hispanic audiences. However, the brand missed a key opportunity with their poor translation of the phrase “One more beer,” rendered as “Una mas cerveza.” This is actually reflected on their homepage and even more on the bottle caps themselves. While this may seem like a small misstep, it’s a glaring error for Spanish speakers. The correct phrasing would be “Una cerveza más,” and this mistake is a prime example of how lazy, literal translations can undermine even the best intentions.
For attorneys, this serves as an important lesson. Hispanics make up a significant portion of the population, around 62 million according to the 2020 U.S. Census, and their buying decisions are often influenced by cultural authenticity and respect. A poorly translated ad, website, or flyer doesn’t just come across as sloppy—it sends a message that you may not fully understand the community you’re trying to serve. Combined with the fact that they made their own take of a Mexican style beer, this comes off as severely inauthentic and can be offensive. This makes their product an afterthought to most of the Hispanic market.
When marketing to Spanish-speaking clients, accuracy isn’t optional. Taking the extra time to ensure your translations are correct and culturally relevant reflects the kind of care and dedication your clients can expect from you as their attorney. This level of attention signals that you’re committed to their needs, building trust and making your services more appealing. When you deliver poorly translated content, it just reinforces that you may not be the best attorney to represent them solely based on the fact that you may not provide Spanish services.
The takeaway? Avoid the “Una mas cerveza” mistake at all costs. Invest in professional translations. Your effort will not only help you connect with potential clients more effectively but also demonstrate the quality and care you bring to every aspect of your practice.