The Ins and Outs of Localization Process

Website, software, and app localization services are quite tricky in nature and share many similarities. Software localization is also known as l10n deals with the process of adaption of a software application according to the preferences and choices of a particular culture and target audience.

Besides that, translation of the content into required languages also deals with the adjustment of several components. It includes date and time format, currencies, address formats, other input methods, and decimal separators. It is also imperative to consider the cultural influences and aspects. That is because these affect the implementation of images, symbols and brands, and other connotations.

Software localization services are a hectic and challenging task. So is the localization of software and a mobile app. In order to go for localization of the software, app, and website. It is important to consider a few points. It is also mandatory to be mindful of localization and the role it can play outside the current market. Besides that, the potential for the relevant software and website should be checked according to the trends of the target market.

Benefits of Localizing websites and software 

The benefits of the website, software, and mobile app localization are countless. 

• Localization of all these help to 
• Increase market presence and opportunities 
• Supporting expansion and boosting sales 
• Helps to strive in a competitive market and other advantages 
• Improves brand image and products in new foreign markets 
• Establishing a good customer experience and driving sales 
• Reducing costs and mitigating risks

Important Facts Regarding Localization 

It is also imperative to note a few facts.

• Not going for professional website localization makes a company miss out on a huge audience and around 13% of the clients and users. 
• Almost 86% of the localization content and advertising campaigns produce fairly high click-through and conversion rates in comparison with their English counterparts. 
• Another interesting fact is about 50% of the local pages get equally high engagement.

Key points to consider before going to localization experts

Going through these important facts tell how investing in the localization of software and website has become significant now. Every process is important, and it is important to analyze and assess the circumstances and other facts before indulging in a process.

Here are a few of the Factors that are important to Consider Prior to Localization. 

Target audience

Software and website localization services are getting huge in demand. The target audience is very much important to take care of. Besides that, investment and return on investment should be huge.

A company should consider its product and usages. It is imperative that the company consider how the launch of a new product in the potential market can help and prosper.

The needs and choices of a target audience are important to know. Localization of software and apps is a difficult task and takes a lot. Hence, it is important that the company knows if it is worth spending in the target market or not.

Determining the market

It is of foremost importance to analyze the market before going for professional software localization services. Knowing the target market is as important as being well aware of the target audience and their requirements. Localization has great relevance with culture and language.

Going for web localization based in China might not go well with the potential audience. However, launching a multilingual website as per the dialects of simplified Chinese (targeting mainland china) and two in traditional Chinese (for Taiwan and Hong Kong) and Mandarin Chinese could make more sense if these locations are according to the requirements of the website and business.

Considering the language, culture and background are equally important. For a particular target market, there are regions, cultural aspects, and norms of every target market. Therefore, it is always suggested to test the market by launching a minimum level of product.

Knowing the Laws and Legal Matters

Laws vary with the regions and countries. A law in one country related to traffic could be different in other countries. These keep changing regularly. There are consumer courts and so on and so forth. The entrepreneur has to be well versed with the regulations and guidelines.

Many countries have restrictions about different goods, products, and content as well. Consideration for religious and cultural aspects is also significant in the proper apprehension of knowing laws and other matters.

There is a culturalization review also offered for apps and websites. People conduct it before going for mobile app localization services.

Translation Technology

The software and online tools for translation services have come a long way. These can also affect the languages and their usefulness. Translation Management System, shortly known as (TMS) helps to manage the content and its translation in multiple languages.

It saves the words and offers meanings and phrases every time translators attempt translation, which is a great function of TMS. It helps to maintain consistency and precision in translation. Computer-aided translation tools,

terminology management, and testing applications help with brand communication across different markets. The highly advanced machine translation tools and technology have allowed the translation of even complex content.

Outsourcing Strategy

Outsourcing ensures that the localization strategy is properly covered and done. Translation professionals and others have been doing this for a long time now. They know where to change the things, the dos and don’ts of the work.

Changing multiple vendors for one constant task can increase the cost, and the product could be inconsistent in terms of quality and content. One who can perform the tasks as an in-house resource, other important details can be missed.

Outsourcing to one vendor is the most productive method, and it helps to stay on budget, timings are discussed as well as there is consistency in the product. Rest, they assure congruence and accountability. This all is essential to take into account before going for professional website localization services.

Presentation

The presentation of the content after the localization process is very important. The presentation involves a complex layout that changes when the content is translated to other languages. Some languages require capitalization that is not present in other languages.

The translator that is responsible for doing localization should know the different numeral systems of each language. Additionally, they should give attention to detail to grammar pluralization and punctuation. In this way, whether, it is your website, software, or mobile, people will find it user-friendly and can navigate easily.

Investing in Localization

Localization gives you great opportunities. Digitalization has provided many platforms in the competitive marketplace that you have never witnessed before. If you want to compete in the international market and want to grab the attention of the masses then the best way is to speak with the target market in a way that resonates with millions of potential customers that only click and went away every day.

Reaching to potential customers in different regions and speaking their native language considering regional and cultural values in localization shows that you give value to your customers and you give them the same importance as you give to the customers that are present in your local market. Noone in the global economy likes to feel second best.

Final words

Localization is an important process to launch products, website software, and mobile apps in a new target market. It has many benefits, helping to boost sales and compete in the global market. However, every process has its pros and cons. There is a proper format and pattern of website, software, and mobile app localization that companies need to know and should ask vendors to follow.

Although, professional language translation vendors are well aware of these facts already. There are certain points that businesses should check and evaluate before finally going for the localization process.