What Is Localization? – It Is the Way to Get Global!
What Is Localization? – It Is the Way to Get Global!
You are in need for something and you are searching the web frantically for it. You finally find what you are looking for. You are relieved that finally your search is over and you click on that very link and then disappointment takes over. The website is in a different language, but you know for a fact that you have found what you are looking for. Arriving at such websites can feel just like traveling to a foreign country which you haven’t signed up for. You are struggling to find your way through the website, looking out for anything familiar. But you are just lost without a map. I am sure at some point of time you would have had such an experience and as a result of this, you are already aware of the importance of localization. Here’s a quick summary of localization, when to use it and how the localization process works.
What is Localization?
Localization many times is confused with translation, but these terms are definitely not synonymous. Localization is the term used to describe the entire process of adopting a content, product or services to a targeted location or market, according to GALA which is known to be the Globalization and Localization Association. Translation is known to be the process of simply converting the content into one language to other. Translation is an important aspect of localization, but localization is more than just translation. Localization also extensively involves adapting other elements to a target market, including:
- Modification of graphics and design to display the translated text properly.
- Changing the content in order to suit preferences
- Converting to local currencies as well as units of measurement
- Using proper formatting for basic elements like dates, addresses
- Addressing local as well as legal regulations and requirements
To cut the long story short localization gives the desired look to your product for your targeted market.
Who needs Localization?
Localization does the work of making the content more appealing, which makes the product or even the service which you are selling more buyable. According to the Common Sense Advisory report, around 75 percent of consumers claimed that they are more likely to buy goods and services if the product information is in their native language. Applying this logic anyone who is trying to reach an international audience should consider localization and also translation. You might think localizing your website is enough to get the attention of your audience. Well, that is a myth. Here are is a list of all the other things which you should localize.
- Marketing materials, including print ads and internet marketing
- Manuals of products
- Training Material
- Customer Service
- User Interfaces
- Quick-start guides
- Product warranty materials
- Disclosure documents, such as terms and conditions
- NDA and other legal documents
Localizing your content allows your organization to expand its reach to a global audience, build credibility, and also increase sales. It also helps you build loyalty among your existing customers.
Choose the right Localization Provider
Localizing a product, website and also a service might seem intimidating, but if you have the right help, it is not. A full-service language services provider (LSP) has all the resources which are necessary to produce high-quality localization on time and on a budget, thereby decreasing your need to be highly involved in the day-to-day execution of the project. The most vital factor in determining whether your localization project is successful is the skill-set of the team which actually works on your materials. When delivering fully localized material, it should not be obvious to the audience that the content which they are reading or the product which they are holding has been localized from another language. Tudip Technologies has the expertise as well as the technology to handle any type or size of localization project, from websites to software, to technical documentation, multimedia, training, eLearning, as well as marketing materials. Localization can help your business expand and make the end customers you serve feel more at home. Start reaching out to new audiences worldwide with localization.