App localization has become crucial for businesses that aspire to rule the global market. To reach millions of app users across the globe localizing the app is inevitable. The localization of the app empowers you as an owner to make it more accessible and target better potential app users in every region. This way the app also gets better exposure and yields more sales. However, one important factor is to understand the app localization process vigilantly. It goes beyond a simple word-to-word translation and a basic localization process. An app is a program that comprises multiple features. These include a user interface, in-app copy, graphics app store descriptions, and a lot more that you have to tailor and adapt as per the targeted market.
Where app localization comes with certain challenges and extensive processes. If done effectively it is worthwhile. It helps you tap new markets more conveniently. The world’s biggest companies started with apps once confined to their home grounds and then became a household name in every region. Look at Airbnb. There is Netflix and then we have all these apps of the social media handles which are basking in glory and success because these are done right. Where a right and effective localization can unfold an arena of opportunities for you a poor and below-average localization can ruin all your efforts, and money and make you stand in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, it is imperative to start with a proper plan.
Make sure that you conduct thorough research and localize your app after taking guidance from successful examples.
Here is how you can take off for an effective app localization process.
Involving Local Experts
The first and foremost step starts with a quality and accurate translation of your app. The more accurate translation the more effective localization. Hence, make sure you hire native speakers who have a cultural understanding as well. Make sure to collaborate with the local translators and designers who have worked on apps earlier. Local designers with relevant subject matter expertise and knowledge of target culture can do wonders for you. They can help you to seek better and more valuable feedback from local users also providing professional app localization services.
Localizing Marketing Material
Do not take app localization lightly. It is a technical as well as complex job. However, if you manage and navigate through its challenges and do it rightly, it is going to benefit you for the rest of your life. Hence ensure that you do not overlook the need to adapt and localize marketing material. You should check and verify that each of the marketing materials including screenshots and app store descriptions resonate well with the local audiences and their needs.
Localization Guidelines
To ensure that you maintain brand consistency and repute you should work on developing comprehensive brand guidelines. This helps with consistency and cultural sensitivity. There should be a list of dos and don’ts. All those practices that are beneficial in the long run should be listed with the factors that should not be followed for the app localization process. A professional translation services company can assist you through this process with the translation of the guidelines in the relevant language.
Visuals and Branding
Your visuals, images, and branding are one core feature of your app localization process. Adapting all these features is going to decide your look and interface in the new target market. All the images, visuals, and color selection should be according to the preferences and choices of your new target audience so that it strikes the right chord with them and they get to download your app right away. A continuous process of testing and maintenance should be active for you to ensure that your app excels better than others. The localization of an app is a constant process and asks for monitoring and evaluation that stay active and functional always. Therefore, app localization and experts should also be on board for constant help.
Cultural Context
Cultural context is something that you would never want to overlook. Considering it and taking care of it vigilantly allows you to mitigate risks and errors. You should ensure that you consider the translation of humor, jokes, metaphors, and cultural references carefully. These should fit in a cultural context. As something humorous in one culture can be taken offensive in another one. Understanding these differences enables you to present better content. Also, a competent translation service can be your best bet for culturally appropriate translation.
Considering User Expectations
Catering user expectations and behaviors is also crucial in the app localization process. You are localizing an app for a potential user who is on his gadget and mobile all the time. There are different practices to cater to user expectations in different regions. Also, they have their standard methods to operate the apps and the criteria of politeness and appropriate behavior. If you consider these during and post-launch of your localized app, it can help you with a more welcoming response from your potential clients.
Conclusion
App localization is a challenging and technical process. It demands great work and dedication with the hiring of a professional team. The businesses and app owners should make sure that they understand the process of localization and the complexities involved. Therefore, you as a business must consider certain tips to follow and practice during the process for effective localization.
