Localizing your content, website or app is a crucial step in expanding your business internationally. But with all the different language options and target markets out there, how do you know where to start? This article will give you some tips on best practices for creating a robust localization process.
Table of contents:
- What is Localization Process
- What steps should your localization process have?
- Top Tips for Building a Bulletproof Localization Process
What is Localization Process
Digital products can be regionally and linguistically customized using language localization services. Text can be translated from one language to another with the aid of translation services. These two services are frequently combined since translation refreshes the content with local and cultural knowledge.
Language localization services come in a variety of forms, such as automatic language identification and recognition, optical character recognition (OCR), voice recognition and transcription, machine translation (MT), and lexical resource management (LRM). Many of these services utilize advanced algorithms to discover regional or cultural information within a document and translate it appropriately.
While both translation and localization services can be utilized to produce products with an international audience, there are some significant distinctions between the two. Localization often entails modifying existing content for a particular locale or culture, as opposed to translation, which frequently entails the development of new texts from the original language into another language. While localization is more likely to alter the meaning or context of source materials, translation is more likely to alter the style or format.
What steps should your localization process have?
Assuming you already have your content and website translated into the target language, there are a few key steps to take to ensure a robust localization process.
- Make sure to localize all images, videos, and other forms of media. This means creating or finding versions of these assets that are culturally relevant to your target market.
- Pay attention to date and time formats, as well as units of measurement. What may be common in one country may not make sense in another.
- Be aware of any political or social sensitivities in your target market. Avoid any offensive or controversial content that could turn off potential customers.
- Review your website regularly to look for any errors or outdated information. Localization is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
Top Tips for building a bulletproof localization process
- Define your goals and objectives early on in the process. This will help you determine which tools and processes are best suited for your needs.
- Make sure to involve all relevant stakeholders in the localization process. This includes developers, testers, designers, and of course, translators.
- Use a central repository for all localization resources. This will make it easier to track progress and avoid duplication of effort.
- Plan for flexibility by allowing for changes to be made to the localization process as needed. This will ensure that your process can adapt as your needs change over time.
- Automate as much of the localization process as possible. This will save time and improve consistency across your translations.
Andovar is Your Best Bet
When it comes to localization, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to approach localization is to tailor the process to fit the needs of your business. Andovar has the experience and expertise to help you create a robust localization process that will get you the best results.
Andovar has a proven track record of helping companies successfully localize their content. We have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the challenges of localization. We can help you create a process that is efficient and effective, and that will produce the best results for your business.
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