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The process of localization involves adapting content, products, businesses, and more for different audiences. There are many examples of localized businesses that are a part of our daily lives. Take Coke, Nestle, Airbnb, Netflix, etc., as prime examples of how localization helps businesses expand and monetize greatly in the global markets. Moreover, given that the world is largely connected because of the internet, companies are often looking for the best software localization services to expand reach and increase profits.
Services Included in Localization
There are many services that are included in localization. Many people also confuse localization for translation. The process is much more complicated, and even the translation included in localization differs from regular translations. Let’s talk about some of the more important localization services in more detail.
Translation
Let’s begin by helping users understand the differences between localized translation and regular translation. You can avail of regular translation from most AI applications, and even those usually avail mobile app localization services to market themselves. The difference mainly lies in making translations culturally relevant, keeping the original intent maintained, and making changes in information where relevant. Furthermore, regular translation services make word-to-word translations without considering factors such as relevancy, intent, cultural sensitivities, and even the meaning of the content.
Regular translation can for this reason result in negative impacts. Take the example of KFC, whose slogan ‘finger lick’in good’ was translated to ‘eat your fingers off’. This somewhat ruined their launch in China back in the 1980s. KFC being a global player, such mistakes are laughable. Localization helps you avoid such problems. Furthermore, if KFC had employed localization services, this mistake would not have happened. Moreover, there are countless such examples you find on the web.
Cultural Adaption
Localization ensures that your website, application, business, and whatever you want is adapted to the audience you want to cater to. Companies know this and often look for the best software localization services they can find for their products. Moreover, any localization company worth its salt will adapt content, design, visuals, and more to suit the cultural norms and expectations of your target audience. Furthermore, an app localization company for instance will hire native language speakers, industry knowledge-holding professionals, software developers, and more to ensure complete accuracy. Moreover, such forms of localization will also include changing symbols, payment methods, currency, images, color schemes, and more.
Creating New Content
There are some language pairs that are poles apart. A reason why the localization of a certain language pair will cost you more money. By poles apart, I mean direct word-to-word translation will most likely result in gibberish or complete loss of meaning. Furthermore, English and Chinese pairing is one such example that requires the best software localization services to ensure high-quality user experience for global customers. Given that both languages belong to very different families their writing styles, grammar, cultural nuances, and more are greatly different. A reason why English to Chinese translation can be costly.
Linguistic Testing
Large-scale projects that have bigger budgets are localized with extra care. They say you get what you pay for and that is true in localization. Moreover, do not let cheap Fiver translations and small-scale companies ruin your international reputation. ISO and ATA certified linguistic professionals ensure accuracy and clear intent by rigorously testing your localized content. Furthermore, companies achieve this by reviewing translations, conducting language testing, and gathering feedback from native speakers or individuals from the target audience. Such feedback is vital in seeing how your content will perform once published or marketed.
Other Services Offered in Localization
It honestly depends on your niche, needs, and industry. But the following are the more commonly known services offered in localization. Moreover, app localization may include even more services.
- Localization Engineering
- Multimedia Localization
- Subbing, Dubbing, etc.
- Desktop Publishing
- Internationalization
- SEO Localization
- Website Localization
- Cultural Consultation
- Project Management
- And more!
What is the Impact of Localization?
It is common knowledge that English might be recognized as the official language of international commerce. Most consumers prefer to shop, talk, and make decisions in their local language. This leads to better profits for companies that localize rather than companies that do not. It allows you to enter markets in a way that your product or service resonates with your target audience. Take the example of McDonald’s, their strategy makes every child feel special and every customer feels catered. Given that children are filterless, their feedback is crucial in understanding human nature without filters. Let’s summarize the impact of localization:
- Bigger Audience
- Better Profits
- More Successful Campaigns
- Two Way Communication
- Better User Experience
- Compliance to Regulations
- Better Brand Loyalty
- Competitive Advantage
- Cultural Exchange
- And More.
Conclusion
As evident, localization is a proven strategy employed by all major brands, corporations, and NGOs. Furthermore, localization helps brands reach their globalization goals faster and more accurately.
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