Software and applications are changing the user experience by providing access to their local languages. The first thing that a developer or any software company needs to understand is that they should know their intent and then customize their development process accordingly. Now is when users from around the world get their hands on your product. This means you must provide them with an exceptional user experience while meeting their linguistic and cultural preferences. This is where software localization comes in.
What is Software Localization?
It is the process of adapting your software or application’s content, including descriptions, buttons, menus, and other elements, to your target audience’s demands and preferences. The process is done by software translation services. They have experts with years of experience in the technical field, acknowledged for the target language, audience’s behaviors, and habits. Knowing this helps them create an app that resonates with their target audience and gains popularity in the target market.
Now, you might be thinking that a simple translation does the same work. You are right. But translation is the first step to localization. In translation, we ensure the grammatical structure of the content in the target language. Whereas, localization involves creating content that is linguistically and culturally relevant and with which the target audience can easily connect.
How Does Localization Drive a Positive Experience for Multilingual Users?
If you are creating an app with the intent to reach the global market, there are a few things that you should consider:
1) Understanding, Not Just Translating
Language is what connects people. Do you know there are more than 7,000 languages in the world, but none are spoken throughout the world? English is indeed the global language, but not the one that everybody knows. Even though, the population of the same country is sometimes unable to connect due to multilingualism and multiculturalism. So, how can you expect the global success of your application in a single language?
You need to understand that people respect their language and culture, and you should too. While reaching a global audience, do not just translate the app, make it region-specific by using cultural and linguistic references.
2) Building Trust and Familiarity
People prefer things that are available in their native language. Let’s suppose, you went to an Arab country and you need a plier. Do you know what they call a plier in Arabic? You don’t, right? This is what your audience feels while using an application in another language. Localizing the app helps you effectively reach a multilingual audience while showing respect for their language and culture. They would like to get your products and services, as they find you a reliable source. Eventually, you are building trust, and they will stay connected with you for a long time.
Other than that, localization helps you build familiarity. Keep in mind that not all users are tech-savvy. It means they might find it difficult to use your app for the first time. And poor translation can make it more difficult for them to use it. So do not rely on any service provider. Hire a professional translation agency to get accurate and precise localization for your application or software.
3) Optimizing UI and UX for Different Expectations
Are you sure that the colors and text length you are using in your interface resonate with your multilingual audiences? There are different preferences. Some might like brighter colors with extensive text length, or some might like mild colors with short yet attractive punch lines. Do you understand?
While targeting a multilingual audience, you can’t launch your app across regions with the same user interface. It can have a bad effect on the app’s user experience, which can have negative effects on your brand’s image.
4) Boosting Engagement and Conversions
To enhance user engagement, you need to use idiomatic expressions, humor, and puns through which people can connect. It enhances your app’s authenticity, boosts engagement, and makes users feel comfortable and understood. This way, they are more likely to engage with the software.
Localized content leads to clearer calls to action and better comprehension of features. As a result, it increases user satisfaction and conversion rates.
Localization: An investment or Expense?
Although localization is beneficial for your successful growth in the global market, it is an expansive process. This might be the reason most companies do not prefer to get localization services. It is crucial to understand that investing in app localization services isn’t just about compliance; it is a strategic move to tap into new markets. Therefore, localization is an investment that returns in the form of the global success of your app and provides a huge return on investment while expanding your user base.
Ready to Take Your Software Global?
Knowing how you can make your global reach successful makes your reach effective. The article contains everything that you need to know and how localization proves beneficial for you. Make sure not to acquire poor services, as they can spoil your brand’s image in the global market and divert users. Good luck!