Dynamics of Website Localization
In this article, we will try to understand website localization. So let's first define Website Localization.
What Is Website Localization?
It is the procedure of adopting the appearance, language, and functions of a website to foreign markets. The end goal of localization is to create a website that is:
Considers cultural, linguistic, and technical distinctions into account
It doesn't change the intent of the original text
It reads and feels as if it was written in the language of the target
The process of localizing a website could at first seem overwhelming. However, the final outcome - a website that is accessible to millions of potential customers is crucial to the long-term development of any business. Hence, in today's time taking assistance from professional website localization services has become almost a necessity.
What's The Main Difference Between Localization and Translation?
Although they are often commonly used interchangeably, there is a vital distinction between websites as well as the method of web localization. Translation of websites involves the conversion of content to another language by straightforward substitution of terms. Localization of websites can be described as a comprehensive method by which content on the internet is modified to be consumed by a particular group of people. This usually involves translation along with modifications to usability and formatting, as well as an examination of particular culture-specific likes and dislikes.
Why Should You Localize Your Site?
Organizations that are just starting out to make an impact in the free market, might question the need to localize their company’s website. So let's argue in favor of website localization. Here are some of the factors that showcase the significance of Website translation;
Expand Reach And Enhance User Experience
Making a good impression is essential, especially when dealing with customers from other countries. People prefer to use their own language so localization can help draw the attention of prospective customers.
Reduce The Chance of Failure And Build Trust
The presence of a localized website can help establish the credibility of your brand in the markets you want to target. A quality multilingual website can reduce any misrepresentation or misinterpretation by customers of your brand abroad. So if you want your business app to be successful in a foreign market, be sure to consult app localization services. They will assist you in penetrating the target market.
Increase Your Sales Worldwide
The goal of website localization is to improve sales. The ROI on the investment in web-based localization is tremendous. A well-planned international strategy in conjunction with high-quality translations can make an enormous difference to the profit margin.
Global Developments In The Use of The Internet
To understand why website localization is crucial for any company just take an in-depth look at how people use the internet. Of the four billion daily users of the internet, for instance, just 25 percent are English people and nearly half of Google searches are conducted in a language other than English.
In addition, according to research conducted by market researchers which show that an overwhelming 85 percent of online customers will not buy an item if they can't first learn the information in their own language. Moreover, 56 percent of respondents believe that information about the product in their native language is more important than price. The fact is that focusing exclusively on the English-speaking customer isn't a good thing for a company's potential.
Now that we have established the importance of Website localization, let's discuss the process of website localization.
The Process of Localizing A Website
The first phase: Preparation of the project
The strategy for localizing your website requires precise planning to ensure the project is completed without any issues. After you have identified your business requirements and the languages you want to target, the language service company, like software localization services (LSP), will assist you in establishing the precise project plan and workflow that will ensure the project is completed as per your specifications and requirements. Common steps during the process of planning a project are:
Extraction of all pertinent translatable text
Estimation of word count cost, turnaround time, and turnaround costs
Style guide and glossary of terms development
The creation of a specific company Translation Memory (TM) to store every translated piece of content
Phase 2: Project execution
The actual translation process of a localization project for websites starts once the proper guidelines are in place. Then, in the execution phase, the content is given to a team of native speakers who are briefed about the specifics of the particular project. Professional linguists who are fully qualified will translate your content in accordance with the instructions and guidelines you provide and then an additional group of editors will review the translated content to ensure it's appropriately contextually and culturally relevant for the intended audience.
Phase 3: Post localization QA
After all, content that has been translated is approved, files must be examined and verified. At this point, both functional and linguistic testing for quality (QA) are vital for conducting prior to the launch.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the importance of website localization services. If you aim to penetrate a foreign market, taking help from app localization services is a must. They will enable the adaptability of your product and will make it acceptable in the target market.