The internet connects all of us all over the world. It is one of the greatest innovations of modern technology because, for the first time, ordinary people from different parts of the globe can interact with each other. They can access information that was once limited only to the people closest to it.
However, since people are from diverse cultures, web developers must ensure the software is appropriate for their target audience. It can be easy for local websites and apps, but software localization is a must for the international ones. And what is even more important is to find a reliable company that provides software localization services.
Let’s find out what software localization is, why it is vital, and how you can do it! All these answers you will find in the article.
What is Software Localization?
Suppose you think it is just translation for your software, partly yes, but not entirely. Some websites and apps get strange when words are simply translated to the user’s regional language. Many things get lost in translation, and websites or apps become challenging to navigate. Moreover, the links and buttons scatter all over the place, thus creating an unpleasant experience for the people browsing.
All in all, the said scenarios cause unnecessary hassle and make people not want to enter your website or app or buy your products and use your services. Were you trying to look for information about shipping something to another country? Too late! You accidentally bought bubble wrap that is a mile long. I know it sounds ridiculous, and it is, but worse things can happen if the software is not properly localized.
Unlike common misconceptions, it does not only translate messages just to help other people understand what a site wants to say. In a deeper context, software localization looks at a larger picture and aims to help the public resonate with whatever a business owner wants to say. It is also not limited to textual elements, as this also focuses on providing more relevant images, color schemes, statistics, and everything else on a site.
From measurement standards to video and graphic design, software localization adapts software to an end user’s culture and language. Software is redesigned to fit the language and culture of the user’s region or country. It makes them easier to access for people who do not speak the same language.
What Are Some Examples of Localized Software?
Shopping websites, such as Amazon, Shopify, and eBay, make the best examples if you want a clear reference of how a localized website should look like. The language, products, and currency change based on what country the user is in. Sometimes they change even the listings, for example, Amazon for Germany shows a gaming listing in the first place, but for Portugal, the listing is different.
Amazon’s Portugal version
Amazon’s German version.
Most social networking sites can also be considered localized because they determine which country you are in and would give you suggestions based on which language you are comfortable using. These also provide instant translations if it detects a language you are not familiar with. One example of a good localized app is Facebook. Note, though, that SNS may lack in terms of adapting to cultures.
Lastly, we have games like Ratchet and Clank, and Pac-Man. These are fan favorites when it comes to high-quality localization since everything, from translations and cultural adaptation, to the overall gameplay, is localized accordingly, depending on the area.
Do You Need to Localize Your Software?
The internet is the best way to get yourself out there. Do you have a brand or a product that you want to sell? Or maybe you are an artist that wants to share your art with the world? You may be happy with your product’s current reach, but imagine the whole world in the palm of your hands!
By localizing your software, you are giving yourself the chance to have a wider audience! You make your software available to people from other countries who share your interest. You can make your product available to your local area and other people who will benefit so much from it. You will be able to promote to anyone regardless of their language and culture.
What Can Go Wrong If You Hire the Wrong People?
Hiring the wrong people for the wrong job rarely ends in good results. The software can malfunction when translated and localized incorrectly and may respond differently from what is expected from them.
Don not try to test your luck when it is your hard work that is on the line. Only find the right people to do the job to save both time and resources. You need someone who is an expert and knowledgeable, someone who can promise to do an amazing job and deliver great results.
How bad can it be when a platform is localized incorrectly? Take all 2021-2022 Audi models released in South Korea, for instance. Owners have experienced communication module failure due to incorrect localization. The navigation system, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto do not work. What is worse is that it has been almost a year, and there has been no progress.
Do you want this happening to your apps, games, or websites? Of course not.
What Do You Need to Look for in a Localization Service?
Of course, you will be wasting a lot of time if you add software localization to your long list of web-related tasks. The best choice is to invest in a localization service that will be able to do the job for you.
For reference, here are some of the qualities that you should look for in a localization service provider:
- Reliable
- Excellent Customer Support
- Great Reputation in the Localization Field
- Wide Range of Localization Services
- Several Country-related Options for Localization Services
You need to put a lot of thought into choosing the right one since it will greatly affect the success and quality of the project.
Summary
To sum it up, software localization is the process of modifying a certain website, app, or platform in a way that will reach a global audience.
Contrary to regular translation services, this does not just work on a language or other textual elements, but also on the design, currency, and other mathematical figures, content, culture, and likes.
Now, if you are a beginner or even an expert web developer, you have to note that you will not be the one to localize your whole site and its contents. It will take you a lot of time and even trial and error if you opt for manual software localization. Instead, it will be best to work with a reliable team that offers localization services.