Why is it critical for companies to find the right website localization solutions?
The language a company presents itself in can make or break user experience, directly impacting company growth and success. That is why digital content localization has become highly important. However, proper localization is not simply translating text. Localization means adapting digital content to local markets. That means messages are not only linguistically correct but also culturally and contextually accurate.
We are seeing increasing demand for various localization solutions, namely website localization services, and video content localization.
Many companies are moving their selling processes online to stay afloat during COVID and to remain competitive amidst rapid technological advancements. Many of them list their products on e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon, to reach new markets. But they struggle to justify the expense because they do not have localized communication. Since they need to tackle consumers in a completely different light, many experience website localization issues.
That is why companies need to ace their localization to reach new people and convert them. But this is easier said than done.
What should companies be aware of before localizing their digital content?
Content is likely adapted or even rewritten during the process of localization. The perfect localization should read naturally. That requires superb writing and editing skills.
Not to mention, for localized digital content to succeed, companies must consider the importance of SEO. Therefore, all content must be optimized for search, no matter what language it is.
Last but not least, companies need to have proper file formats and efficient processes to power through localization like a champion. Documents such as Word or Excel may be great tools for employees, but they are not always the preferred format for organizing content for websites and dynamic websites. Therefore, companies looking to localize their digital content should prioritize appropriate format and efficient workflows.
Things to look out for when delegating website localization services or digital content localization to a translation agency
Companies often underestimate the time needed for localization work because they assume it is simple. That can cause many hiccups along the way, resulting in rushed quality. Here is a list of things companies need to beware of before jumping into delegation:
1. Do it earlier!
Spend just as much time on creating the source as you do on translation. We even recommend companies to start localization earlier, so the translation agency has enough time to deliver quality translations and include proper SEO.
2. Assign someone in-house to be in charge
Having someone in the team to help check translated materials can be very helpful. With their help, the translation agency can accurately match mentioned jargon for each market. It can also save both parties a lot of time if the in-house representative speaks the language themselves.
3. Don’t overdo it
Though 70% of end-users prefer browsing a website and seeing content in their language, this does not mean the company must localize everything. Companies should justify their localization based on their business strategy and goals.
4. Have clear expectations
Companies must discuss with their translation agency about their expectations from the beginning for the best process to be defined. It may include Machine Translation; it may not. Websites are sensitive to localization because the digital content it hosts needs to build brand image and connect with the target market.
Companies who decide to outsource their localization process must understand that localization is not simple. It requires the translation agency to be an expert, not just in languages but also in working with different sectors. The translation agency needs to be transparent with processes and solutions. They also need to provide the latest technologies with quality translators and editors to get the job well done.
Here at Datasource, we not only help our clients with the above, but we also automatize and link our client systems to ours through an API. That means the content which requires localization is automatically downloaded from the client, saving both parties time and manual effort. Our team then processes the content with our vetted translators and editors, generating localized content to be re-uploaded directly to the client. This automated system allows all text on the website to be replaced and ensures it will appear where it should be, with no extra manual labor involved.
If you are interested, feel free to learn more about our website translation services here.