Localization is a process that deals with the adaption of the product as per the regional intricacies. The experts also consider this as the second important process after translation. Under the process of localization, they adapt and modify the product as per the demands and preferences of the target audiences.
The world is more advanced and digitalized than ever. The important decisions of the world have become a mere game of a few clicks now. Borders and boundaries are not taken as an obstacle when it comes to doing business in the global market.
To make people understand your offerings, resonate with them, and engage them it is important to convey your message in their language in a way that they like and prefer.
People often get confused with localization and translation. The translation is a conversion of the text from one language to another maintaining the original content. Whereas localization deals with the modification of the product and content as per the requirements and trends of the target region.
However, translation is a prerequisite of the localization process. Localization services require a keen eye that can understand the process and minute details with an insight into the localization work and techniques.
It is also vital for businesses and clients to undergo the process of localization after preparing themselves with the proper and relevant research. They can only hire a professional team of localization experts when they understand the process well.
Here is a brief outline describing the process of localization services so that people can understand it well before indulging in it.
Define your Target Audience
Defining the target audience is crucial for the localization and transcreation services. Every type of translation practice that has to cater to a certain audience requires homework based on the demographics of the target audience.
You, as a business need to define your targeted people. Who are the people that you are trying to connect with and how your content can help them? You need to understand the needs and interests of the intended region.
Once you know and understand their requirements and their preferences, you can tweak and tailor the content as per their specific needs.
Research the Target Culture
The cultural factors cannot be ignored in the localization services. We all know and understand it well. Therefore, researching the culture of your intended audiences should be your next step. This will help you to resonate with your audiences well and that too in their cultural way.
It is important to develop an understanding of the target culture as cultural mistakes often end up ruining whole efforts, and people get infuriated when they find things going against their cultural norms. Thus, it’s important to be aware of these factors so that you can avoid making any cultural faux pas.
Choose the Right Translation Partner
Once you understand the process of translation, localization, and transcreation services, you should ensure you hire a professional translation partner. Translation agencies can pave a smooth way to enormous opportunities.
So, try ensuring that you lock in a translation partner who understands your needs, your product, and your target audience. They should be able to offer competent translators who not only have proficiency in the relevant language pair but are also able to understand the cultural norms of the market you are working for.
The translation agency should be able to offer DTP services too. Also, make sure the localization team that you have hired has proven experience in localization.
Use a Localization Management Tool
Using localization tools is important to offer an effective and hassle-free localization process. You should also ask your chosen translation vendor about the localization management tool that they are using.
Multiple tools are available in the market these days that can help you with the consistency and accuracy of the content that is culturally appropriate too.
Moreover, the experts and linguists also suggest using the same team for the translation, localization, and transcreation services as they understand the intent of the text and can understand the context better.
Get Feedback From Native Speakers
After you complete your localization project and have also used the DTP services, it is significant that you get feedback from the relevant people. You should hire linguists and proofreaders who are native speakers and can relate to the culture too.
This helps ensure that the translation and the content are accurate and culturally appropriate as well. This way the content gets approved by people of relevant languages and cultures. Also, there are fewer chances of mistakes and errors.
Test your Localized Content
Once the localization of the content is complete and has been checked by the linguists and relevant team, the final step deals with the testing of your localized content. Running it live for the targeted audiences to ensure it is effective and according to the needs of the translation services is an important part of the process.
Testing the content allows you to scan it for errors and mistakes, fix technical glitches, and ensure there is no cultural inappropriateness that may spark controversy or rifts.
Conclusion
Businesses must understand the localization process thoroughly. They can take certain steps to understand it and follow the tips accordingly. Defining the target audiences, maintaining cultural appropriateness, choosing the right translation partner, using helpful tools, and getting feedback from the native speakers constitute a localization process in the best possible way.
