What is software localization?
Localization is the process of adapting software to be used in a specific country or region. It is a way to make your software available to a wider audience by translating it into local languages.
For example, if you develop an app for the US market, you will want to go for the app localization services to the language of the US users. Similarly, if your app is only used in the UK market, you will want to localize the app for users in the UK.
Technical localization deals with the translation of source code and other technical elements of the software. This includes ensuring that all strings in the software are translated into the local language.
Why do you need to localize your software?
If your software is only used in the US, you don’t need to localize it. But if your app is used in the UK, France, Germany, and other countries, you need to localize it. You can always translate the software later if you get a lot of downloads, but at the very least you need to localize your app so that it’s usable by the people who need it. Here are other Benefits of Software Localization.
Localizing your software increases its marketability and makes it more accessible to people around the world. It also helps to prevent your app from being blocked by various online services (such as YouTube and Amazon).
How to localize your software
The steps involved in localizing your software are:
- Select a target language for your app - This is the language that your target audience will use. So, if you are localizing your app for the UK market, you will select UK as your target language.
- Translate the app interface and other user-friendly content - This could be the app’s logo, screenshots, and other text. If your app has images, they should be ready to be translated.
- Translate the app’s code - This is a process of translating the app’s code from one language to another.
- Test the app and fix any translation issues - You should be sure that your app works as it should in all of its various languages. If you find any issues during localization, you should fix them as soon as possible.
Tips for successfully localizing software
- Plan and prepare for localization early on.
- Use an automated translation platform to avoid human error.
- Be patient and allow time for translation.
- Keep your target audience in mind during the translation process.
- Make sure you have thorough documentation and guidelines for localization.
- Keep your team together when translating.
- Make sure your team is dedicated to the task.
- Use collaborative software to help with the translation process.
- Be ready for the possibility of piracy.
- Consider offering your app in several languages.
- Consider using voiceovers to localize your software.
- Consider using software to track and manage your localization projects.
- Consider using software to generate quality localization files.
- Consider using a culture swap to understand the local culture better.
- Stay connected to local professional associations.
- Consider using a coupon or promotional code to encourage the purchase of your app in another language.
- Consider offering your app in a second language after it is localized.
- Consider using ads or affiliate programs to help with the revenue-generating aspect of localization.
- Consider offering a language pack for users who want to use your app in more than one language.
Conclusion
Good software localization is crucial for an app's success. It allows users to access your software in their local language and will make them feel more connected to your brand.
Localization is important for software because it allows users to access your software in their native language. It also allows users with disabilities to access your software since they are not able to communicate in their native language.
There are several ways to localize software. All of them are important because they make a difference in the way the software is received by the public. And one of the easiest ways to do so is through translation.
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