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App localization is basically the process of making changes and refining your app so that it appeals to your target audience in terms of language and cultural appropriateness. When you localize your app, you acquire a competitive edge in the marketplace because users believe in your brand- they own the app. This process also enhances your revenue, market share, promotes your global presence and helps you maneuver cultural sensitivity both in your domestic and in the international markets. Companies that pioneer in localization postulate that this step also helps promote the visibility of your software on the app store. With these benefits in mind, how then do you prepare your app for localization? Here are tips to guide you:
1. Determine localization languages
It is difficult to select all possible future locales for your app before launching it. While the standard procedure involves testing one language, this approach is great but will not cut it, particularly if you desire to go global at some point.
How do you choose app languages?
First, you need to research and identify the most sought-after localization languages for software. You could look into a study on the same subject that was published by Alconost. Secondly, you could look into competitors’ apps to assess what languages are trending. You can choose to ignore trendy languages, but at least have data-backed reasons.
Note: You should make English your primary source language before bringing others on board.
2. Identify translators
You should hire translation services before you begin the localization process. You require these services to ensure that text is properly displayed on your app to enhance the user experience. Translation also converts your metadata so that your visibility is improved. You can get these services by contacting some of the prominent translation companies in your home country but is better to hire translators from the country to which you wish to localize your app. Spaniards who speak English as a second language, for example, would do a better job translating from English to Spanish compared to English speakers who speak Spanish as a second language. Additionally, you have to carefully select who you want to work with and develop a rapport once you find the translator that suits your app needs.
3. Use the Translation Management System (TMS)
TMS manages your translated content and localized material. While most developers do not fancy such a system, it is recommended that you try it out. Localizing is more than writing the JSON file and allowing it to run in your system. You need to keep tabs on the datasets that you generate. TMS ensures that such content is properly tracked for future reference. This approach also saves you money that you might spend in the future on system translations.
4. Install the preferred library
Following language selection and translation, you are then required to pick an internationalization (i18n) library of your choice. i18n is decided based on particular criteria. For instance, you could evaluate the ease and effectiveness of adding a library to the performance of the existing code. Such an assessment will help you know whether you would use such an approach. You should also make changes to the locale and enhance your SEO at the same time. How do you do this? The trick is to create semantic links while availing translations at the same time to promote app flexibility. It is recommended that you pretest all libraries to ascertain how best they work on your workflow. If you feel like this is not part of your expertise, you can partner with an SEO company to customize the adequate strategy for you.
5. Assemble a glossary and offer a context
This glossary should be composed of app-related terminologies such as items, characters, names, statuses, and menu texts that will be used by your software. It is essential your glossary is consistent for your app to enhance user experience. Having a reference book will also streamline your app localization process when you get to it.
At the same time, you may want to submit a context to the localization team. Providing context for your app requires that there is clear communication among localization managers and copywriters, app developers, and linguists. Given that it is difficult to have a proper communication system among these teams, it is prudent that you appoint a contact person to liaise with everyone.
Conclusion
The process of preparing an app for localization is not as complicated as most people think because you need to follow a particular procedure. Preparing for localization involves a keen selection of proper localization languages, identification of translators, utilization of TMS, selection of a library, and establishment of a reference book. When it comes to the creation of an app, we have the most power in our hands to create a cutting edge product. Therefore, do be afraid to follow through with the localization process. Like Nike, the slogan says you should “Just Do It!”
Shirley is a content writer at KitelyTech, who has written on a technology, from Jewellery to SEO Software. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, sketching, cooking, and shopping.
