Intend to request mobile app localization? This is a smart idea but you should clearly realize what will be going on and what stuff the team will pay extra attention to.
The definition of mobile app localization is as follows: it is the process of adapting the existing application for a new target audience which is another country. All features of such applications have to be checked in connection with whether they are a good fit for the new potential users.
Translation of the application is not enough at all. The procedure is far more complex and goes beyond that. The experts working with your app will be changing the images, dates, formats, currencies, and much more. The process is slightly different for iOS and Android apps.
Table of Contents
1: It Is Important to Learn the Basics About the Locale
Actually, the basics are not enough, and the team will have to dig deeper. You should also expand your knowledge in connection with the country/nationality you would like to access. The process of adaptation should begin only after proper research and analysis of all necessary data.
If there is a dialect of a certain language involved, it should be taken into account as well. The work of the native speakers is likely to be required in such a case. This is actually what the teams usually do: machine translation won’t allow achieving good results.
Here is one more aspect: it is essential to revise the language of the locals and use common everyday expressions where relevant. It will make the product authentic.
2: A Thorough Plan Is Everything
This point will determine the overall success of the whole software localization services. However, you won’t have to worry about this at all since you find a great team to work with.
It is great when you are informed about every stage of app localization. This is what a good company always does. If you want to figure out the details on your own, it is always okay to ask as well.
3: Revising the Overall Structure of the App Is Also a Must
It plays an important role as well. Something that looks okay for one language will be absolutely inappropriate for another one. It may be obligatory to change the menu sections and reduce the text where necessary. Research is also crucial here since it will help to realize what the good apps of similar products look like in the target audience market.
A good team always considers the points that have been listed in this article. If you want to make sure that all of them are dealt with, simply make an appropriate request and wonder about that.
4: It Is a Good Idea to Stick to Simplicity
Complexity won’t help you draw the attention of new users. It is good when there is not much info but it’s of great value. The clients are also just happy when they don’t have to move between a ton of sections to find what they need. One of the tips here is to avoid complex words and phrases as well.
5: Do Not Forget About Overall Respect
It is essential to be really careful with the culture you would like to reach out to. The experts should choose wording and expressions that will not hurt anyone, especially when it has to deal with sensitive aspects of a certain nationality.
By the way, this also refers to the images and graphics that will be used in the application.
6: Proper Testing in the End As the Final Step
First of all, it is beta testing. Besides, it is essential to involve the locals in the process. They should study the finite product and make some suggestions. It is totally okay when there are some corrections. The locals can give quite a few ideas on the layout, overall condition of content, and more.
How Do You Start the Collaboration with a Team?
The steps to follow usually look this way:
- You find a company that satisfies you by key criteria such as the experience, their image in the market (reviews from former clients), and cost.
- After that, you drop a request via the form on the site in case it is offered there. If you don’t see such stuff, it is smart to call/send an email/get in touch by means of messengers. Entering a good site of a reputable company/agency means that you will be able to access the Contacts section without any difficulty.
- Wait till you receive a response from the team.
- In quite a few cases, there is a primary consultation arranged. It will help both sides to figure out the goals of cooperation and what final results are a must.
- Note that you may change your mind at that point. This is relevant in case you are not okay with the conditions of mutual work.
Mobile App Localization: How Many Markets Should You Try to Reach?
It’s hard to tell this without a proper analysis of the product first. The experts should consider how relevant it will be in another country or even more than one of them. Then, there should be an approximate estimation of the potential demand and profit that can be obtained.
It is totally okay to localize the application for several countries. But the key is taking into account the cultural peculiarities of each.
However, you may think that it will be too costly. In this case, carefully consider the budget and potential expenses before you request localization and get engaged in the process.
Will You Receive Good Results When Working with a Reliable Team?
Most likely, yes. However, it also depends on the initial goals you will have and the cooperation with the team. It is good when you receive feedback on the stages and leave your comments. In this case, it is real to anticipate a positive outcome.