Businesses constantly search for advanced approaches to connect with their target market more effectively. The internet has made this much easier and less expensive. Mobile apps have become one of the most effective ways to expand your customer base and grow revenue. Nearly 90% of smartphone users spend time using apps, and 49% of users open an app more than eleven times a day. Many businesses are localizing their mobile apps to expand their customer base and enhance user convenience. To use it optimally in the target market, you need to take the assistance of mobile application localization services.
What is Mobile App Localization?
App localization is no longer limited to simple text translation, as it once was. Rather, today localization consists of a sophisticated series of steps meant to modify a digital product for various markets and cultural contexts. Typically, the app development process incorporates localization, and the localization plan is established well in advance of the product launch.
Translation of text within an application remains at the heart of the localization process. Localization covers the app’s interface, text in visuals, and external resources like PDFs and web links. To execute mobile app localization properly, you can form an in-house team or hire a reputable translation service agency like MarsTranslation with experience in various industries like gaming and technology.
Key Things to Remember When Localizing Your App
Let’s have a look at key things that you must know before localizing your app.
Linguistic Variations
Regional diversity of languages and cultural nuances should be considered in mobile app localization. This includes, for instance, several writing types, including Latin, Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, Japanese, and so forth. There may be significant and minor variations in even the same language among different nations. These consist of words’ meanings, spellings, and other linguistic elements that evolve within a specific language variety. These variations must also be considered by developers and translators. For instance, Google Play offers support for seven different English language versions, three different Chinese and Spanish language versions, etc.
Units of Measurement
The measuring unit selection is a crucial component of localization. Most of the world uses the metric system, but countries like Canada and India use the imperial system from time to time in specific situations. For instance, these nations use inches to measure the diameter of pizza, pipes, tubing, etc., even though they have embraced the metric system. If an app product is aimed at certain markets, considering local measuring preferences is important when it comes to online shopping.
Audio-Speech Resources in Mobile Apps
Modern text-to-speech engines make audio speech localization much easier. Real voice recording is costly when done in specialized facilities by actors with experience. Large game studios such as Activision Blizzard or miHoYo can afford extensive voice-over options for their AAA titles. Their approach is to provide users with the greatest experience possible in the language of their choice and to increase customer happiness, which can result in increased revenue. This is why many companies that offer video game localization services also apply similar strategies to mobile apps to ensure global audiences enjoy a seamless experience.
Regional Payment Options
App adaptation for common payment and delivery methods in the target region is another aspect of localization. For instance, some countries may not accept Mastercard, Visa, or PayPal; therefore, an application must provide preferred payment methods for local users in each region. The format of postal addresses also changes in different nations, which is crucial to consider for retail applications.
Google Play and Apple Store Criteria
App localization for mobile devices requires making necessary adjustments to meet Google Play and Apple Store criteria. This procedure includes adding keywords and translating screenshot text, in-store titles, descriptions, and other content. If done correctly, this will boost the localized application’s position and encourage additional downloads. With professional guidance from MarsTranslation, businesses can optimize their app store presence effectively.
Select a Professional Translation Company
Due to technology advancement, time-consuming localization tasks are more automated and require less manual effort. This includes examining the program architecture and figuring out which resources need to be localized. If your app development company has a team dedicated to localization, they might handle it. If not, you may look for a different agency that specializes in localization services.
Localization is a part of quality assurance and should not be disregarded. Translations should be done and approved by native speakers and experienced editors. Localized versions should offer a similar user experience to the original app. The localized app should deliver an experience just as smooth as the original. Translation companies like MarsTranslation ensure consistency and cultural accuracy across platforms by bringing specialized expertise to fields like video game localization services as well as mobile app projects.
Conclusion
You must take into consideration mobile app development and localization to capture the global market. The developers and LSP should keep cultural intricacies, units of measurement, and audio-speech resources in mind while performing localization. Moreover, they also need to consider payment modes to create convenience for local users. This will make it easier for potential clients to access your goods and services by encouraging them to download your mobile app. Through collaboration with a seasoned translation company like MarsTranslation, companies can guarantee seamless, expert localization that fosters user confidence and propels sustained success.