Demystifying Website Localization: A Gateway to Global Success
Website localization, often abbreviated as L10n, is a crucial process in the digital age. It entails adjusting the language, appearance, and functionality of a website to cater to foreign language markets. This comprehensive approach ensures that the website not only speaks the language but also resonates culturally and functionally with the target audience.
Understanding Localization vs. Translation
While the terms “translation” and “localization” are sometimes used interchangeably, there’s a clear distinction. Website translation involves a straightforward conversion of content into a different language, primarily substituting words. On the other hand, website localization is a holistic process encompassing translation, formatting, usability alterations, and consideration of cultural nuances for a specific audience.
Reasons to Localize Your Website
- Increase Reach and Improve User Experiences Making a lasting impression is crucial, especially globally. Localizing your website ensures it speaks the native language, capturing and retaining the attention of potential customers.
- Reduce Risk and Establish Credibility A fully localized website enhances your brand’s credibility in target markets, minimizing misunderstandings and misrepresentations. Quality multilingual content acts as a shield against potential pitfalls.
- Grow Your Global Sales The ultimate goal of website localization is to boost sales. A well-executed international strategy, coupled with high-quality translations, can significantly impact your profit margins.
Global Trends in Internet Usage
To understand the significance of website localization, one must examine global internet usage trends. Only 25 percent of the 4 billion daily internet users are English speakers, and over half of all Google searches occur in languages other than English. A staggering 85 percent of internet users won’t purchase a product without information in their native language, emphasizing the limitations of an exclusive focus on English-speaking customers.
The Website Localization Process
Phase 1: Project Preparation
- Extraction of Relevant Text
- Estimation of Word Counts, Costs, and Turnaround Times
- Term Glossary and Style Guide Development
- Creation of a Company-Specific Translation Memory (TM)
Phase 2: Project Execution
Translation begins once guidelines are in place. Native-speaking translators, briefed on project particulars, work on content translation. Professional reviewers ensure contextual and cultural appropriateness for the intended audience.
Phase 3: Post Localization QA
After approval of translated content, thorough linguistic and functional quality assurance is conducted before launch.
Bengalitranslators’s Website Localization Services
Bengalitranslators simplifies international market entry with tailored translation solutions, offering:
- Professional Human Translation
- Fast turnaround times
- High-quality translation at affordable rates
- Translation Management System (TMS)
- Streamlined translation process
- Customizable dashboards and reports
- Localization Project Management
- End-to-end project management
- Custom timelines, translator teams, and tools
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main difference between translation and localization?
Translation involves converting content into a different language, while localization is a holistic process that considers cultural and functional adaptations for a specific audience.
- How does website localization contribute to global sales growth?
By appealing to a wider audience and providing information in their native language, website localization can significantly increase global sales.
- What are the essential steps in the website localization process?
The process involves project preparation (text extraction, cost estimation, glossary development), project execution (translation and review), and post-localization quality assurance.
- Why is an exclusive focus on English-speaking customers limiting for a business?
Considering that only 25 percent of daily internet users are English speakers, businesses limiting themselves to this demographic miss out on a vast global audience.
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