Content Localization Process: Steps on How to Start!

Content is a powerful tool for businesses to reach audiences. It serves to influence consumers and invite them to engage with the brand. However, one crucial aspect that needs attention is the content localization process. This process is often overlooked and not considered necessary when reaching global audiences. Nevertheless, the content localization process is an important step that helps businesses build strong customer connections. In this article, we are going to talk about content localization and its processes. It will help you understand why these steps are important.

Why content localization?

Let's understand what content localization is first. Content localization is the process of adapting written and audiovisual content to meet the standards of target markets in terms of language and culture. The main aim is to make the readers feel that the content is original from their native language and relevant to their culture.

Content localization is done to make sure people understand the company's brand and engage with the content. It will help businesses to build relationships that are strong and loyal.

To achieve the goal, a company should not rely solely on translating text into another language. Companies should accommodate any difference between two languages and cultures to adapt and fit properly.

For example, translated text may vary in length across languages. Therefore, designers may need to adjust the format and spacing. In many cultures, a certain color can represent a different meaning. To prevent any unintended meaning, changing the color may need to be done. Additionally, you may need to adjust aspects like date formats, currencies, payment methods, and more to align with the target market’s customs.

There are a lot of detailed aspects regarding content localization. It involves multiple complex processes. However, in doing so, a company will eventually bear the results.

The content localization process will help the company reach the target market and engage with larger and more diverse audiences. It will help promote the business so it will be known within the community. Eventually, companies will be able to increase their potential revenue and profit from it. Later on, customers will grow loyalty and build strong connections with the business.

Localization of content will also improve user experience and satisfaction. Interaction between content that could resonate with the customer will help grow a positive view of the business.

Read More: 7 Skills in Translation to Help Your Career

Guide to the content localization process

How to do content localization? Content localization is a complex process that includes many aspects like translation, technical modification, cultural references, and many more. To understand more about the general idea of the content localization process, check out this information:

Select content to localize

First, you need to choose which content to localize. You can select the contents you want to localize based on the objectives of the projects. Try to differentiate content with higher priority.

Contents such as ads, articles, and landing pages require thorough localization. Differentiate content that directly engages customers from content that does not. Contents that indulge the customers need to be localized so it will result in relevant content for them. It will help the marketing strategy to work more significantly.

Translate text content

Next, translate the text content into the target language. Pay attention to nuances of the context to prevent any misinterpretation in the future. Pay close attention to date formats, currencies, and other elements that differ from the source language. This process will need thorough attention.

Bring a team with experience in the target market language to begin the translation process. Having a native speaker of the target markets is highly recommended. It is important to make sure the translation text is done properly. It is to prevent any harm regarding mistranslation or unintended meaning that is sensitive to the target markets.

Localize the image

In addition to text, you also need to localize images in your content. Every product, blog post, report, presentation, and ad will always contain images. These images need to adapt to the new markets.

There are cultural differences that must be considered. In one culture, there are certain strict attitudes towards animals, alcohol, and clothing. The designer needs to understand these differences and change necessary aspects of the image to fit the local preferences.

Ensure it reflects the brand image the company wants to convey. This step is not an easy one, however, it is necessary for the contents.

Localize the SEO

When venturing into new markets, you also need to change the content to help it fit with the local preferences. This also includes changing the SEO to match the region's standard of SEO-friendly content.

To do so, conduct thorough research regarding SEO to optimize content on the website and social media. It includes aspects such as meta titles, meta descriptions, headers, keywords, formatting, and article length.

This process is necessary to help promote and influence target markets based on the regions. It will help raise engagement and brand awareness which will eventually boost the profit of the business.

Conclusion

The content localization process is crucial for businesses. This step should not be overlooked and forgotten. Especially if a business has a bigger plan to reach a worldwide audience with their products and services. Setting aside a budget plan for the localization process is necessary.

However, reaching a global audience is not an easy task. It needs hard work and resilience. To help you with the localization process, you can use a localization company that has both experience and aptness to do the job. Enter Digital Trans Asia. The company has long been a trusted provider of localization services, especially in Southeast Asia. The company has worked with many well-known clients and demonstrated its expertise.

Ready to expand your reach with expert content localization? Visit https://digital-trans.asia/ to learn more about our services. Contact us today to get started!