5 Distinctive Aspects to Look at For Effective App Localization

A process revolving around the adaptation of mobile apps and software to make it fit in a new screen size and meet the cultural, linguistic, and technical requirements of the new region is called mobile app localization. To keep up with a tech-savvy and fast-paced world, translating and localizing the applications for a mobile and cellular device has become paramount. It is also imperative to consider it because people spend more time on their gadgets as compared to their systems or laptops. This process is beyond a simple translation or a basic localization process. Every single factor and aspect of the app needs to be taken under the radar and should be modified to fit the target market’s preferences and consumer behavior, which also indicates the need for a partnership with a mobile app localization services.

App localization is a challenging process that involves extensive practice. Considering the following distinctive aspects can make you come up with an incredible app localization.

Considering important languages & regions

The mobile app industry has been blooming with the total number of smartphone users reaching 6.3 billion globally and the numbers are set to grow only. Localizing the apps for smartphones has become inevitable to meet the needs and expectations of users. Not only mobile app users but the number of tablet users has also reached 1.14 billion which is why it is important that you as a business focus on the factors that are important to consider before localizing your app. You need to consider the important languages and most profitable regions as the first step. Depending on the type of app that you intend to localize, make sure that you have a potential audience in the region you are going to target. Moreover, you should also conduct thorough research about the most common languages of the region to get maximum downloads and subscriptions.

Text of the length can increase and decrease

Different languages have different fonts and text lengths for similar words. The mobile app localization process is particularly challenging and extensive because it offers little and limited space and the team has to take care of every aspect. With 21% of millennials opening an app 50+ times in a day, you should know the competition you are going to be part of. Hence, it demands taking care of even petty issues to fetch more users with an organized and tidy look. So, you should be mindful of the fact that your original text can shrink as well as grow depending on the target language, so you need to work on your app accordingly.

Using Unicode character encoding

Using Unicode for the mobile app translation is particularly important for the reason that text gets better, has a standard look, and assists in making an accurate representation across different platforms. These are also easy to identify and render and the fact that these remain consistent across different gadgets and devices. Unicode is especially beneficial and is popular in supporting multilingual formats and patterns. The data exchange across platforms and devices becomes simple, and your future localization projects also get hassle-free.

Watching out for cultural differences

In localization, watching out for cultural differences has been said and advocated so commonly that some businesses have stopped paying heed to it. Such an approach can make all your efforts futile. Cultural differences and appropriateness play a vital role in the user experience, and hence mobile or software localization should be carried out while considering cultural context. Taking help from a professional app or software localization agency can navigate you through such challenges swiftly. They have native speakers who are well aware of the culture of the targeted regions.

You might have to reconsider the emojis you are supporting in your app or software for a new region. Many commonly used emojis can have an offensive meaning in other countries. For instance, waving hand emojis which is quite common to say hello without typing is not much welcomed in China. They consider it as an offensive sign-off. Many of them use it to end friendships in Chinese digital culture.

Moreover, who does not like to use the thumbs-up sign, which helps people even in the most awkward situations? Countries such as Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Iraq might take it as an offensive gesture. So be careful and conduct enough research before you jump to mobile app localization.

Taking account of right-to-left languages

We all are very much aware of a few languages that are written from right to left such as Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian. Many businesses, developers, and software houses have been developing their mobile apps and software in these languages as well. If you also plan to consider any of these languages, make sure you are aware and ready for the challenges that come with them. The textual content might go in a different direction as compared to the overall app design. If you want your app’s design protected from any distortion or breakage, make sure that you use relevant tools from the start. Moreover, the localization process for these languages can demand certain other changes too due to a different culture. So, do not overlook the need to hire a translation company that has relevant expertise.

Conclusion

Translating and localizing applications or software can be a game-changing move, opening a gateway of opportunities for you as a business, only if done correctly. Localizing a mobile app can pose different challenges. However, conducting thorough research, and choosing your region and languages wisely can make you excel. Moreover, using Unicode characters and watching out for cultural differences is also important for a seamless localization process.