Localisation is the act of adapting content for a specific local market.
In its simplest form, localisation is about translating text into another language. However, there are plenty of other elements that need to be changed in order for this process to be effective.
If you own an e-commerce website, you need to localise your webpage in order to suit the needs of your new market. It can also be applied to software, video games, music, films and many other types of creative content.
Localisation includes translation but it also includes adjusting marketing messages and graphics to match different cultural norms and expectations within countries around the world.
Translation costs really depend on the number of words that need to be translated and if there are any complexities in grammar. That’s why language localisation is becoming increasingly popular – it’s cheaper to hire an expert who understands your target audience than to translate everything yourself.
The Five Best Examples of Localisation: What Do Big Brands Do?
How important is localisation?
The problem with not localising your content is that you are missing out on a large segment of people who are looking for information in the language they understand best. It is crucial to understand that if you are not targeting a specific region, these people will be turned away by the language barrier.
Localising your content is an essential part of marketing, if you are looking to grow your business outside of your country. Some words have different meanings in different countries. The layout on a website or app will differ depending on the language it’s being viewed in. Some cultures also prefer to read from right to left.
Is localisation here to stay?
The need for localisation has increased over recent years due to an increase in globalisation.
While this was beneficial for companies who wanted to expand their customer base outside of their home country, there are now more languages being used which means that there are also more words that need to be translated.
This has led to an increase in the number of language service providers trying to work with companies who publish content in different languages.
The future of localisation will be an amalgamation of automation and human intervention that brings together the best aspects of both worlds.
It is essential for any business to be able to reach out to the right audience. With so many websites available in different languages, it has become crucial for digital marketers and businesses alike.
Localisation is important because it helps create a sense of global awareness. It also helps appeal to local audiences by taking into consideration the nuances that they understand and like.
Crucially, localisation can help companies grow their market share and revenues.
