When a developer has amassed a sizable user base in their native market, the next step is to take their mobile app global. There are numerous difficulties in bringing a digital product to a new market. Still, with proper planning and implementation of localization best practices, mobile app developers can reap significant rewards from international success.
The localization of a mobile app refers to its cultural and linguistic adaptation to a new market. You must address your user base’s cultural, linguistic, and technical needs in each area without sacrificing functionality. However, many app developers face the issue of managing internationalization while staying under budget. This post will examine cost-effective strategies for localizing mobile apps while maintaining high-quality user experiences.
An Overview of the Costs of Mobile App Localization
First and foremost, let us look at the two Mobile App Localization techniques. Although the choice between these is frequently based on the overall app expansion plan, funding is still an important consideration. They are as follows:
- Localization to a great extent. A subset of markets will be picked here, and everything in your app will be localized. This method is limited to a few areas, allowing you to delve deeper into the localization process and nail every aspect.
- MVL stands for Minimum Viable Localization. This method is ideal if you need to contact many people immediately. With MVL, the mobile app is not entirely localized, but only the most essential content and functionality are. This technique and amount of localization, considered a healthy minimum, attempt to ensure that international consumers can understand and interact with the app. More features and content will be localized as the app grows in popularity.
Choosing one of these two ways is critical in determining the app localization cost. But wait, there’s more. When it comes to a specific pricing strategy for mobile app localization, it is typically offered per word for translation. Translation is merely a component of mobile app localization and may be subject to that pricing model. However, there are other technical aspects that the per-word cost model cannot cover. These technical services, such as DTP services, are often calculated hourly in the mobile app localization. You will need to investigate the essential services involved to obtain a more accurate estimate of the app localization price.
Strategies for Localizing Mobile Apps
1. Make a Plan
Planning ahead of time is one of the most cost-effective ways to localize mobile apps. Rushing through the localization process might result in costly mistakes and quality sacrifices. Define your target markets and rank languages according to user data and market potential. This will allow you to utilize your resources better and minimize unnecessary expenses.
2. Make Use of Translation Tools and Services
Use technology to speed up the translation process. Numerous translation tools and services available can drastically lower the cost of localization. These solutions, such as Google Translate or translation APIs, can help you easily translate app content. However, remember that automated translation methods are not always precise, and human review is frequently required to maintain quality.
3. Work with Localization Experts
While automated technologies might be helpful, human experience is required to achieve the maximum level of quality in localization. Collaborate with native speakers of the target language who are expert translators. They may provide culturally appropriate translations and ensure that local consumers will receive your software. Consider employing localization experts who are familiar with the nuances of the target market and can change your app properly.
4. Configure In-Context Localization
Consider utilizing in-context localization to save money and improve localization quality. This entails directly translating and altering information within the app interface, allowing translators to see how the text fits into the design and user experience. This strategy eliminates the need for lengthy back-and-forth communication between developers and translators, thereby saving time and money.
5. Content Reuse
Reusing information across different platforms and apps increases efficiency and lowers expenses. You may typically reuse translations, design elements, and code libraries if you have many apps or a web presence. Keeping a centralized library of translated strings and assets simplifies maintaining consistency across all of your products.
6. Experiment and Iterate
Testing is an essential part of the localization process. To discover and resolve any localization difficulties, perform extensive testing before launching your software in a new market. This can involve grammatical faults, layout issues, or cultural sensitivities. Iterative upgrades should be driven by continuous monitoring and user feedback, ensuring your translated software satisfies user expectations while reducing costly post-launch corrections.
7. Locate App Store Listings
Localize your app store listings, including app descriptions, keywords, and screenshots. This step is critical for increasing discoverability in local app stores and gaining consumers worldwide. App store listings that are well-optimized might result in greater downloads and revenue, justifying the investment in localization.
8. Think about Progressive Localization
Progressive localization entails translating and publishing app content gradually, as needed. This can be a cost-effective option, particularly for programs that receive frequent updates or have a fast-changing user base. Begin by localizing the most important parts of your software and progressively expanding as your user base in a specific market expands.
Summing Up
Localization is integral to any successful mobile app strategy, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. You may reach a worldwide audience without breaking the bank by planning ahead of time, leveraging technology, collaborating with experts, and applying cost-effective techniques. Remember that localization is a continual process that necessitates careful study and continuous modification to satisfy the changing needs of your foreign user base.
Localization is an investment that will yield a return in the future. Localization evolves alongside business growth and enables you to market your product globally. Localization will no longer be a barrier for entrepreneurs with the correct tools and help.
