Website Localization And Website Translation—what Is Involved?

Website localization and website translation work interchangeably, making most clients believe they are identical. However, the two are different but with some similarities in their work processes. These two strategies involve modifying an existing website to make it usable, accessible, and culturally suited for the intended audience. In addition, website visitors will only stay twice as long if the website is in their language. And according to research, about 1/3 of all internet users aren't native English speakers. This, therefore, calls for website translation and localization to increase global audience reach and international sales. So, what do these two strategies entail?

The Definitions

Website localization is the adaptation of all website elements, like applications and content, for regional or local consumption. In addition, it aims at modifying the web elements and language to make it appealing to the cultural and linguistic preferences of the target audience within the locale.

Website translation is changing the content, whether blogs, apps, or text, from an original language into a target language. The translation is rendered contextually to make it understandable to the target readers. However, the process strictly follows the original text, and sometimes it may miss the consideration of the cultural preferences of the target readers.

Website Localization And Translation: What It Involves

It's best to make the website user-friendly for the local target audience to achieve the best. This is achievable through website localization services and translation, which involves the following;

Localizing The Site Layout And Navigation

After a website translation, the page layout usually changes, which may require more or less room, depending on your target country. During this process, there are some vital aspects to keep in mind. First, you must ensure the important pages are available and that top to bottom and left-to-right alignments are also right.

Localizing The Symbols

The international audience has different translations regarding animals, houses, or fingers. Therefore, during the translation and localization, it's crucial to modify these items when marketing abroad. In addition, currency, time and date displays, numbering systems, measuring units, and fonts must be formatted correctly to complete the localization process.

Translating The Website Content

Always ensure the website content has the right cultural and linguistic translation depending on the target audience. While doing so, it's vital to ensure the correct style, grammar, vocabulary, speech level, and punctuation. This will make the language reflect the target audience's society and culture.

QA And Testing

Website localization services require Quality assurance and testing as essential parts of the localization workflow. The translation process focuses on the exact piece translation; this can, in turn, result in mistakes that, when left uncorrected, can cause your business hundreds of dollars lost. Therefore, testing before launches is crucial. It helps eliminate all design flaws, delivery glitches, or development bugs that could otherwise ruin the user experience. Additionally, you can ask for feedback from the local users before you let the project live. This feedback will help shed light on areas that need touch-ups and avoid missteps in the messaging.

Website localization and translation involve several aspects of project simulation that must run simultaneously. Therefore, this process can seem daunting. However, its benefits will help improve your brand recognition, ROI, customer loyalty, and more. First, you need to work with an experienced localization partner, as they always know what to do.