If you plan to enter the global market, you may believe that what works in your native country will work across borders or that English is sufficient for worldwide communication. However, because the globe is becoming more computerized and networked, foreign consumers now expect customized products and information in their native language. Approximately 75% of worldwide internet shoppers are more likely to purchase a product if the information is available in their local language. As a result, your ability to attract worldwide clients is firmly based on your ability to adapt your brand, product, and organization to overseas markets.
Localization Service Providers come into play here. Companies that provide translation, interpretation, continuous localization, language, and social coaching services are known as Localization Service Providers. Most providers employ continuous localization management, a new technique for managing software, websites, and other digital content translations and localizations. There are numerous Localization Service Providers to pick from, and it might be challenging to select the best one.
Because localization is an ongoing process, you need more than just a translation service; you need a partner who will be there for the long haul. A translation partner saves you time and money and ensures uniformity across all of your projects.
When Is Localization Necessary?
This is an important question to consider: When will you require localization services?
If your project requires localization services, it is likely that:
- It frequently includes a video.
- You are delivering or presenting it to individuals from other countries and cultures.
- You want to establish loyalty by providing a local feel to your readers, consumers, clients, etc., and making them feel like you’re a part of their town.
- Creating a brand identity in a different country and culture.
The following are the major sectors or content types where localization services are required:
- translating online courses
- video game localization
- translating websites, including e-commerce website translation
- mobile app localization
How to Select the Right Localization Service Provider
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals of localization, let’s look at how to pick a service provider.
Before hiring a localization partner, you must follow a few procedures. These can help you discover a localization business that is both reliable and easy to work with.
1) Determine Your Requirements
The first step in locating a localization service provider is determining your requirements. This means understanding that you prefer localization over translation.
2) Determine Which Languages You Will Require
Determine the language or languages you wish to localize before engaging a localization company. For example, if you wish to translate an online course into Arabic, you may choose Modern Standard Arabic, the standard formal Arabic used by all Arab countries.
It is, however, more difficult for many people to grasp because it differs from their native tongue.
If you want your course to reach many individuals, you may consider hiring an Arabic translation agency to localize it to different Arabic dialects. Emirati Arabic for the UAE, Saudi Arabic for Saudi Arabia, and Darija for Morocco, for example.
3) Conduct Thorough Research
The following step is to begin your study by looking up language localization service providers. This includes conducting a web search and evaluating testimonials focusing on localization.
4) Confirm that They Provide Localization Services
This stage may surprise you because not all translation providers provide localization. Working with freelancers is the same. A translator may or may not have prior expertise in localization.
As a result, make sure that the translation firm you’re contacting provides localization services. It is even better if the firm offers translation, localization, and transcreation services.
5) Request Referrals
To find a great language service provider quickly, ask for referrals. Inquire with friends, family, coworkers, and even LinkedIn contacts. When someone provides you with a referral, it usually implies they’ve worked with this organization and were pleased with the results.
Your contacts will not refer to them if they do not like the process or the outcome. They are more likely to discourage you from collaborating with a particular company on your list.
6) Inquire About Their Procedure
Every translation and localization firm should have a process in place. One who does not should be avoided.
The review step, or the reviewing stage, is a crucial aspect of the localization process.
7) Examine Customer Reviews And Testimonials
Another critical step in determining the best localization service provider is to review the testimonials they’ve received from other businesses.
The next step would be to contact one or more customers who wrote positive reviews and inquire about their experience with the translation company.
While this is not a required step and does take time, it verifies that the localization company is who it claims to be.
8) Confirm Your Compatibility
You may believe that this is an unnecessary step. It’s underappreciated.
It is critical that you are both compatible during your initial calls and meetings with the localization business. Working with a company with which you are not consistent or which does not make you feel comfortable, at ease, or satisfied will not be a pleasant experience.
Compatibility is also crucial because specific translation and localization efforts take longer than others. Localizing a video game takes far longer than translating a legal document or a brochure, for example.
9) Make A Contract
Last but not least, with the company you choose to collaborate with, sign a localization service contract.
If the company refuses to sign a contract or if the document has unusual conditions, take a step back and review it with your legal department or a lawyer acquaintance.
Conclusion
Choosing a localization service provider can necessitate some study. However, as with other vendors, the more you know about them beforehand, the more likely your collaboration will be successful.
Your localization service provider can make or break your localization project. The right provider will assist you in overcoming obstacles as they emerge. So, before deciding, you should take your time and evaluate all of your potential language partners. Don’t just look at the pricing; make sure they check all of your other boxes and have a track record of providing exceptional service. Examine prior clients’ testimonies and evaluations or request to see their portfolios. It is also good to ask for a sample translation to check their expertise.
