How can you create a mobile app localization strategy that aligns with your company's goals?

If you want to reach a global audience with your mobile app, you need to consider localization. Localization is the process of adapting your app's content, design, and functionality to different languages, cultures, and markets. But how can you create a mobile app localization strategy that aligns with your company's goals? Here are some tips to help you plan and execute a successful localization project.

1 Know your target markets

Before you start localizing your app, you need to research and understand your target markets. Who are your potential users, what are their preferences, needs, and expectations, and how do they use mobile apps? You also need to consider the legal, technical, and cultural aspects of each market, such as data privacy regulations, device compatibility, payment methods, and cultural norms. By knowing your target markets, you can prioritize the most relevant and profitable ones, and tailor your app accordingly.

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2 Define your localization scope

Once you have identified your target markets, you need to define the scope of your localization project. What aspects of your app need to be localized, and how much? For example, you may need to localize your app's text, images, icons, colors, layout, date and time formats, currencies, units of measurement, and more. You also need to decide how much content you want to translate, and whether you want to use machine translation, human translation, or a combination of both. By defining your localization scope, you can estimate the time, cost, and resources needed for your project.

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3 Choose your localization tools

To make your localization project easier and more efficient, you need to choose the right tools and platforms. There are many options available, such as localization software, translation management systems, localization service providers, and app store optimization tools. These tools can help you manage your localization workflow, automate tasks, track progress, ensure quality, and optimize your app's performance in different markets. By choosing your localization tools, you can streamline your project and avoid common pitfalls.

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Nils Peemoeller

CEO Anveo Group · 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝟯𝟲𝟱 𝗕𝗖🔆Let's Learn+Grow Together · Expert for 𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝘀+𝗘𝗗𝗜
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The localization of a mobile solution should be quick and easy and supported by the framework or tool used. Not only because there are many companies with different languages as a requirement, but also because great solutions can be sold more easily to other target markets with a simple translation. We therefore used the "Caption" technology familiar from Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC for all areas of our app. A central export in the setup, and anyone can quickly customize the app completely.

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4 Test your localized app

After you have localized your app, you need to test it thoroughly before launching it in your target markets. Testing your localized app can help you detect and fix any errors, bugs, or inconsistencies that may affect your app's functionality, usability, or user experience. You can use various methods to test your localized app, such as automated testing, manual testing, or user testing. You can also get feedback from local experts, testers, or users to improve your app's quality and relevance. By testing your localized app, you can ensure its readiness and reliability.

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Prakash Narayanaswamy

Director of Technology, Capital One | AI & SaaS Strategist | Elevating Employee Experience
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Run Culturalization Reviews - Get regional teams to review UX copy, colors, icons etc. to align with local cultural nuances and sensitivities. Local Community Engagement - Engage beta-tester communities per each geography pre and post launch. Get their feedback loops to drive localization improvements.

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5 Launch and update your localized app

The final step of your localization project is to launch and update your localized app in your target markets. You need to prepare and submit your app to the relevant app stores, and follow their guidelines and requirements. You also need to market and promote your app to your target audiences, using localized keywords, descriptions, screenshots, and reviews. Moreover, you need to monitor and update your app regularly, based on user feedback, market trends, and new features. By launching and updating your localized app, you can increase your downloads, retention, and revenue.

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Prakash Narayanaswamy

Director of Technology, Capital One | AI & SaaS Strategist | Elevating Employee Experience
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Analytics & Optimization - Use geo-analytics on usage trends. Ongoing Content Updates - Make it iterative. Continuously push new UI strings, help content etc. to translators and incorporate periodic fan-out of latest strings to served languages.

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6 Evaluate your localization results

To measure the success of your localization project, you need to evaluate your localization results. You need to track and analyze various metrics and indicators, such as downloads, ratings, reviews, retention, engagement, conversions, and revenue. You also need to compare your results across different markets, languages, and platforms, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. By evaluating your localization results, you can assess your return on investment, and optimize your localization strategy for future projects.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Zohrab Taghiyev

Certified iOS Developer | Content Creator
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Cultural Adaptation and Content In addition to language translation, consider cultural nuances, preferences, and sensitivities of your target markets. Adapt your content, visuals, and user interface to resonate with the local culture. This may include adjusting colors, images, symbols, and even features to align with cultural norms and expectations.

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How can you create a mobile app localization strategy that aligns with your company's goals?

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1 Know your target markets

2 Define your localization scope

3 Choose your localization tools

4 Test your localized app

5 Launch and update your localized app

6 Evaluate your localization results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Mobile Applications

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How can you create a mobile app localization strategy that aligns with your company's goals?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your target markets

2 Define your localization scope

3 Choose your localization tools

4 Test your localized app

5 Launch and update your localized app

6 Evaluate your localization results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Mobile Applications

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