When it comes to website localization services, the data speaks for itself. According to a recent study conducted by the Common Sense Advisory, approximately 76% of online shoppers prefer to buy products and/or services on the internet in their native language. Moreover, 40% of online shoppers state that they would not even consider buying a product or service online if the information was only available in English.
What is Website Localization?
Website localization services involve the modification of a website to match the requirements of website visitors. In particular, visitors that do not speak the language in which the original website was created. The process of website localization can be complex and consists of multiple elements and stages within a larger process. However, localization cannot be fully implemented until everything on a website, such as the marketing materials, any multimedia content, product manuals, and more are localized for the intended users in local target markets.
According to the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA), localization is “the process of adapting a product or service to a specific locale.” Furthermore, while localization involves translation (e.g., translating a text from English into Spanish), it also includes several other critical components, which, according to GALA, also include:
- Adapting design and layout to properly display translated text in the language of the locale;
- Adapting sorting functions to the alphabetical order of a specific locale;
- Changing formats for date and time, addresses, numbers, currencies, etc. for specific target locales;
- Adapting graphics to suit the expectations and tastes of a target locale;
- Modifying content to suit the tastes and consumption habits of a target locale
In summary, the ultimate purpose of localization is to provide your website (and, therefore, your products and/or services) with the look and feel of having been created specifically for a local target market or region, no matter their native language, cultural preferences, or location.
At Latitude Prime, we are the localization professionals you need to make your business and services or products relatable, appealing, and accessible to local audiences, regardless of their country of origin or native language.
Some of the benefits you can achieve by adding website localization services to your business expansion and digital marketing strategy may include:
Enter New Markets More Easily
If you launch your business inthe global marketplace, you may face some barriers to entry. These can include logistical challenges, legal and regulatory issues, as well as communication and cultural issues. Although localization will not eliminate all of these challenges, it can certainly help your business to overcome cultural and language barriers and give you the ability to communicate with your new local audience.
Gain a Competitive Edge
Competing against businesses that are local to your target audience can be quite challenging. It is all about gaining the trust of your audience. By working with a professional and experience website localization services partner, you can start to level the playing field with your competition. Also, if you are going up against competitors that are not localizing their websites and offerings, you will have a distinct advantage over them in the local market as well.
Increase Customer Satisfaction and Develop Brand Loyalty
As stated above, customers are more likely to purchase your product or service if you show your commitment to them through localizing your content, which includes communicating with them in their native language. This will help gain their trust and build brand loyalty.
Increase Your Company’s Revenue
With a larger audience acquired through localization, you have the potential to persuade more potential customers and achieve greater revenue. Of course, this takes time, patience, and effort to achieve, and localization is only the first step, but it is well worth it in the end.
To learn more about the website localization services we offer at Latitude Prime, give our team a call today at 888.341.9080 or get in touch with us by email at contact@latitudeprime.com.
