localization Archives - Terra Translations https://terratranslations.com/tag/localization/ Your English and Spanish language solution Thu, 08 May 2025 14:41:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://terratranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-250X250-32x32.png localization Archives - Terra Translations https://terratranslations.com/tag/localization/ 32 32 198841761 6 Key Considerations When Asking for Audio Localization https://terratranslations.com/2025/01/07/6-key-things-audio-localization/ https://terratranslations.com/2025/01/07/6-key-things-audio-localization/#respond Tue, 07 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://terratranslations.com/?p=24365 A lot of decision-making goes into the successful localization of audio content. Are you considering audio localization for your next project? Here are six important tips to keep in mind when you put in your request. 

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A lot of decision-making goes into the successful localization of audio content. What type of dubbing should be used? Which vocal ranges, tones, and accents should the talent be able to perform? What audio timing constraints need to be set? When these questions—and others—are answered thoughtfully, the localized content is far likelier to resonate with the target audience.  

Are you considering audio localization for your next project? Here are six important tips to keep in mind when you put in your request. 

1. Know the Purpose and Intended Use of the Audio 

You can start your localization team off on the right foot by clearly defining the purpose of your audio. Are you localizing audio for a video, or for a standalone file? If you require audio for a video, the timing must synchronize with the lip movements of the actors on screen, or otherwise align with visual cues. Your team will know up front, then, that part of their task will be the crucial work of script adaptation, to ensure the audio’s run time is perfect. In contrast, standalone audio, which serves media like product tutorials or slides for an e-learning course, may require different pacing and style, especially if used in a device interface. These considerations about the nature of your project, which you can think about up front, can help your localization team tailor their approach to your specific needs from the very start—ensuring a faster turnaround, and, even more important, ensuring that the content serves its intended purpose. 

2. Note the Value of a Detailed Script 

A detailed script serves as the basis for the recording, and it is key to ensuring that both the translation and the recording meet any time constraints. For instance, if the video has movement or visual cues, the audio must correspond to them precisely. However, if the video involves static images, the audio timing can be more flexible. Either way, a script, which lays out the words to be recorded, can also signal the nuances that will require a particular treatment or adjustment in the adaptation.  
 
If you don’t have a script that you can share with your localization team, don’t worry. Truth be told, it’s not all that common for clients to come with scripts in hand for the audio or video files they need localized. If that’s the case for you, too, your language partner can step in to transcribe the source content. Just keep in mind that making yourself available to work closely with your localization team on this step can make the overall production process more efficient, and the result more polished. 

3. Prepare to Weigh in on the Right Voice Talent and Accent

Choosing the right voice talent for a project is one of the most important elements of audio localization, and you will have the final say in this selection process. As you consider the options that your language team has shared with you, it’s important to keep in mind that factors such as gender, age, regional variant, and accent play a significant role in conveying authenticity and connecting effectively with the audience. This is especially true for marketing or e-learning pieces, in which the voice’s “personality” and ability to be engaging are crucial. 

Why do regional variants matter? Consider languages like Portuguese or French, which are spoken differently from region to region. Brazilian Portuguese isn’t identical to European Portuguese, just as Canadian French isn’t the same as European French. Selecting the right variant becomes paramount, since each one features unique vocabulary and nuances that impact audience engagement. 

Similarly, accents also influence audience response, as they can signify a character’s regional or social identity or even add humor. However, these subtleties in one culture don’t always translate well to others, and sometimes they can be downright offensive. Accents are challenging to transpose in dubbing and so, depending on the product, a translator might replace the original accent with a local one that holds similar social connotations for the audience. This was done for European French-speaking fans of “’The Simpsons,” in which Groundskeeper Willie’s thick Scottish accent is replaced with a stereotypical regional French accent in the dubbed audio.  

And if a highly localized accent still doesn’t seem like the best course of action, another option for the translator is to work with a neutral, standard version of the language to sidestep any potential offense. 

4. Match the Tone, Style, and Vocal Qualities that You’re Looking for to the Content Type 

As you continue to consider your options for vocal talent, recall that the tone and style of your audio are essential to hooking your listeners. In addition, factors like vocal range, acting skills, and language fluency are critical to resonating with an audience. For instance, marketing content tends to benefit from a lively, persuasive tone to capture attention, while e-learning material does well to feature calm, yet dynamic, narration to maintain engagement. Safety training materials, on the other hand, call for a more serious tone to convey responsibility and caution. To ensure consistency, it’s helpful if you specify your preferred tone and style for your localization team and base it on the target audience and content type. In other words, whether you’ll be replicating the original or adapting it to new cultural expectations. 

5. Consider Internal vs. Marketing Purposes for Audio Use 

The intended use of an audio project can influence additional fees related to usage rights and licensing. For internal purposes, such as training or corporate presentations, usage fees typically aren’t applied since the content remains within the organization. However, for marketing content, like advertisements, commercials, or trailers, the voice talent or studio may require usage fees that cover the time frame and platforms (e.g., TV, radio, online) where the audio will be broadcast. It’s important to specify the intended purpose and distribution channels early on to account for any licensing fees, avoid unexpected costs, and ensure that all rights are properly secured. 

6. Specify the Delivery Format and Review Process

The technical specifications of audio delivery are crucial to achieving the desired quality and format of the final product—and it’s helpful for your localization team to have these in advance, to keep the process streamlined. Key considerations include microphone preference, audio format (such as WAV, MP3, or OGG), and recording levels (LUFS), as these directly influence sound quality and platform compatibility. If these details are unclear, your localization team will typically default to the format of the original file provided. Therefore, consulting with an audio specialist (either in-house or one your localization team provides) beforehand can further ensure that your file meets quality specifications for its intended use. 

In Summary 

Effective audio localization requires a meticulous planning and pre-production phase before starting the recording process. From clarifying the intended purpose of the project to selecting the right voice talent and technical specifications, these key considerations shape the impact and quality of your final product. When thoughtful decisions are made at each step, your localized audio can deliver a powerful message that resonates with your audience, no matter where they are in the world.

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What Factors Determine the Costs of Localization? https://terratranslations.com/2024/10/08/factors-determine-costs-localization/ https://terratranslations.com/2024/10/08/factors-determine-costs-localization/#respond Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0000 https://terratranslations.com/?p=24094 From video games to eLearning content to marketing campaigns—localization can step in and make it possible to thrive in a new target market. No one localization project has the same exact scope, needs, or budget, and how much a localization project will cost can depend on quite a few factors. Keep reading to get a better […]

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From video games to eLearning content to marketing campaigns—localization can step in and make it possible to thrive in a new target market. No one localization project has the same exact scope, needs, or budget, and how much a localization project will cost can depend on quite a few factors. 
Keep reading to get a better idea of which factors can influence the cost of a localization project.  

Factors that Influence Cost 

It can help to keep the following factors in mind when planning the budget for a localization project.  

  • Localization professional. If you’re looking for localization services online, you’re likely to find many different professionals willing to help, but you will also find their rates can vary widely. This is because each person has unique academic backgrounds and expertise and therefore the cost of their services will probably vary depending on their training and what their specialty is. If you consider hiring an in-house team or partnering with a Language Service Provider, the cost can also change. You may also decide to rely on machine translation which can be less expensive than hiring a human, but doesn’t usually deliver as high of quality end product
    Whether you decide to utilize machine translation, freelancers, an in-house team, or a language service provider, make sure you’re comparing the same type of service. 
  • Content type. Certain types of content are more expensive to translate and localize. For example, medical content is likely to cost much more than lifestyle content. That being said, content that requires a creative touch can be more expensive as it also requires a high level of research and it can be more challenging to localize creative content in a way that will appeal to the new target audience. Some types of content are naturally more expensive to translate than others. 
  • Localization asset creation. Taking the time to create localization assets such as a style guide and glossary/term base can be an initial financial investment up front, but can improve the quality of a project and can help you save costs down the line if it becomes necessary to fix localization issues such as terminology inconsistencies. 
  • Target market and number of languages involved. If a business wants to enter a new country that only speaks one core language, it will be a lot less expensive for them to localize their content and products than it would if they enter a new market where it’s common for multiple languages or dialects to be spoken. If the latter occurs, you will have to hire multiple localization experts who can address the different language needs.  
  • Project timeframe. How long a localization specialist has to work on the project can impact the cost. When a client needs something very urgently, a rush fee or higher rate is usually applied.   
  • Size of localization team. Depending on the type of content, it may be necessary to hire a translator, editor, and proofreader, as well as a DTP specialist to work on your project. If you work with an LSP, they will manage this team so that you don’t have to worry about recruiting or assigning the work. However, a project management fee will likely apply. Having multiple professionals involved can help improve the quality throughout the project, but can also result in higher overall costs.  

The Takeaway  

While spending more money on a localization project can lead to higher quality results, there are ways you can optimize your spending to ensure you’re receiving a quality end product that aligns with your budget. Speak to your in-house localization team or the outside experts you want to hire about what you can do to save money on your upcoming project without sacrificing quality.

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Why You Need a Localization Partner and Not Just a Localization Provider https://terratranslations.com/2024/09/17/localization-partner-not-localization-provider/ https://terratranslations.com/2024/09/17/localization-partner-not-localization-provider/#respond Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://terratranslations.com/?p=23927 If you have a localization project in your pipeline, it’s important you understand that finding a localization partner—not just a localization provider—is key to your project success. Keep reading for more insight into how to find a localization partner and why partnership matters so much. 

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If you have a localization project in your pipeline, it’s important you understand that finding a localization partner—not just a localization provider—is key to your project success.  

A localization provider (also known as a localization vendor) is a supplier of professional services. Their primary business goal is to encourage more companies to purchase their services. This type of relationship is not collaborative — a vendor will sell you what you want, even if you do not need it or will try to sell you “up” by encouraging you to invest in technology or services that will not provide a return on your investment.  

A partnership on the other hand, is a relationship that is built over time with solid investment from both parties. As partners, both companies share a vision that requires proactive engagement and the implementation of long-term strategies that are beneficial to both parties.

Ready to find your localization partner? Keep reading for more insight into how to find a localization partner and why partnership matters so much. 

How to Find the Right Localization Partner  

Finding the right localization team for your business may not be an easy task. There are multiple aspects you need to consider to make sure they are the perfect match for you and can form a valuable partnership. If you are thinking about adding localization to your growth strategy, then you better look for someone that is going to stay with you for the long run and grow along with you.

Looking for a localization vendor based on just the budget allocated for a specific project may be risky, as you’ll have to start over when the next localization project arises. Instead, having a partner who will work with you to analyze the target markets and create a solid globalization strategy will ensure that your localization efforts bring the desired results.  

Consistency Leads to Partnership 

Working with the same project management team and linguistic team every time you have a localization need will prevent you from having to explain your processes and preferences over and over again. Not to mention, working with the same partner will impact the overall quality of the localization and it will ensure consistency throughout.

If you have a localization partner, you will work with someone who is committed to your success. A true partner will watch out for your best interests. They will also advise you on how best to proceed in certain markets, how you can save money with the right technology and processes, and ultimately how to succeed internationally. A good localization partner puts the interest of their client ahead of their own interests and is someone who will strive to innovate with you while creating solutions to pain points and problems.

A solid localization partner will be someone who you can plan with long-term, allowing you to focus clearly on long-term goals—even if it means giving up a fast and easy sale up front. Localization partners act as colleagues, steering you toward technologies and services that are not only best for your current financial and business goals, but will provide support for a stronger future.

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4 Tips to Improve The Efficiency of Your Localization Workflow https://terratranslations.com/2024/09/03/4-tips-improve-localization-workflow/ https://terratranslations.com/2024/09/03/4-tips-improve-localization-workflow/#respond Tue, 03 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://terratranslations.com/?p=23931 Localization is an essential part of business growth and global reach. Regardless of the size of your company, proper localization ensures that your message gets across to potential customers around the world in a clear and effective manner. Keep reading for four tips on how you can streamline and optimize your translation workflow for maximum impact. 

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Localization is an essential part of business growth and global reach. Regardless of the size of your company, proper localization ensures that your message gets across to potential customers around the world in a clear and effective manner. However, with so many different stages involved—from deciding which content to translate to rolling out localized versions—it can be difficult to manage the process efficiently without overflowing resources or missing crucial steps. 

Keep reading for four tips on how you can streamline and optimize your translation workflow for maximum impact.  

Consider Automating Key Processes 

If you were to analyze your current localization workflow, you’d probably find that a lot of time is usually spent in manual processing. You should consider automating processes wherever it makes sense. Translation management tools are a great example of technology that can really come in handy. They ensure that your localization team stays effective, organized and connected. It’s easy to upload content and make all your modifications instantly, so you won’t experience any disruption in the workflow. Additionally, you can publish any content that is ready immediately, as well as manage more than one team at a go. Through this software, you will have easy access to various vital data anytime and from any device. All this information and more are conveniently stored in one place for quick reference. 

Set Up a Process for Queries & Feedback  

This may not seem obvious at first, but you need to have a process in place to handle queries and feedback efficiently. If there isn’t a clear process to handle the queries the translators may have for you during the project, or the feedback that you may have and needs to be implemented, the whole localization process can be delayed. We recommend creating centralized query sheets and a process for feedback implementation.   

Continue to Monitor and Improve   

Localization workflows are a constantly changing entity, especially in the modern world of business growth and advancement. As many aspects can come into play such as the scope of work, language pairs needed, formats, and volume, it is crucial to monitor how efficient the current workflow is performing to ensure success. This involves confirming that the quality is maintained and that new tools available for use are being properly investigated for how well they might mesh with or simplify existing components of the workflow. Thus, an up-to-date knowledge of both current and emerging software is necessary in order to maintain a streamlined workflow which offers maximum efficiency. 

Team up with an Experienced Localization Partner  

We can’t stress this enough, having the right partner matters. An experienced localization partner is able to design a workflow from scratch so that it meets your specific requirements and needs. They are also able to quickly adapt a workflow to accommodate changing needs.  
A great localization partner will be proactive in suggesting workflow tweaks that reduce time or money, or that at the very least improve the general experience people on the team are having with this workflow.

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Navigating a Multilingual Localization Project: Key Considerations and Tips https://terratranslations.com/2024/08/26/multilingual-localization-project-tips-2/ https://terratranslations.com/2024/08/26/multilingual-localization-project-tips-2/#respond Mon, 26 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://terratranslations.com/?p=23921 Embarking on a multilingual localization project can be an exciting but complex endeavor for companies expanding their reach into new markets. In this blog post, we explore essential factors to keep in mind when undertaking a multilingual localization project, offering insights to help you achieve high-quality results and streamline the process. 

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Embarking on a multilingual localization project can be an exciting but complex endeavor for companies expanding their reach into new markets. The process involves numerous considerations, from finding skilled linguists to managing multiple languages and cultures. In this blog post, we explore essential factors to keep in mind when undertaking a multilingual localization project, offering insights to help you achieve high-quality results and streamline the process. 

Understanding Language Costs and Expertise  

When translating content into multiple languages, it’s important to be aware that translation rates can vary depending on factors such as language pair availability and subject matter expertise. Hiring professional translators who specialize in the required fields ensures accurate and culturally appropriate translations. To optimize your project’s investment, consider comparing translation rates and exploring cost-saving strategies.  

Finding the Right Talent 

One of the most significant challenges in tackling a multilingual localization project is finding the right talent. The complexity lies in identifying linguists who possess the necessary language skills, cultural knowledge, and localization expertise. Evaluating the qualifications of these linguists becomes particularly challenging when you lack proficiency in the target languages, making it difficult to gauge the quality and accuracy of the localized content. Proper research, collaboration with language experts, and leveraging reputable language service providers can help address these challenges and ensure the selection of qualified linguists for successful multilingual localization. 

Effective Project Management 

Managing a multilingual localization project requires meticulous coordination due to multiple stakeholders, deadlines, and potential time zone differences. Establishing a plan to optimize overlapping working hours and strategies to address issues when linguistic teams are offline is crucial for project success. Language service providers employ experienced project managers who handle every aspect of the project, reducing unnecessary stress. They leverage Translation Management Systems (TMS), task lists, spreadsheets, and other tools to ensure seamless project tracking.  

Efficient Handling of Queries 

During the translation process, linguists may have questions to help ensure accuracy and context. Implementing an online query sheet centralizes all inquiries, avoiding repetitive emails and providing linguists with easy access to information. This streamlined approach saves time and promotes efficient communication for the translation team

Maintaining Quality and Consistency 

Something to bear in mind as well is how to manage quality and consistency when you’re working with multiple languages and vendors. While we won’t get into detail about this here because it may be too early in the process to worry about that, if this is a concern for you right now, we suggest you take a look at this blog post for helpful insight. 

The Takeaway 

It may seem daunting, but armed with the knowledge of these key considerations, you can approach a multilingual localization project with confidence. Understanding factors such as language costs, working with expert linguists, effective project management, and streamlined communication can significantly enhance the outcome. To make the process smoother, consider partnering with a localization expert who can assess your project’s specific needs and provide invaluable guidance. With the right support, your multilingual localization project can successfully reach diverse audiences and unlock new growth opportunities.

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What Metrics Can Help Measure Localization ROI?  https://terratranslations.com/2024/08/13/metrics-measure-localization-roi/ https://terratranslations.com/2024/08/13/metrics-measure-localization-roi/#respond Tue, 13 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://terratranslations.com/?p=23917 To help expand their business throughout our modern, global world, countless companies turn to translation and localization to help them successfully enter new markets. Let’s take a closer look at the KPIs that can help companies better understand their ROI, as well as which metrics aren’t as valuable as they seem at first glance.

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To help expand their business throughout our modern, global world, countless companies turn to translation and localization to help them successfully enter new markets. While some stakeholders may doubt whether these efforts are worth the cost and time commitment, not localizing content, products, and services to a new target market can be detrimental to the success of a launch

One way to assure stakeholders that localization is worth the investment is to present them with cold hard numbers that measure the return on investment (ROI) the company is getting after localization occurs. It can be quite challenging to fully prove ROI for localization, but there are some Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be valuable to examine.  

Let’s take a closer look at the KPIs that can help companies better understand their ROI, as well as which metrics aren’t as valuable as they seem at first glance. 

Ignore Metrics Specific to Localization 

First things first, when trying to establish the ROI on a localization project, it’s important to forget the popular localization metrics of the past. These metrics aren’t as helpful as they seem at first glance and while they may help you evaluate the quality of a localization project, they won’t be able to tell the full story your stakeholders are looking for. 

  • Number of localized words per language 
  • Number of localization errors per language 
  • Average turnaround time 
  • On-time delivery rate 

While the localization team should be looking closely at these metrics to measure efficiency, other stakeholders won’t be able to take much away after reviewing them.  

Common KPIs for Tracking Localization ROI 

The key to finding KPIs that will provide the insight you need is to specifically choose ones that are unique to your industry, company, and product or service. The following KPIs are simply suggestions to get you started. You’ll need to choose the ones that make the most sense for your business, and that align with your goals.  

Some of the most common KPIs for tracking localization ROI include, 

  • Sudden or consistent website traffic increases from a region with a recently localized language 
  • Increased website session length 
  • Decreased bounce rate 
  • Conversion rates on localized landing pages 
  • An increase in market share in a region with a recently localized language 
  • Sudden spikes in lead generation  
  • Usage rates of your product in different markets 
  • Larger number of support tickets per language 

It is a good idea to track the customer experience in the different markets you localized your content and products for. It can also be helpful to conduct a survey to learn more about customer satisfaction and to look for areas where you can improve your localization efforts.  

Patience is Key 

Another important element of localization success to keep in mind is time. Seeing an ROI doesn’t happen overnight. Which is why it can be a good idea to use analytic tools to compare and contrast your KPIs from the period before localizing and the period after. That way, you can see the impact of your efforts over time.  

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4 Tips to Save Money in Localization  https://terratranslations.com/2024/07/02/4-tips-save-money-localization/ https://terratranslations.com/2024/07/02/4-tips-save-money-localization/#respond Tue, 02 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://terratranslations.com/?p=23197 It's only logical to want to make the most of that budget, so keep reading for insight into four helpful tips for saving money during a localization project.

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Before booking localization services, companies usually allocate a budget for localization services. This budget is something they have to keep an eye on when they’re selecting the localization vendor, as well as once they start sending projects. It’s only logical to want to make the most of that budget, so keep reading for insight into four helpful tips for saving money during a localization project.  

Finalize the Source Content 

First things first, it’s a good idea to double-check that the content you are about to begin localizing is in fact the final version of the content. That way, you won’t have to go back later to make changes when the source material is updated.  

If you send your localization team new content after they begin working, this will lead to spending more money and will extend the localization timeline.  

Prepare a Localization Kit  

It’s true that creating a localization kit is an extra step to take before you start a localization project, but the work you put in upfront can save you money down the road. When you create a thorough localization kit, you give your localization team everything they need to succeed from the start. This helps prevent roadblocks that can cost more money to fix.  

Avoid Manual Processes  

Technology can help you save both time and money. For example, you can use technology to avoid manually exporting and converting files.  

Traditionally, localization involved extracting the content that required translation. It can take hours and possibly even days to collect the required content for a localization project. Once collected, you would transfer that content to a central document—such as a spreadsheet or Word document—and then send it to the translators to work on. 

Once fully translated, you would send this central document to the developers to upload back into the product. This process can be very time-consuming and error-prone. When you use a localization platform, you can do your work in a consolidated place that encourages collaboration and that reduces human errors.  

Employ Experienced Professionals 

All localization projects have varying budgets and it’s important to be mindful of the budget in place. That being said, while it may be tempting to choose the least expensive localization partner, you need to make sure that partner can deliver the quality you’re looking for. When you choose the wrong partner, you risk running into issues such as having to delay your campaign or product launch. You may also spend more time fixing mistakes or may incur fines due to incorrect translations. Not to mention, you risk harming the public perception of your brand. Point being—it’s important to always employ experienced translation professionals.  

The Takeaway 

There are quite a few steps you can take to save money during the localization process all while ensuring you’re working towards a quality end product. It’s important to note that if you are in the midst of a localization project right now, it’s not too late to incorporate some of these tips.  

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How to Build an Internal Localization Team https://terratranslations.com/2024/06/18/build-internal-localization-team/ https://terratranslations.com/2024/06/18/build-internal-localization-team/#respond Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://terratranslations.com/?p=23167 ompanies that are just venturing into new markets and do not have a localization team can benefit greatly from building at least a small one. Read on how you can build an internal localization team that is set up for success from day one.

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Large businesses with international presence usually already have a big and well-established localization team. However, other companies that are just venturing into new markets and do not have a localization team can benefit greatly from building at least a small one. While they will most probably need to hire a localization partner for their localization needs, having a small internal localization team can help them centralize and coordinate the different needs from other departments within the organization and work closely with the localization partner so that their goals are met. 

 
Here’s how you can build an internal localization team that is set up for success from day one.  

Fill the Right Roles 

First things first, you need the right players on your team. 
 

  • Localization Project Manager (LPM)/Program Manager. The most important role on your internal localization team is that of the LPM/Program Manager. While the other roles you’ll need to fill play an important role in a project’s success, the LPM/Program Manager keeps the entire project on track and helps improve communications between internal stakeholders and language providers.  
  • Language lead/lead linguist. The language lead or lead linguist will be the point of contact for all linguistic matters. Some language service providers (LSPs) have their own language lead, but if you have one in your own team, you make sure this person is aligned with your expectations and the needs of your organization, as well as with your organization’s linguistic preferences. When working with different vendors/translators, it’s key to have a person that settles any linguistic matter and can guide the linguists to achieve consistency.  
  • In house reviewer. These individual reviews delivered files and makes sure the expected quality is met and may provide feedback when there are things to fix or if specific instructions were not followed. The LSP may also have a person in charge of reviewing or proofreading the files before delivery, but it’s always good to have someone internally who can double check

Look for the Right Qualities 

Your internal localization team needs the following three skills to thrive: 

  • Planning and organization. The many different departments in a company (marketing, HR, legal, finance, etc.) may all need localization services at one point or another. Each department will have projects with unique characteristics, requirements, and deadlines. This is where the planning and organization skills come into play for the LPM, as they need to coordinate all of this with the language service provider. Planning also allows for risk management, which can mean anything from foreseeing potential issues or expectations upfront all the way through plenty of cushion time built into deadlines, so that unexpected occurrences don’t disrupt progress or strain deadlines. In all cases, proper planning often results in less stress and happier clients with top-notch final products. Staying organized is a must to make sure projects run smoothly. Keeping track of all the different aspects that go into a successful localization, such as linguistics, culture, technical details and administration details can be daunting, but it’s important to stay focused.  
  • Technologically savvy. Localization projects are often cutting-edge and continuously evolving, meaning the project managers behind them should be flexible and willing to adapt. Understanding tools such as machine translation engines, term base extraction systems, or software localization platforms is an essential part of localization management in order to lead a successful workflow from start to finish. With the use of modern technologies, the technical skills of project managers can help smooth out processes that may have previously been time consuming for localization teams. Keeping up with emerging tools and coordinating their implementation in the project helps managers ensure a successful project every time. 
  • People management and communication skills. Localization project managers are responsible for leading a team and managing their work with different departments within the client’s organization. It is important to be able to communicate well with other localization specialists and their teams, which can include linguists, software engineers, testers, and desktop publishers, as well as being able to communicate well with the company’s internal stakeholders. Logistics on these projects can become complicated as collaborators may be located in different countries, time zones, and cultures. This can add an extra layer of complexity to the management of team members. For a localization project manager to succeed in this role, it is necessary to have strong people management and communication skills.  

The Takeaway 

Building an internal localization team is one way to ensure that your products and content are accurately translated and culturally relevant. Creating a process and foundation for your team will help them succeed and allow you to focus on other aspects of taking your business global. 

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How Localization Can Play a Role in Good and Not So Good App Reviews https://terratranslations.com/2024/04/30/localization-role-app-reviews/ https://terratranslations.com/2024/04/30/localization-role-app-reviews/#respond Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://terratranslations.com/?p=22892 If an app developer wants to capture the attention of multiple markets (and they stand to gain a lot by doing so), then they need to prioritize localization. Here’s why.

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These days, consumers spend a lot of time on their smartphones and much of that time is spent engaging with apps. Why? Some apps are really fun and some are super convenient. From playing games to checking emails to navigating a new city to ordering food, smartphone apps play a major role in our daily lives.

If an app developer wants to capture the attention of multiple markets (and they stand to gain a lot by doing so), then they need to prioritize localization. Here’s why.

Why localization can boost reach for developers

When you develop an app for a user, you have to do just that — develop the app for their exact needs. It’s only natural a user won’t go out of their way to understand an app that isn’t in their native language.

When you localize your app to the languages spoken in your target markets, you make yourself a stronger competitor in the space and can compete with local developers who designed their app with their local population in mind.

While it can be very tempting for developers to turn to machine translation to make the process of localizing their apps faster and more cost-effective, this usually isn’t the best way to go. Why? App content typically is made up of short strings of text that have little to no context. Machine Translation can struggle to accurately translate this style of content. You need human involvement to translate and test this content effectively.

How localization can influence app reviews

Localizing your app helps improve the user experience and that can lead to much stronger app reviews. Understandably, if someone struggles to understand and navigate an app due to a language divide, the true quality of the app won’t even be taken into account. A frustrated user who walks away from an app due to a language divide isn’t going to leave a positive review and may even leave a bad one.

You don’t want to sleep on reviews. Having good reviews helps your app rank higher in the app store. Which means when consumers are searching for apps, they’re more likely to find yours.

Important considerations when localizing

When you do start the localization process, there’s some important factors worth keeping in mind.

To start, you don’t want to only focus on the language your target audience speaks. You also want to pay close attention to their culture. You want the content of your app, as well as the form and functionality, to resonate with your audience and to be intuitive to use. This is why it’s a great idea to hire a localization expert who is from the region you’re looking to target, since they have a strong understanding of the local culture.

It’s also important to test your app before you launch. The last thing you want is to receive bad reviews because you didn’t perform a quality assurance test before launching.

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Why is Localization So Important to UI and UX? https://terratranslations.com/2024/03/12/localization-ui-ux/ https://terratranslations.com/2024/03/12/localization-ui-ux/#respond Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://terratranslations.com/?p=21521 In today's economy, customer-focused strategies have become the key to success, and companies need to stay ahead of their customers' needs and expectations if they want to remain competitive.

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In today’s economy, customer-focused strategies have become the key to success, and companies need to stay ahead of their customers’ needs and expectations if they want to remain competitive. Increasingly, companies are needing translations that speak directly to their customers not just in a language they understand, but in a way that respects their culture and resonates with them. This is why localization is so important to UI and UX.

But What’s the Difference Between UI and UX?

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) are two closely related but distinct concepts in the field of app development. The main difference between UI and UX is that UI focuses on the surface-level design aspects of an app or online tool, while UX is focused on the overall experience a user has when interacting with a product.

UI design is all about creating attractive, visually appealing elements for users to interact with, such as images, colors, layouts, menus, buttons and more. All of these components make up the interface of an app. A successful UI should be intuitive and easy to use; it should also be aesthetically pleasing to look at. For example, if an app includes lots of buttons or other objects that are difficult to understand or navigate around then its UI likely needs to be improved.

UX design deals with designing a product in order to maximize user satisfaction. It’s not just about making something look good; instead, it’s about creating an enjoyable user experience by taking into account factors such as usability, accessibility and convenience. UX designers strive to create products that not only look great but also provide a smooth and intuitive interaction for users so they can easily achieve their goals. UX designers often consider how users will complete tasks within their products as well as other elements such as branding and marketing strategies that can contribute to user satisfaction.

In conclusion, UI focuses on the visual aspects of an app’s interface while UX focuses on optimizing the overall experience a user has when using a product. Both are essential components of developing apps with high levels of user satisfaction which must work together in tandem for successful app development projects.

The Role of Localization

When it comes to UX, design, culture and language are closely tied together. All of these elements—and the sub elements of each—work together to create an experience that the user is drawn to. As a result, localization can really make or break that experience.

If you have an impressive UI but your localized content overflows because it’s longer than the space available, it will not look pretty. For example, if you’re localizing content into a language that is read right to left, then the whole design will need to be mirrored. The chosen color palette also plays a role, as colors are associated with different meanings in different cultures. If your product includes images or say, emojis, those should also be checked for cultural appropriateness in the target market.

Last, but certainly not least, let’s consider the linguistic quality of the localized content. If what the user reads on screen is not up to par, they may also decide to stop using the product. All these aspects, and many more, impact the usability of a product and may damage the experience of the user.

Conclusion

Localization should never be an afterthought but rather a priority during the product development process. By taking the time to consider all potential adaptations that may be necessary in the future, you’ll save yourself both time and money down the line. The most important thing is to always create a UX that resonates with users, regardless of which market you’re targeting. Have you made localization a priority in your product development process? What tips do you have for creating a UX that resonates with users?

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