Common App Localization Challenges and How to tackle them

When creating a new app, you must consider how to scale it globally, who it is intended for, and make it relevant to all possible users. Nothing should bind an app to a single language or area because apps are all about universality and simplicity. That is why 'translating' apps into what users would surely see as a sub-par version of the original is not an option. Instead, you design apps for native speakers in various languages, ensuring that every detail—from currency to cultural nuances, units of measurement to user-friendliness – is tailored accordingly. Let us understand everything about the challenges of app localization and how to overcome the same.

Understanding the target market of the app

When accessing new locations with an app, the most significant risk is not knowing your customer well enough. First and foremost, ensure that your software is going to be well-received by your target market and that it will generate a positive ROI. Your study should provide various details about your user personas, including demographics, behaviour, lifestyle, tech habits, operating system preferences, cultural perceptions, societal trends, and more. 

Knowing the cultural differences during the mobile app localization process

You must also go to the heart of your target audience, learning about their culture, values, way of life, and taboos. Delivering localized versions of your app is almost identical to publishing it for the first time. The difference between launching a localized app and launching a new one is that the former is continual rather than a one-time event. Hence, it is better to enlist the help of experienced localization experts in your project, with native linguists handling all cultural aspects of the translation.

Getting involved in the part of the translation process

Prepare to communicate with the localization team and provide helpful context. For precise and natural translation, context is crucial. This is a long-term investment in time that will pay off. After all, various cloud-based localization management tools enable real-time communication among all team members. If the translation team is working on an iOS app, it is better to communicate to them about the various data regulations in the native country. 

App localization sans manual methods

Note that it is better to integrate your continuous localization process as much as possible into your constant delivery routine. This ensures that both streams are independent, that localization of regularly modified strings is a constant operation and tested as part of the standard QA process.

When it comes to linguistic testing, it is best to do it concurrently with functionality testing. While the client's testers are looking for defects in a translated build, the localization team looks at the translation and any UI or error issues. Implementing technology and automation tools will make the process seamless. For example, an android app might pass the functionality test but might falter in the linguistic testing if appropriate methods are not implemented. 

Building a team for app localization process

After avoiding the most typical app localization mistakes, you can see that each project includes marketing, linguistic, cultural, development, testing, and management activities. This implies that you'll need to put together a team and set up the necessary protocols from the start to ensure that your localization project proceeds well.

Depending on your resources and goals, you can either develop an in-house team or outsource localization. Just make sure you choose a reputable expert solution and plan ahead of time.

If you are in search of a professional translation company to get your mobile app(s) localized, look no further! You can leave all your app localization requirements on us, Lingual Consultancy.

For requirements/queries drop an email at [email protected] or give us a call.