Mobile app development has revolutionised the digital world and has become a global phenomenon, with more than 4 million apps available in the leading app stores. However, the language barrier is a significant factor that hinders mobile apps’ reach and potential revenue. That’s where app localisation comes into play. App localisation is the process of adapting the app functionality to cater to the preferences and culture of a specific region or country. It breaks the language barrier and helps create a connection between the app and its users, ultimately leading to increased user engagement and revenue.
In this guide, we will dive deeper into the importance of app localisation in mobile app development. We’ll explore the different types of mobile app localisation and how each plays a vital role in creating a seamless user experience. Additionally, we will provide practical tips on conducting app localisation effectively, including the importance of thorough research, choosing the right localisation tools, and testing your app before launching it in a new market. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or business owner, this guide will help you understand the importance of app localisation and how to leverage it to reach a wider audience and boost your app’s revenue.
What is App Localisation?
App localisation refers to customising an application to meet a particular geographic region or country’s cultural, linguistic, and functional needs. It involves modifying an app’s content, design, and functionality to make it more appealing and accessible to users worldwide.
Localisation goes beyond just translating an app’s text into the target audience’s language. It involves cultural adaptation, which includes elements such as graphics, user interface, and payment methods. For instance, some cultures read from right to left, while others read from left to right. Thus, app localisation would require adapting the app’s layout and user interface to fit the reading direction of the target audience.
App localisation aims to enhance the user experience by providing an app that feels familiar and relevant to the target audience. Localisation can help to increase user engagement, retention, and revenue. When users feel more comfortable, and at ease with an app, they are more likely to use it regularly and recommend it to others.
Additionally, app localisation is essential for global businesses seeking to expand their reach and enter new markets. Localising their apps allows companies to establish a strong presence in different regions, build brand loyalty, and increase revenue. Overall, app localisation is a necessary process for developers, businesses, and users, as it helps to bridge the cultural and linguistic gap between different regions and countries.
The Power of Localisation: Why Your App Needs It to Succeed Globally
Here are some reasons why app localisation is crucial for your app’s success:
App localisation is a powerful tool to help your app succeed in today’s global market. By adapting your app to meet your target audience’s linguistic and cultural preferences, you can boost your revenue, enhance user experience, gain a competitive advantage, and establish a solid global brand presence for your business.
Maximising Global Reach: Types of Mobile App Localisation You Need to Know
Mobile app localisation is a crucial aspect of global expansion for businesses seeking to reach wider audiences. Businesses can employ two primary types of mobile app localisation: MVP localisation and whole app localisation. Both approaches have their unique benefits, and businesses should choose the right type based on their goals, budget, and target markets.
When choosing between MVP localisation and whole app localisation, businesses must consider their target markets and budget. Startups and small businesses can benefit from MVP localisation to test their market potential. Established businesses looking to expand globally should consider complete app localisation to ensure maximum reach and engagement. By choosing the right localisation approach, businesses can ensure that their app resonates with local audiences, thus enhancing user engagement and retention and ultimately driving business growth.
How to Conduct App Localisation?
To consider localisation as a requirement, an app must go through a process known as internationalisation. In its most basic form, internationalisation means that your value proposition and app are not limited to a single language to function. It would imply that you have an app that can be translated into different languages.
Adapting your app to a specific language is known as “localisation.” In the long run, app developers prioritise internationalisation as a first step to make localisation a less painful process later on.
In a nutshell, internationalisation is the process of preparing your app for localisation. It is the process of coding your app in such a way that you can easily switch the language of it.
Internationalisation of an app
Mobile app internationalisation is the process of designing and developing a mobile application to make it adaptable to different languages, cultures, and regions. The primary goal of internationalisation is to ensure that the app is easily localised and can cater to the needs of users worldwide. It involves implementing features such as supporting multiple languages, currencies, date and time formats, and accommodating various text lengths.
On the other hand, localisation is the process of adapting the app’s content and features to a specific locale or region. It includes translating the app’s content, modifying images and graphics, adjusting layouts and colours, and customising the app’s functionalities to meet the cultural and linguistic preferences of the target audience.
The main difference between mobile app internationalisation and localisation is that internationalisation focuses on making the app adaptable to different regions and languages, whereas localisation deals with customising the app to meet the specific needs of a particular locale. Therefore, internationalisation is the first step in conducting app localisation as it lays the foundation for the app to be easily localised and provides a seamless user experience worldwide.
Localisation of Keywords
Aside from knowing the exact equivalents of words in a foreign language, selecting the right keywords is critical to increasing your app download and conversion rates.
Many keyword tools provide you with unique opportunities in this regard. While localising your app, the keyword allows you to make clear decisions.
Obtaining First Users Following App Localisation
Look at your app’s direct competitor and try to steal some traffic using the keywords you researched. Also, take a close look at their top keywords. Which keywords generate the most traffic for them? You can use the Keyword Intelligence feature to determine which words to use on your keyword spot.
Design of Localised App Icons
The icon design for your app should be both global and local. Marketers have referred to that as “glocal” in recent decades. It should be new and inspiring, but everyone in your audience should find something that speaks to them.
The design of your icon has a significant impact on your target audience. As a result, you should have an icon that speaks to every customer worldwide. If you’re looking for inspiration to create your brand icon, check out Creational and other resources to help you.
Increasing Traffic to a Store in Another Country
App localisation entails more than just your app’s keywords. Entering a foreign location may necessitate more than that to increase downloads.
Localisation begins with translating the app’s language and continues with modifying all other elements (keywords, app description, app icons, images, preview video, keyword optimisation, and even the app’s name) based on your target audience.
App Localisation: Apple App Store vs Google Play Store
When it comes to app localisation, both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store have their requirements and guidelines. Here are some additional details about each platform:
Tips for IOS App Localisation:
Tips for Google Play App Localisation:
Why is app localisation a must for ASO?
App Localisation is essential for ASO as it improves an app’s visibility and ranking in the app store, increases app downloads and revenue, enhances the user experience, and gives apps a competitive advantage. Therefore, app developers must prioritise app localisation to reach a broader audience and increase the app’s chances of success in the app store.
Creating a strategy for app localisation
The process of app localisation begins with strategy. In other words, you must have a solid plan. Your app localisation strategy should consider the following factors:
Your app localisation strategy will differ from app to app and change as your app’s needs change. Still, it’s a good idea to incorporate localisation into your app’s life cycle by planning for it during app development and design.
App Localisation Tools
To ensure the success of your app in the global market, you need to choose the right app localisation tools and software. Here are some popular ones that can help simplify the process:
Phrase: Phrase is a cloud-based localisation software that allows developers to automate their translation workflows. It has a user-friendly interface and features a translation memory system that helps to reduce translation costs and improve the consistency of translated content. The phrase also integrates with various development tools like GitHub, Slack, and JIRA.
Lokalise: Lokalise is a cloud-based translation management platform that helps developers to streamline the app localisation process. It offers features like translation memory, glossary management, and project management. Lokalise also integrates with popular development tools like GitHub, Bitbucket, and JIRA.
Transifex: Transifex is another popular cloud-based translation management software that helps to simplify app localisation. It offers translation memory, glossary management, and a real-time translation editor. Transifex also integrates with popular development tools like GitHub, Bitbucket, and Slack.
Crowdin: Crowdin is a cloud-based localisation platform offering features like memory, machine translation, and a real-time translation editor. It also allows developers to collaborate with translators in real-time and provides integration with popular development tools like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.
Smartling: Smartling is a cloud-based translation management platform offering features like memory, machine translation, and a real-time translation editor. It also has a built-in glossary management system, allowing developers to collaborate with translators in real time. Smartling integrates with popular development tools like GitHub, Bitbucket, and JIRA.
In addition to these tools, several app localisation services are available that offer end-to-end localisation solutions, from translation to quality assurance testing. Examples of such services include Gengo, OneSky, and Appen.
The Most Common Roadblocks to Effective App Localisation
App localisation can be a complex process, and there are several common roadblocks that developers and businesses may face. Here are some of the most common roadblocks and how to overcome them:
App Localisation Goes Beyond Translation
App Localisation Goes Beyond Translation Localising your app for global markets goes beyond simple text translation. Localisation involves adapting the app to the target audience’s culture, language, and preferences. This requires understanding the target audience’s cultural norms, local practices, and choices. Here are some factors to consider when localising your app:
User interface design: The design of your app’s interface should reflect the cultural preferences of the target audience. For example, in some cultures, red is considered a lucky colour; in others, it signifies danger. Similarly, the layout and navigation of the app should be adapted to the user’s expectations and preferences.
Content: In addition to translating text, you may need to adapt your app’s content to suit the target audience. This includes images, audio, and video content. For example, if your app features a map, you may need to change the map’s orientation to match the local perspective.
Local regulations: Depending on the target market, you may need to comply with local regulations, such as data protection laws or content restrictions. Failure to comply with local regulations can result in fines or legal action.
Local payment methods: Different regions may have different payment methods that are popular with users. You may need to adapt your payment system to support local payment methods, such as Alipay in China or Paytm in India.
Local marketing: The marketing strategy for your app should be adapted to suit the local market. This includes using local social media platforms, search engines, and advertising channels. You may also need to adjust your marketing messages to suit the local culture and preferences.
Successful App Localisation Examples for Australian Markets
Let’s take a look at some examples of apps that have successfully localised their content for Australian markets:
Expanding your app’s reach in global markets is a vital goal that will be done through app localisation. By customising your app to meet your target audience’s cultural, linguistic, and user-specific needs, you can enhance user engagement and boost downloads. However, localisation encompasses more than mere textual translation. It necessitates a thorough comprehension of your target audience’s cultural norms, customs, and preferences. With the appropriate localisation tactics and tools, you can successfully surmount the obstacles of developing an international app and realise success in global markets.
At Appomate, a leading mobile app development company, we understand the significance of app localisation and offer the right strategy and tools to help you overcome the hurdles of international app development and succeed in global markets. Contact us today to discuss your app localisation needs.