Just as every client is unique, so too is every country. Whether it be because of cultural norms or religious beliefs, it’s important to keep these differences in mind as your business begins to grow. This is why having a global localization strategy for your company is a crucial first step to ensuring success as it begins to expand overseas.
What is a Global Localization Strategy?
The goal of a global localization strategy is to make a company and its product or services more desirable to specific regions or countries. By dialing in on what makes an area unique, businesses can better tailor themselves to fit the needs of a local populace.
The end goal of this strategy is a better relationship with potential customers, and therefore an increased demand for products and services. While this can be a daunting task for many businesses looking to expand, it doesn’t have to be! Here are some tips to improve your global localization strategy.
1. Recognize Dialects
Just as the English language is constantly expanding and evolving, foreign languages are no exception. By utilizing translation services, you’ll be able to ensure that your websites, emails, product information, and more are not only correct for the country your global localization strategy targets, but also for its specific region.
2. Avoid Misunderstandings
As words are translated from one language to another, their intended meaning may also change entirely. You should always thoroughly research your company’s name and any specifically-named products or services you may offer to ensure they do not have an unintended meaning that could cause offense to your new market.
3. Think Local
The most successful global localization strategies are often the ones that truly focus on a specific area, rather than the country as a whole. By zeroing in on a distinct locale, you can be sure your strategy is optimized for the people that live there.
4. Ask the Experts
While independent research can certainly help you understand the area, it’s always better to go directly to the source. Consult experts from the region you’d like to target to help lay the groundwork for your unique approach. Conduct market tests or surveys of your potential audience and use the feedback given. Alternatively, you can also examine similar businesses who have already successfully expanded to the region.
5. Join the Community
It’s also important to be present in the community you intend to serve. Keep informed of local events, traditions, and holidays. Donating time, services, or resources can also help get your company’s name out into the field and create a sense of goodwill between you and your potential clients.
6. Go Mobile
While computer access is still largely hit or miss around the world, a growing number of people have immediate access to some form of a cell phone and, through it, the internet. While using translation services to repurpose your company’s website for a global audience should be high on your list of priorities, consider optimizing that same website for cellular phones or creating localized apps to reach your intended audience.
Ready to Get Started?
KONTEKST’s translation services are ready to help improve your global localization strategy! The team at KONTEKST recognizes that every region is unique and offers fast, specialized translation services that keep your intended audience in mind. Contact us today to see how we can help you!
