Almost everyone these days owns a smartphone, and developers are quick to produce mobile apps which can be used globally for everything from checking your emails to buying from your favourite online store with one click.
There is an app for almost everything!
However, for mobile apps to be successful in an international market, it is necessary to adapt them using localisation, for the best UX in multiple languages.
Why Use Mobile App Localisation?
Mobile apps have the potential to reach international audiences through platforms such as, Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store which are used by billions of people round the globe on a daily basis.
But, to really appeal to international audiences, and to be enthusiastically adopted by users who speak different languages, it is vital to translate and localise the app so that it is easily accessible in multiple languages.
According to a report by Statista, the rate at which users abandon a mobile app due to lacking localisation is 47% in the UK, 48% in the US and 36% in China.
Users expect a mobile app to be accessible and user friendly, and the best way to do this is with localisation.
What is Mobile App Localisation
Mobile app localisation (L10N) is the process of adapting an app so that it fits a particular language, culture or target market, and gives the appropriate and expected user experience.
Localisation of a mobile app includes the following:
• Language – regional dialects, spoken language, and varying options for same the same language such as, English which could be UK based or United States for instance, are adapted to suit the location and the user
• Culture – even within the same region there can be subtle shifts in cultural expectations or norms. Localisation can adapt mobile apps so they are culturally correct for the intended audience
• Currency – making in app purchases is easier when the currency displayed is correct for your region. Localisation ensures correct currency, weights, measures, and so on are displayed within a mobile app
• Colour – colour preference and meaning are culturally unique and vary depending on location. Colours linked to logos, text, notifications, and other app design elements should be adapted to best fit with the target audience
• Font – even something as innocuous as different font style and size can be enough to put off some app users. Localisation will ensure this is as expected for each region
Use a Professional Language Services Provider for Localisation
Using a professional language services provider for your translation and localisation projects ensures that you get it right first time – no potential fallout from mistranslated meanings, or damage to your brand from a cultural faux pas.
At Creative Word, we only use native speaking linguists, industry experts and IT and design specialists for our translation and localisation projects.
We have years of experience so you can be sure that your mobile app localisation will be completed professionally, securely, on time and within budget.
Call us for an informal chat about your language requirements on +44 (0)20 8408 2268 or click here to contact us via email.
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