Global e-commerce is not about globalization. It’s all about localization.
If you want your company to achieve success in the global market, you should put your local customers first. You should localize your software to make your platform accessible for customers who come from non-English-speaking countries.
In this article, you will find answers to the questions of what software localization is all about and why it is important for e-commerce business.
What is software localization?
Software localization is a sophisticated process that includes software translation and software adaptation to culture, and legal norms of the local market. This process requires modification of the following graphical user interface components:
It’s worth emphasizing that software localization and traditional documentation are two different things.
The traditional document translation is the process that takes place after the source document has been finalized. Software localization is the process that is parallel to the development of the source product. In contrast to traditional document translation, software localization also involves such tasks as software engineering, testing, and desktop publishing.
Why software localization is a must for all global e-commerce companies
We have just clarified what software localization is all about. And now it’s time to take a closer look at the benefits that software localization brings.
Software localization allows reaching a wider audience
The first thing you should take into account is that English is not the world’s most spoken language. Only 360 million people from 7.2 billion people, who currently live on the planet Earth, speak English as their first language. Look at the following pie chart, and you will see how many people speak languages other than English.
Image source: Twisted Sifter
If you want to grow your business globally, you should understand that your platform must be accessible in different languages. You should localize software so people from Spain, Turkey, Brazil, Korea, and other countries will be able to browse your website in their native language.
Software localization helps to increase the click-through rate
Have you ever visited Chinese or Japanese e-commerce platforms? If you have never visited such websites, take a look at the following screenshot. This is how an ordinary Japanese B2B platform looks like.
Image Source: Live! Commerce
Let’s imagine that you know that this platform might be beneficial for your e-commerce business. But you do not speak Japanese. How likely is that you will use this site with the help of translation tools like Google Translate?
The chances are you will decide that this platform looks too complicated and that it is not even worth trying to use it. You will not click any CTA buttons. You will leave this platform.
The same situation happens when non-English native speakers visit your website. They feel confused and decide to leave a page before trying to browse it.
If you don’t want to scare global customers away, you should localize your software. You should provide users with an opportunity to explore your platform in their native language. Customers should be able to read what is written on your website to understand which CTA button to click and which action to carry out.
Software localization helps to increase sales
It seems obvious that if more people start using your platform, more people will get interested in your products. And, naturally, it will make a positive impact on sales.
But the point is that software localization will help you attract not only buyers who do not speak English, but also buyers who speak English as a second language. And it will also boost your revenue. Here is why.
Common Sense Advisory conducted a marketing survey and found out the following:
So if you want to generate higher revenue, you know what to do. Opt for software localization and welcome global users to your platform.
Software localization helps to enhance the user experience
Some business owners wrongly believe that it’s important to localize content, not software. However, it’s not. If you want to enhance the user experience, then software localization is a must.
Well, if you choose a reliable localization service at PickWriters and translate content, you will improve the SEO ranking of your website and increase reach. But it will not help you to enhance user experience. If you do not translate the menu, CTA buttons, and other elements of the user interface, your website will look weird.
Imagine that your native language is Thai and that you don’t speak English. Then, take a look at the following screenshot and imagine that you visit this website for the first time.
Image Source: The MATTER
Can you read and understand everything written on this page? Well, you can read the article in Thai. But since you do not speak English, you can only guess what all these English words mean. It will be challenging for you to navigate this site, won’t it? That’s why it’s crucial not just to translate your website but also to ensure the overall coherence of translated content.
As you can see, poor localization is a real problem that affects the user experience. So make sure that you invest enough money in both: content and software localization.
Bottom line
Software localization can help you to reach a wider audience, enhance the user experience, increase click-through rate, and boost sales. It can help you to take your e-commerce business to a brand new level.
It’s worth mentioning that software localization is equally important for all industries. So whether you sell sports goods or provide financial services, you shouldn’t undervalue the significance of localization.
Remember that the global market is full of business opportunities. And if you grab the attention of the local customers, you will lead your company to success.
