App Localization: What is it and Why is it important?

App localization refers to converting the interface of a mobile application with respect to different languages. This is primarily done by businesses that are spread internationally or cater to an international audience. For example, if your business is based out of the USA but your product or services aren’t just limited to the USA and users from other countries often visit your business website or application, mobile app localization helps the app automatically adapt to their native language so that they do not face the language barrier while they browse or shop.

App localization doesn’t change the original intent or functionality of the app. It just makes the content language-specific, depending on where the user is coming from. For example, if the app’s content is in English but the app also receives traffic from France where the native language is French, it would be difficult for the users coming from that region to understand the app content due to the language barrier. And unfortunately, this will lead to a bounce. With the help of mobile app localization, the app’s content would be translated into French as soon as it is detected that the user is coming from the France region. This makes the app look like it was originally created for that particular language.

App localization helps the brand or business attract visitors and make revenue from multiple regions around the world.

Which language(s) should you localize your app into?

There are multiple languages in this world. So, it shouldn’t be like that you localize your app in as many languages as possible. First of all, it would depend on your target market. For example, considering that the app is developed for English users, but one of your target regions is China, it would be ideal to localize your app into Chinese. You can localize for other similar languages which are your target regions. Secondly, you will have to track (through Google Analytics) where most of your traffic is coming from. If the app is receiving good enough traffic from a particular region that doesn’t come under your primary target regions, you should localize the app into the native language of that region so that you can also convert the users from that region, otherwise, it will just be a loss of conversion.

Benefits of localizing your app

You might be wondering why should you localize your app. What advantages does it offer? Well, it does offer several benefits, such as-

1. Better User Experience For All

App localization ensures that your app isn’t just only for single language-specific users but can also be used by users with different native languages. You don’t have to buy a separate country domain for that. Once you have localized your app in a particular language, it will automatically translate the app content into that language for the users. This ultimately means that the app will provide a better overall user experience for all users rather than users of one region or language.

2. More App Store Visibility

Users only download applications that they think are created natively for them. They would obviously not install an app that is in a language they can’t understand.

Both the two major app stores, i.e., Google Play Store and Apple Store provide the option of localizing your app, which in turn helps improve the app discoverability and readability for international users. As a result, more people will be able to find your app using keywords in their language which would likely increase your app downloads. As per reports, localized applications receive more than 125% downloads and 25% more revenue compared to non-localized ones.

3. Connect With a Wider Audience

Through mobile app localization, you can connect with more people (locals) around the world. An app supporting multiple languages gives it an international reach and thus boosts its popularity in foreign markets. This ultimately helps brands or businesses drive more revenue. Otherwise, a non-localized app won’t be persuasive enough for your target users to even install it.

What’s important, however, is that you put in the right strategy for mobile app localization. You have to keep a check on your target audience, user behavior, track analytics, and more. You can consult with a mobile app development company to seek assistance regarding app localization.

Summing Up

Tailoring your app’s interface to meet diverse cultures and languages is a must if you want the app to cater to an international audience. Mobile app localization gives your app all the attention it deserves from all your target regions around the world. You don’t need to build separate apps for separate locations. You can reap multiple benefits from a single application by just localizing it. So in case you are thinking about expanding your business globally, you should definitely consider mobile app localization.