Boosting App Downloads with Effective Software Localization

Suppose you developed software based on a unique idea, excellent graphic results, and no lags, but it still fails in the global market. Now, imagine another of the same caliber and with the same specifications reigning in the industry. That’s a simple example of the difference localization can create. 

When new software launches, users have expectations from it. And even if it contains everything users require, they won’t like it until they find it easy to access. It can happen just because they find it difficult to use due to language barriers. Software localization services eliminate the chances of rejection and boost downloads by customizing the software’s elements to resonate with the global audience’s local preferences.

Understanding Software Localization 

Localization is an advanced version of translation. It is a process of adapting the software element, such as content, UI, and relevant information, to resonate with the target audience’s linguistic and cultural values. The purpose is very simple: making users feel that the software, application, or game is specifically made for them.

While globalizing, you encounter diverse audiences with specified requirements, speak different languages, and follow local practices. With simple translation, catering to all these things is a bit tricky because translation only involves the adaptation of textual content. To provide software or a game with a customer look and personalized experience to users, localizing other elements such as graphics, user interface, and regional formatting is crucial.

Localization has a direct impact on your investment results. It has the power to decide the fortune of your product in the global market. Users like to grab products that are available in their local language. They find it easy to use and understand the complex and technical terminology involved. Statistics show that localized games, software, or applications gain more importance and popularity as compared to their counterparts available in the market.

How Localization Boosts App Downloads

• Reaching a Broader Audience 

When you choose one language for your software, you are limiting your reach and capabilities. For example, if you are developing an English-only app, you are targeting just 17% of the world population. That may sound enough, but analytically you are missing out on a huge opportunity of growing hundreds of times.

On the contrary, when you develop multilingual software, an app, or a game, your target audience is the whole world. You are expanding your reach to every audience that can have their hands on your product. Localization services help boost your chances of success, allowing you to reach a broader audience, regardless of their linguistic and cultural requirements. In simple words, you are not giving users any reason not to download your app.

• Improving App Store Optimization 

Software localization services also prove beneficial on the technical side. App stores have different algorithms set for each region according to the users’ behaviors, like keywords they search for and search options. While going global, you need to optimize your software according to each region’s app store requirements. This includes localizing your keywords, app descriptions, icons, tags, and titles. Doing this is crucial to increase the visibility of your games in the app store.

Moreover, it helps you increase follow-up downloads by allowing previous users to give feedback in their native language. With improved user experience, people will likely share their journey with your app through reviews. Optimizing those reviews for different languages can help you get prominence in the global market and enhance your brand’s authenticity.

• Enhancing User Trust and Retention 

Suppose you are searching for an application on the app store. Which app would you choose, one with a localized title, icon, and description, or the one that is available in a different language? The first one, right? That’s exactly what the behavior of your audiences will be. People like to get things that are available in their local language because they don’t require them to take any teaching or give them a headache of learning technical terms. So, when they find your product relevant and localized, they get it, which increases your downloads and ultimately the overall revenue.

One serious concern is the retention of users. You are providing them with a localized version for the first time and then do not care to adapt to the updated edition of the app. This will affect their trust in you and your brand’s credibility in the global market. Localization services ensure that your users do not divert to other brands by providing ongoing support. 

Key Strategies for Effective Software Localization 

• Conduct Market Research 

Reaching the worldwide market necessitates a thorough awareness of the audiences and regions you’re targeting. For example, if you are targeting China, you must understand Chinese people’s likes, dislikes, and preferences. Cultural sensitivities require special care because of their direct impact on user experience and acceptance. Therefore, conducting thorough market research is crucial before stepping into the target region.

• Focus on Quality Localization 

The quality of localization matters a lot; therefore, it is essential always to consider working with professional software and game localization services. They are experienced translators who are well aware of the target audience’s priorities and linguistic and cultural nuances. Though there are automated translation tools available, you might want to consider them. Make sure to get the MT-translated results proofread by professional translators for linguistic accuracy and cultural appropriateness.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Handling Technical Constraints 

Each language is different from others in terms of structure. For example, when we translate an English sentence into German, its length will increase to almost 35%. The same applies to other languages; this poses a challenge to translate the content, especially while adapting a game. Usually, games contain technical terms and unique terms; finding the accurate alternative in the target language also translates a tough endeavor.

• Navigating Cultural Sensitivities 

Though there are technical constraints, handling them becomes easy by focusing on cultural nuances. Localization services find closely relevant terms in the target language to generate accurate results and deliver the message with clear meanings.

Software and game localization services make it easier for users to get their hands on a new product and develop an understanding of it. Once they like your app, they stick to it, which increases the retention rate, and also the positive reviews boost more downloads.