Effective app translation is a must if you have an app that you plan to distribute on a global platform. But it can’t be just any translation. It must be accurate, and the value of the user experience (UX) must be preserved. Consequently, most major apps require the services of a professional translation and localization expert. Leaving this critical detail to an automated program is unsafe and often results in a bad translation. You risk a translation that not only doesn’t make sense to your audience, but potentially even offends them. As you prepare to hire a professional to translate, consider these tips to achieve success with your app translation and user experience.
Translate Every Part of the App
If you need to translate your application, you need to translate everything. Some businesses merely translate the homepage, but leave the rest of the app in English. This can be disappointing to people who speak another language and would simply like to use the app the same way English speakers do. This is why it is important to also translate the menu, any alerts or pop-ups, icons and buttons, if you want to create the best user experience. And when you add an update or another feature, don’t forget to translate that, too, before you put it on your app.
Consider Which Languages to Use
If you have a few countries in mind that you want to appeal to, research the main languages of your target customers, then plan to translate your application accordingly. Keep in mind that some countries use more than one language or distinct dialect. For example, if you market your app in Canada and wish to target Quebec in particular, you’ll need to translate to French. Similarly, if you want to gain the attention of residents of China, you should translate your application into both Mandarin and Cantonese. If you are still open to which areas you want to target, note that speakers of Spanish, Italian, French, Dutch, German, Korean and Japanese are among the top global consumers of apps.
Translate App Promotions
If you plan to promote your application in a specific country, you must translate the promotional materials as well. For example, if you use social media to market your application to a German audience, translate your tweets and Facebook status updates to German too. Otherwise, your intended audience might never learn about the app, which means translating it would have been a waste of time and resources. You must also translate emails, banner ads, fliers and commercials for your application.
App translation is the key to expanding your audience and creating a great user experience when you go global. After all, people in other countries will be unable to use your app if it is in a language they do not understand. If you are ready to reap the rewards of international commerce, contact Verbatim Solutions. They provide a robust suite of professional translation and localization services for businesses of all sizes and types. Contact them today for help with your app translation and UX.
