Is software localization part of your tech startup’s strategy? If not, it should be.
Thousands of startups, small businesses and tech-minded entrepreneurs around the world are hungry to get a slice of Silicon Valley success. These newbies are getting smarter and creating new startup hubs in hot spots like Las Vegas and Houston ― cities brimming with recent grads, plenty of attractions to lure in the best employees, and of course the allure of being in states with no income tax.
If you’re a software company and you want to stand out, don’t forget about software localization services. This isn’t something you can do yourself, unless you happen to have a certified translator in your company with spare time (which doesn’t exist in the startup world).
Software localization is beyond translation. It’s localizing your software so that is displays and reads correctly based on the region/demographic you’re targeting. After all, you can’t translate a software program from American English to Mandarin without taking into account character differences and cultural sensitivities.
How Does This Help My Business?
Right now, your software (and your company!) has a limited target audience. Assuming your software is in American English only, it’s not accessible to the 6,499 other spoken languages in the world today. Also, in places like the United Kingdom and Canada, American English might be off-putting.
Without software localization, you’re choosing to drastically limit your market even when it’s evident that all markets are getting more global. In other words, you’re choosing to stay stagnant and make less money.
Localizing software is a business expense, and depending on your business’ setup, may be tax-deductible. It will also be alluring to more investors, perhaps of the angel variety. Investors want to know that you’re committed to your software and that it will be applicable to just about everyone who may want it. Going this route shows that you’re serious and making big strides to expand your product.
Isn’t This a Huge Undertaking?
It is, but you’re hiring someone else to do all the work. However, don’t be tempted to go with a cheap option — or even just a translator! Software localization is far more encompassing than translation services.
Ideally you will use a certified translator with a software background and who specializes in localization and who takes into account layout, challenges (like if you’re targeting a country/region where mobile readiness hasn’t arrived yet) and cultural relevancy.
It’s still going to take some time, since there’s a process in place to ensure the best results, but as a startup, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy as the localization rolls in. Gear up for a product launch in another country and use this time to woo the press to feature your localization efforts.
Contact Verbatim Solutions for fast and affordable software localization from one business to another.
