Since most of the language, content, and software on the internet is English, it’s easy to forget that not everyone is fluent in it. Out of the almost 8 billion people in the world only around 360 million people use English as their first language. But even when you include people that speak it as an alternative language, English is only spoken by around 17% of the world’s population.
As you can see, without software localization, over 80% of the world will struggle to or be completely unable to enjoy your software. Besides reaching a whole new ocean of customers, there are many other benefits to software localization.
Before we dive into those benefits, though, let’s define what software localization is.
What is software localization?
Software localization involves modifying various aspects of your software such as the language, UI (User Interface), formatting conventions, and graphical components. These changes are made so that a software program can better fit the potential users of the software. Localization should also be done on aspects related to your software such as your website.
In our global economy, there are people from many different races, countries, religions, and political backgrounds. So to satisfy their needs, your software needs to be modified based on these factors.
An example of the need for software localization can be seen in Southeast Asia. The countries of Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand actually have two calendars. One of these calendars is the Gregorian calendar that most countries use, but they also have one based on the Buddhist religion.
Since the formats of the calendars are different, you’d need to determine which one is predominantly used by your target market to avoid any confusion.
Other common changes made include local currency and measurement conversions, images, and even color schemes.
By making all these changes, users of your software will feel more comfortable when navigating your program. And when users are more comfortable they tend to continue using the same piece of software until they have a pressing reason to switch.
Benefits of software localization
If you haven’t pulled the trigger on software localization yet, you’re probably wondering whether the benefits justify the investment. Here at Day Translations, we believe it does. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide world-class localization services to businesses around the globe.
Don’t just take our word for it though. Read through the top benefits of software localization below so that you can make an educated decision.
1. Improves credibility
A credible image is important for gaining and retaining software users. But the best way to build credibility is to speak to potential customers in the same way that they’d speak to the people around them.
By making an effort to modify your software for potential customers, they will see that you don’t simply care about making more money. Instead, they will see a software company that wants to solve their problems and will go to great lengths to provide that solution.
2. Reach a bigger audience
As you learned before, over 80% of the world’s population isn’t fluent in English (and a whopping 95% have a different native language.) So, naturally, by localizing your software into multiple languages you can instantly expand your potential user base.
According to a survey by Common Sense Advisory, they found that around 72% of customers spend most or all of their time on websites in their native language. On top of this, that same number would be more likely to buy a product with information in their own language.
Reaching a bigger audience also improves your credibility as you gain more and more social proof—as long as you’re serving your users well, of course.
3. Reduces churn
A big part of a piece of software’s success is reducing the rate of churn. After all, it’s much more difficult (and expensive) to gain a new customer than it is to maintain a current one.
By improving customer experiences with localized instructions, help docs, and intuitive UIs you have a higher chance of retaining that customer. And if you’re a small startup the more customers you can retain, the faster you’ll reach the all-important “Tipping point” and enjoy exponential business growth.
Expand your reach with Day Translations
Here at Day Translations, we want to help you reach the tipping point with your software. With our cutting-edge localization process, we ensure that not only will the original essence of your software program be retained but we’ll polish it to perfection for your new audience.
Give us a call on 1-800-969-6853 to find out why brands like Facebook, Amazon, and AT&T trust us with their localization.