Last week, I walked you through the benefits of mobile app localization for your business. And specifically, why you should focus on iOS localization. This week, I’m turning the tables and giving you a reason to look to Android for kickoff instead.
Need a quick recap? Here’s what you should know about app localization before you get started:
- The world is fanatical about mobile apps. There are over 3 million available on Google Play alone
- The majority of browsing takes place on mobiles, rather than desktops (51 percent)
- Of that browsing time, 90 percent is spent in apps
- App localization has shown to increase revenue per country by 26 percent in just one week
- But 90 percent of apps are deleted in under a month, so yours has to be pretty special
Related Article: iOS or Android? What’s The Best For Mobile Localization? Part 1
By now you should already know at least three things:
- If you don’t have an app yet, you really ought to get one
- App localization is vital if you want to increase global revenue
- You need to do your app localization well, or you’ll be recycled in less than 30 days
App Localization for Android
Not going to lie to you, we love iOS, and the chances are, your developers do too. But, there are also plenty of great things about Android. Ideally, you’ll carry your app localization out for both platforms. But, if you find yourself forced to choose one over the other, here’s why it should be Android.
There Are More Android Devices in The World
If you want to reach more people quicker, focus on Android app localization. Why? Because there are more people using devices with this operating system installed. In fact, there are now officially more than 2 billion monthly active Android devices across the globe!
With the big names like Samsung, Google, LG and Sony all making ultra-thin and super powerful devices to compete with Apple; Android is gaining in popularity. If you start your app localization for Android, you’ll have potentially more customers to sell to.
Android is Bigger in South America, Asia and Africa
If any of these continents represent a large (or potentially large) market share for you, go with app localization for Android. Why? Because Android holds the lion’s share in these emerging countries.
Android devices are generally cheaper and more accessible, which makes for an easier way to reach your target audience.
Related Article: 5 Benefits of Localizing Your Mobile App
Your App Depends on Advertising for Revenue
iOS users have been shown to spend more money on apps and on in-app purchases. So, if you have a premium price app, or require a regular subscription, think twice before prioritizing Android app localization. But if your app relies on advertising, or is simply a way of driving traffic to your site, Android has wider reach.
If you aren’t looking for rapid ROI, but more of a way of generating greater brand awareness, app localization for Android should be your priority.
Android Localization is Cheaper
With updates to iOS 10 and XCode 8, it’s widely believed that app localization for iOS is easier. But if you have a team of competent developers on your side, app localization for Android can actually be cheaper.
Android’s Software Development Kit (SDK) is free for developers and has the open source advantage. This will cut down on costs incurred from licensing. It also provides an awesome technology framework for the Android community.
Your team can interact with the development community during development. Get invaluable advice, the latest tips and tricks, and test and debug.
Related Article: Why And How You Should Localize Your Mobile App
Android Localization is Faster
With such easy access to a vast developer community, app localization for Android is faster. Which means that if you want to see your app on the market in different markets quicker (who doesn’t?) your team will benefit from the ability to interchange knowledge, testing in different regions, on different devices.
Android is also easier to integrate, which means that technical customization and integration of your web is a piece of cake. You’ll want to coordinate your localization efforts across all channels and support your app localization with your website and social media. Android allows your developers to do this and to tweak the app easily as they go.
Java Programmers Find It Easier
Thanks to the fact that Android applications are scripted in Java, and include a vast set of libraries, Android applications are easy to develop for anyone with a working knowledge of Java.
In fact, most Java programmers find Android very easy to adopt, thanks to its simple script code for mobile applications. Seasoned Java developers can easily transition to a mobile application, thanks to Android’s familiar OS script. This means they’ll know their way around and making changes for app localization will be a breeze.
Android Apps Are Easier to Optimize
Google takes a lot of its SEO best practices and applies it to ASO. Seeing as you’re already familiar with optimizing your website through keywords and getting good reviews, ASO for Android will come more naturally than iOS.
Unlike Apple who has different requirements and only scans the first few sentences for keywords, Android scans your whole description. This gives you much more room to add keywords and a higher possibility of ranking well if you get your ASO right.
Related Article: App Store Optimization: What You Need To Know
Wrapping it up
Again, let me stress, in an ideal world, you’ll go ahead and localize your app for both platforms. But, if you’re going to pick just one and are leaning towards app localization for Android, I’ve given you a few more reasons to get started.
Figure out first what type of app you have on your hands and whether you need to attract people with high purchasing power. And find out where they’re based. If you’re looking for maximum market penetration faster and you don’t need people to make purchases, go with app localization for Android.
If your potential customers are based in regions with a higher preference for Android, this will also be a major factor. And if your development team is familiar and comfortable with this platform, move ahead.
Whatever your decision, the main thing is that you will be reaching global users. Through app localization, you’ll give yourself the chance to attract more market for your product or service. Competing on a global stage and securing your company growth.