Years ago, most of the companies around the world used to localize their content by using emails and spreadsheets. However, the result from this was tons of extra work from translators, developers, and localization managers. They had to manually get all translations done.
Nowadays, thanks to the translation management techno progress, localization platforms are an extremely preferable technique for localizing content. But what is the reason for this? Many companies with different sizes use them since these platforms save money and time and money, ensuring quality translations.
Before you start choosing what is best for your content, you need to understand the localization process and its five critical stages. This is vital as it would help you create and execute the roadmap of your localization.
1. Begin with resource files
Extracting your resource files for upcoming translation is the first step in localizing your content. Keep in mind that sometimes, you will have to utilize standard XLIFF in which you will export your resource files.
Most systems require from you only to directly upload your project’s resource files into some of the file formats that are supported. Later, your source strings will be automatically extracted from the specific platform. In this way, they will become available for translation.
2. Pick out a method for translation
Taking time to choose proper translators for your company’s content is crucial when your website needs localization. But do you know what is best for you? Specialists claim that the right decision is to bet on a skilled and native language translator.
In most cases, localization platforms give their clients integrated translation providers or alternatively, they use translators from outside localization agencies. It is beneficial for you to know that translators will attain access to the source strings of your company.
3. Evaluate the quality of localization
As an entrepreneur, you may know that reviews are extremely important when it comes to business. Therefore, remember that every translation should be reviewed for quality, accuracy, terminology, and lots of software requirements.
According to your future feedback, necessary modifications could be done by translators, project managers, and administrators. A lot of localization companies possess special built-in features by means of which they review all the translations.
4. Remember to copy all the translated files into your code structure
When the translations of your business content are completed, the next step is to copy the localized files into the code structure. Usually, when the localized files are ready to use, you can pull them all. Then, after you import them into your company’s application, you will enjoy a brand-new localized website full of quality translations.
5. Show the localized content of your company to the world
When will the localization process be complete? And how can I find this out? You maybe ask yourself those questions. Now, let me lift the curtain for you, eliminating any future confusion and problems.
Firstly, what you need to make sure is whether your company’s content is sufficiently documented and free of any bugs. Once you are sure that the answer to these two questions is positive, your developers will establish a “string freeze” on your content.
But what does this exactly mean? When there is a ‘’string freeze’’, you can no longer make modifications in the code affecting the source strings. The only exception is when you need to make some specific improvements.
Thanks to the string freeze, localization specialists and translators are allowed to make sure there is enough time for localization and review, working on a steady set of strings. After this process, your company will obtain localization for all your target languages. Then, the final step is to compile them into your content and make it visible not solely for your customers, but also for the rest of the world! Amazing, isn’t it?
Do you feel ready to completely internationalize your company’s content after learning the all crucial stages of the localization process? The software localization process consists of translating your business software into various languages for different regions or countries. What is more – localization is an incredible manner for you to effectively expand your business and also gain tons of profit.
