Why bother spending the money to create local content? Local translation is expensive. Yes, content localization is tempting to skip. Yet, localized content draws in readers. Besides that, publishers with a local content plan deliver quality content in an efficient and effective process. Read on for three keys to success that publishers should keep in mind when localizing content.
Understand the Purpose for Content Localization
First, a document’s purpose shapes content localization. Textbooks have one form. Work instructions present another. Legal documents take yet another form. Also, the translated document needs to meet the expectations of the local readers. Teachers in Spain expect their guides to read a certain way. Teachers in Mexico and Portugal expect their guides to read in a different way. Yet, it is the same language, Spanish. Second, a clear purpose makes sure key points of the text do not get lost in translation. Also, professional translation services know the quirks of a region. Most importantly, professional content creators understand how to format the resources in ways that benefit the publisher. A poor translation of a software user guide can result in an overwhelmed help desk and confused readers too!
What Quality is Needed for Content Localization?
Likewise, professional translation services help publishers identify how much local content is needed to translate. This action helps keep readers from being confused by the text. This step pinpoints what local content to include and what to leave out. Professional translation services help publishers define and refine the scope of their translation needs. Time-consuming, yes. Still, this step saves publishers time and money in the long run. Besides that, this process produces high-quality materials. Quality documents earn readers’ trust. Good products can build the publishers standing in the local market. Still, quality hinges on the quality of the source text. Likewise, publishers win when they bring in a technical writer and a professional, local translator early in the process. Together, this team creates quality, local content with minimum time and cost because they know their audience.
Professional Translation Services Know the Audience for Content Localization
Besides that, professional translations services know the audience. Also, this team knows the right amount of local content to meet the audience’s needs. Novice audiences require distinct materials. A content localization expert provides unique translation needs. The level of local content ends in very different products. Besides that, experts who understand content localization see content that other translation teams may overlook. Also, little extras like translated hyperlinks, and web browser page titles add value. Publishers who pay attention to these details are rewarded with the trust of the reader. Also, high-quality local content gives a text the tone of credibility and authority. Trust between the reader and the text is important in work instructions, user guides, and textbooks.
In sum, even before the translation process begins, publishers need to think about localization. Besides that, a review of the source content will identify what, who, and how much needs to be localized. In addition, publishers benefit by hiring a strong partner firm to help scope the project. The team can identify potential problems upfront and head them off before publication. Here at A Pass Educational Group, our translation team has the experience and expertise to translate your content in over 40 languages and with the highest attention to detail. For more specifics, check out our World Languages & Translation page and request information today.
