Things are rarely straightforward when it comes to iOS localization. Alongside high-quality translations, countless other factors come into play to ensure an iOS app is fully localized for new markets. Below, we’ll take a closer look at what you need to know when localizing an iOS app, why you need to localize in the first place, and what steps you can take to ensure a smooth journey from pre-development to launch.
In short, iOS localization involves adapting app content for new markets. Translation forms an important part of the process, but it’s not the only thing involved in iOS localization. User experience should be heavily considered, with everything from imagery to reading direction needing to be adjusted for native audiences.
If users can’t access your app in their own language, they’re less likely to download it in the first place. Even if they do, poorly translated text and a subpar approach to localization can lead to significant user drop-off.
Localizing your iOS app brings many benefits. For one, you can reach new audiences at home and abroad. While adapting content for new countries is an obvious approach with localization, you can also look to other languages used within a country you already cater to. This can dramatically increase user engagement, leading to more app downloads and higher retention rates.
A localized iOS app also benefits from enhanced app visibility. If you’re only offering your app in one language, you can’t expect it to make waves elsewhere in the world. It’s simply not enough to list your app in the English version of the App Store if you want to take things global.
When you localize, you also boost potential revenues. By tapping into new markets, you can significantly expand your user base. With a successful app localization strategy, it’s easy to reap the rewards of increased revenues, no matter whether you’re offering a paid app or relying on in-app purchases.
Wondering how to localize your iOS app effectively? You’ll need to consider everything from code preparation to language integration. The most important thing to remember when localizing an iOS app is to plan ahead. You should really be designing your app to support multiple languages down the line. Retroactive localization is possible, but it’s time-consuming and generally expensive. You’ll also need to have a firm handle on your audience. Make sure you understand the needs of your target markets, including demographic metrics, such as age and location.
You’ll also need to create separate .strings files to enable localization. By creating a separate file for each language you intend to localize into, it’s relatively easy to stay organized. It’s also important to design with different languages in mind. You’ll need a user interface that can readily adapt to different text lengths and reading layouts.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to app localization, but internationalization plays a crucial role in every project. By internationalizing your app, you’ll make full-blown localization far easier. There are many ways you can internationalize an iOS app. Instead of hard codes, use placeholders that will link to resource files and translated content. You’ll also want to consider cultural formatting. Your app needs to be able to adapt to a variety of regional preferences, so differences in things like time and date formatting need to be considered.
Now’s also the time to organize your source code. You’ll need separate files for each language you intend to localize into. To do this, extract all text content from your app and store it externally to the code itself. You’ll also want to decide on a programming language for iOS development.
It’s tempting to rely solely on automatically generated translations, but only translations provided by a human linguist will ensure you strike the right note with new audiences. Once you have collated all assets that need adapting, the translation process can begin. Machine translation tools can be used to streamline workflows, but should only really be used to support human linguists. Consistency is crucial at this point, so make sure you’re relying on style guides and term glossaries.
Once translations have been completed and content has been linked to placeholders, you’ll have a provisional version of your localized iOS app. However, the process is far from over. Before launching your app in new territories, take the time to test your revised product to ensure it resonates with target users.
There are many steps you can take to increase your odds of iOS localization success. Firstly, you’ll need to determine the market demand for your app. Use in-app analytics to get an idea of where your users are coming from, the kinds of devices they’re using, retention rates, and more. Armed with this information, you’ll have a clearer picture of how people are actually engaging with your app.
Next, take the time to thoroughly research target markets. Effective localization goes beyond simple translations, so ensure you’re fully aware of local language nuances and colloquialisms. Partnering with an experienced localization provider can help with this.
What’s more, don’t forget about visuals when adapting content. Alongside style guides and glossaries, images are a useful resource for linguists working on localization projects. They provide context for linguists, helping deliver better translations more quickly.
Additionally, it’s important to use localization tools and software that can facilitate automation and streamline project workflows. These tools are particularly handy if you’re looking to tap into multiple markets at once and need to run localization projects simultaneously.
Without sufficient testing, it’s easy for problems to go unnoticed during development. This can ultimately lead to issues like misaligned text or broken features. To improve user experience, make sure you’re heavily investing in localization testing.
Another common hurdle is that linguists aren’t provided with sufficient resources to carry out translations. The less context that is available, the more likely it is that mistakes will be made. Provide as much context as possible when undertaking app localization projects, with imagery being a particularly useful asset.
Failure to accommodate for issues like text expansion and contraction, not to mention differences between left-to-right and right-to-left languages, can also spell trouble. Planning ahead with market research can help alleviate this problem, although a more creative approach to translation might sometimes be needed.
There are many steps you can take to streamline processes when it’s time to localize iOS app content. This extends to the testing phase. Ensuring translations are completely accurate and culturally relevant is crucial. During testing, make sure you’re bringing in the insights of native speakers with a keen understanding of local nuances to ensure accuracy.
You also need to guarantee the functionality of your app. Take payment processing systems as an example. Just because a banking protocol works in one country, doesn’t mean it will elsewhere in the world. To rule out this being a problem, performing simulations of critical functions gives you the guarantee that everything is working as it should be.
Looking to localize an iOS app for a new market? Striking the right chord with native speakers isn’t always simple, which is why it makes sense to bring in the support of an experienced localization partner. At BLEND, we have all the tools and expertise on hand to localize your iOS app so every user can experience your product in the language they speak.
With industry-leading localization tools and thousands of linguists working in more than 170 languages, we’re the obvious choice if you’re ready to make a global success of your iOS app.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today.
With over 10 years of experience in the localization industry, Adria is an expert in designing localization and translation solutions for global businesses in every industry. Adria is BLEND’s Solutions Architect and the Chapter Manager of Women in Localization Romania.
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