Valley Center offers a wide range of website localization services for all types of businesses. If you are planning to expand into other markets worldwide, contact us today to learn more about how we can work together to make your brand and website accessible to your target markets.
What does a website localization entail?
Localization Engineering – Part of this process is focused on extracting the text for translation and assembling the files to send to a translator. Before starting any translation, a technique often used is pseudo-localization. During this process, a recognizable character is inserted before and after the textual information on your website. Asian characters are commonly used for pseudolocalization for character support parsing purposes.
Our team of localization engineers has experience in a variety of web-based applications and formats, including (.asp, .html, .dhtm .php). All file types are carefully analyzed and prepared for translation. Some of the commonly used applications and tools used for website localization are listed below.
Dreamweaver, GoLive, XML, HTML, DHTML, COM, Fireworks, Java, XSLT, ASP, Flash, Javascript, FreeHand, Interleaf, CSS
Text Translation – Although translation software tools are used to localize websites, machine translation alone is not enough. It is important to work with a native speaker with knowledge in the targeted area and a well-trained linguist. This will help ensure that your website, through localized content, conveys the intended message in the language of the end user.
Multilingual SEO – Identifying keywords from a foreign language is not as simple as using the “Google translate” service or just the Google keyword tool. As with translation, you need a native speaker who understands how users use search engines.
Localization Testing – Before launching a localized website, it should be tested for both functionality and linguistic accuracy. The tester will look for potential issues such as text that does not fit in menus, correct format of dates and times, and correct use of language in the given context.
Audiovisual translation and subtitling for video assets – Video assets are a popular and effective marketing tool all over the world. For the accessibility of your videos to your global customer base, translation of the transcript and any on-screen text is required. If your video materials include spoken language, audio-to-video translation improves the user experience and increases your chances of keeping their attention.
Computer-aided design (DTP) for formatted documents – If you’ve published white papers, case studies or infographics on your website, translating these assets will help you reach more people in your target markets worldwide. Because localized text is often of different sizes or lengths, or sometimes read in a different direction, these documents must not only be translated but also reformatted to look professional and match the source text.
Transcreation or cultural adaptation – Certain slogans or taglines simply don’t work when translated literally. A website localization service provider can help you decide the best way to get your message across to a global audience without being culturally offensive or ridiculous.
Global Marketing Consulting – Not all brands or messaging strategies are appropriate for all target markets. For example, when the Swedish manufacturer Electrolux did not understand the American slang implications of its slogan “Nothing sucks like an Electrolux,” the brand suffered. Unless you work with an expert who understands the local language and culture, you may encounter similar mistakes.
Why is the website localization process so important? More than 50% of Google searches are conducted in languages other than English. Visitors to a website are four times more likely to buy if it presents its content in their native language and stay twice as long on such a page. A website translated into English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese can be accessible to 93% of internet users.