Software localisation is crucial for software companies seeking to operate in international markets, as it directly impacts product adoption, user experience and competitiveness. Well-localised software opens up new markets and drives growth, whilst poor or non-existent localisation severely limits market reach.
Increase market potential and revenue
Studies show that the majority of users prefer software in their own language and many refuse to use English-language software even when they are proficient in English. By localising software, companies can reach large markets such as China, Japan, Germany and France where English is not the first choice. Localised software works better because users have greater trust in products that are available in their own language, understand value propositions and features more clearly and experience lower barriers to purchase decisions when information is presented in a familiar and comprehensible manner.
Dramatically improving user experiences
Users expect software to function naturally in their language with correctly translated menus and commands, culturally adapted icons and colour choices, as well as local formats for dates, times and currencies. When everything works seamlessly, the software is perceived as professional and user-friendly. Localised software reduces user frustration because error messages are comprehensible, help functions are available in the user’s language and onboarding and tutorials provide effective guidance. This increases customer satisfaction and retention.
Providing competitive advantages
In many markets, localisation is not a choice but a requirement. The public sector and large companies often follow policies requiring software to be available in the local language. Without localisation, companies are excluded from major business opportunities and public procurement processes. Well-localised software ensures a company is taken seriously and show that they are more committed to the market compared to competitors that only offer English versions. This builds brand trust and customer loyalty.
Reducing support costs
Localised help documentation and clear system messages in the user’s language dramatically reduce the number of support tickets. Users can resolve issues independently when information is accessible and easily understood, which can help reduce the cost of employing more multilingual customer support agents. An experienced language partner with localisation expertise works to ISO standards with ISO-certified system support and offers complete localisation solutions including user interface translation, technical format and settings adaptation, cultural adaptation with local reviewers, functional testing of localised software and software term bases for consistent terminology. This ensures the quality needed to drive international growth.