Importance of Local Flavor For Global Apps

The use of smartphones is a necessity these days and so are apps. Basically, we all are dependent on apps for our daily work. Whether it’s food or traveling, we use apps for everything. Now creating a different app for every market burdens app development companies as they have to come up with different versions of apps. For instance, if an app is originally made for the English speaking audiences and the app creator wants to launch the app in China and Japan then he/she would have to create the same app in both languages which means now there are three apps that function the same way and have the same features. This puts a toll on app developers which is why in the wake of globalization, the use of app localization services has increased.

App localization is the center point of this read, where we will be talking about how important local taste is for the success of an app. Other than that, dogfooding is a concept about which we will be talking in detail.

Introducing Local Flavors in Global Apps

The focal point for the creation of an app is its audience. Apps are created for app users by keeping in mind their needs and demands. In order to cater to the global audiences, app development companies look out for ways their app can become adaptable for the audience. Today, mobile app translation services are still used to translate different features of apps so that they can become linguistically correct for the target users, but audiences expect more than translation. There is a constant need for the adaptability of apps with the rising demand for local flavors in global apps.

The presence of local flavors in global apps means that apps should contain cultural and linguistic similarities with the beliefs of the audience so that apps become adaptable for them. App localization is about tailoring an app according to the regional, linguistic, and cultural aspects of the target market. Users are of utmost importance, as apps are designed for them. 

Localized Apps are more in-demand by the Users

With localization, apps become more familiar and engaging for the users. A significant majority of mobile phone users demand apps that are in their native language. This means that in order to generate a generous amount of revenue, app development companies have to consider the inculcation of mobile app localization services. These services make sure that apps are not only linguistically correct but also culturally sound. In the long run, these are the apps that get global status, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

In order to attract global audiences, it is vital to go for localization instead of simple translation, as language isn’t the only thing that the users demand. The graphic elements such as the user interface, need to be according to the app user, which app localization takes care of.

Drawback of Going For Dogfooding By App Development Companies

Most of the time, app development companies claim that their apps are localized but from a local user perspective, they are not. Now one might question what is the reason behind this? Most companies rely on dogfooding when it comes to localization. It means that they use internal resources to localize the app which creates a stir in the consumer base. As per applause, 59% of the app development companies use their developers and QA staff to localize the app that is aware of the source and target language.

This can lead to certain mistakes in the unprofessionally localized app which will directly affect the user experience. For instance, users can find spelling and interface alignment mistakes. These mistakes might seem quite common but they can make a negative impact on the user. Professional translation services ensure that your app is translated and localized by native translators who are masters in their work.

These developers and QA teams have limited exposure to culture which becomes evident in the app they localize. Hence, when an app is culturally biased it has less chance to appeal to the audience. This is why dogfooding is a drawback for app development companies.

Final Words!

App development companies that want to take their apps on a global scale need to localize them to make sure that the target audiences understand them. These apps are preferred by the target audiences and directly affect the revenue an app development company generates. It is always better to hire a professional translator for the job instead of hiring in-house developers and QA teams also known as dogfooding.