With more than 3 billion people using the internet since 2015, many businesses with an internet presence might believe they are doing enough to attract customers globally. However, that is likely not the case. Although your marketing campaign might be effective in your company’s country of origin, chances are that the same campaign is ineffective in other parts of the world. That is where adding digital localization to your strategy can help.

As a marketing approach that is tailored to specific countries and regions, digital localization reaches customers across the globe in a way that relates to them, making it easier to attract potential clients. According to a recent report, location-targeted mobile ad spending is expected to grow from $33 billion in 2016 to $72 billion in 2021. With a user-centric approach giving businesses a competitive edge, now is the time to implement a digital localization strategy.

Here are the primary aspects of digital localization:

Website Localization

As the number of internet users continues to climb, website localization has never been more important. If someone across the globe wants your product or service, he or she is more likely to purchase it if your website is localized. In fact, 72 % of customers prefer to use websites in their native language.  Components of website localization include accurate translation and adherence to cultural nuances of the target region through website design, style, and imagery. Through website localization, businesses can overcome regional barriers by presenting their products in a manner that is identifiable and relatable to customers.

App Localization

With more than 5 million apps available for Android and iOs mobile devices, app localization is an obvious next step in your company’s digital localization plan. Considering that only 20% of the world’s population knows English, app localization becomes even more vital in retaining and attracting customers worldwide. With localization, the app’s name, user interface, and app store metadata become immediately understandable to potential customers in a specific region. Since worldwide app revenues are expected to increase from $69.7 billion in 2015 to $188.9 billion in 2020, app localization should be in the forefront of your marketing plan.

Software Localization

By creating user interfaces and content that is culturally relevant and accurately translated, companies can use software localization to boost their businesses. Through localized content management systems and eLearning applications, your company can have endless opportunities to attract new clients. The global software market is valued at nearly $500 billion, furthering the importance of software localization.

 

Digital Content Localization

Digital content localization is the concept of tailoring visual and textual elements to suit a specific region. By customizing visual elements, including images, symbols, and color choices, to the market you are trying to reach, your business can greatly impact its global appeal.  The same holds true for customizing displayed textual elements, such as slogans, ad texts, and hashtags; their accurate customization will resonate with potential customers.  Because customers might misinterpret visual or textual elements that are not recognizable or relatable to them, this aspect of localization is necessary.

Digital Marketing Localization

Pursuing digital marketing localization through ads and SEO gives you another important means for branding your business globally. Having keywords that people can use to search in their native language will make digital marketing localization go more smoothly. In addition, word choice for digital advertisements, both for text and pictures, will allow customers to seek and find your product, as well as help them relate to the message your advertisement or branded communications are trying to get across.

With the digital world constantly reaching new customers, the trend of digital localization will continue to grow. With 94 percent of multinational companies expecting to increase their localization spending this year, implementing a localization strategy could be the most important step you take for your business.