In today's highly globalized market, localization is one of the keys to competition. Companies looking to launch products and services across many markets often use localization software to tailor their content to individual markets and even subsections. Folks trying to assess the value of l10n software, though, need to be aware of which features are critical. Let's look at 5 things your software has to do well.

Storage of Translations

One of the keys to productive localization is storing previous translations of texts and social media posts. Translators need a base to work with, especially when it comes to localized content. Even if a translator impeccably handles the basics of a language, they need to know the local colloquialisms and cultural norms. This allows them to go beyond simply converting something from English to Spanish, for example. Instead, they can translate text to a specific locale, such as the Dominican Republic or Colombia.

Search Functionality

Ideally, your localization software will accumulate a large corpus of texts across many locales. The downside of this is growth will create productivity challenges. Where l10n software can make a major difference is providing search for both the localizations and the original texts.

Performance Metrics

Ultimately, you want to create a process of constant refinement of your organization's localized content. To accomplish this, you'll need to have key performance indicators available. You want to know which texts are driving audience interest and how they further drive conversions.

In this regard, you're approaching the situation like a typical marketing exercise. However, you need to study performance across many locales and content styles to narrow in on what works best. You'll need built-in analytics to capture the data, process it, and produce reports across desired metrics.

Scalability

Most organizations don't try to localize their content for every market at once. Instead, you'll probably want to break into one, two, or several markets to start. As you have success, though, you'll probably want to expand your efforts.

Scalability is critical. As you add new locales to your target list, you want to know the localization software will keep up. It needs room to effortlessly add new languages, places, and audiences. Similarly, the storage system needs to expand without trouble as you build a bigger content base.

Workflows

Productivity and speed are central to large-scale localization efforts. Your team members need workflows that allow them to import content and prepare it for new audiences.