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If you are a startup trying to make it on a global scale, here is the most important item you will need to include in your international expansion to-do list: identifying your localization partner. While most companies will try to save budget through a DIY approach, especially at early stages, moving past one country and towards a true global reach will require know-how and capacity that internal staff simply don’t have.
Selecting a localization partner from the beginning is not only a way to ensure a sound local market strategy, but it could also be a great lever to cost saving when entering new markets.
What are the aspects you need to look for in a localization partner?
-tech stack that can support yours including integrations; the abundance of platforms and tools for every different function of an organization, let alone the plurality of systems that deal with creation, authoring, design, management, publishing and re-use of content is already making content management challenging for organizations.
If you integrate your localization workflow with your systems it will save you time and hence cost, especially if you consider versioning and repurposing of content.
-industry expertise and a broad service portfolio to support different content types and workflows; the handling of content localization may depend on numerous factors, such as its intent, its impact on the business goal, its location/use, user statistics etc.
Going back to the prioritization of content, having a partner that can suggest different approaches to different content types is important when your budget is limited, and you need to do more with less. Try lowering costs and don’t compromise for lower quality levels. An experienced localization partner can help you reallocate your budget smartly to what matters most at each step of the journey.
-in-depth knowledge to consult you for local preferences, because especially in certain content types, localization can really elevate or trump your brand (see the recent IKEA gaffe, and this is only one of many such examples).
-potential for other target languages and locales to enable you to support your entry to other markets and countries in a uniform way.
When your international expansion strategy grows to include more than a couple of markets, then centralizing your localization approach for all target markets and languages will contribute a great deal to lowering the costs and the timelines for new market entry.
Next steps
Expanding into global markets is a huge step toward growth and success, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. Localization is the key to unlocking maximum ROI and winning the business of international customers.
It’s a harsh reality, but most startups fail in their own country. Internationally, the road to sustainable growth is even more challenging. By making strategic decisions now, your startup will be better prepared to launch in overseas markets.
Localization is vital to this process. It goes beyond translating your content and focuses on winning the trust and respect of your new audience. So, get in touch with the friendly team at Commit Global today. As a localization partner, we will help your startup launch in a new market – wherever that might be in the world. Our tailored localization strategy gives your brand the competitive edge it needs to thrive.
Want to learn more about startup localization and how to expand globally? Download our complete guide here: Localization 101 for Startups: How to Create a Global Business
