App Localization for Developers

Trusted Translations offers application developers the possibility to localize their apps for phones and tablets. In this way, developers can obtain much greater access to potential customers in other countries who may otherwise not be interested in their application.

Android, but also Apple, Windows, Blackberry, and Samsung

Trusted Translations was recently selected by Google to translate apps by Android developers in Google Play. In addition, we also localize applications made for Apple, Windows, Blackberry, and Samsung. Clients who have their apps localized increase their sales and are better able to enter different countries’ markets.  Additionally, it will help them to attract new audiences, further develop their brand, and improve their own experience, as well as that of their users.

Where Should You Localize to?

To decide what markets an application should be localized to, the developer must pay attention to the countries where they are receiving the most traffic, and then see if the app is localized to that particular country or not. If not, then this can represent a new market opportunity for the developer.

What Should You Localize?

What parts of an app have to be translated and localized? To provide the best user experience and maximize sales, all the different parts should be localized. However, one can always begin with the description first, and later, with the application itself. Sometimes the name needs to be localized, whereas other times it is best to leave it in English; this requires a case-by-case assessment. The localizable or translatable parts of an app include:

  1. App description
  2. Name
  3. Graphical user interface
  4. Images
  5. Instructions
  6. Help pages and contact information

App Localization or Translation?

As a service provider, Trusted Translations needs clients to be as specific as possible when sending app localization or translation projects. We can both translate as well as localize the material. We can also receive the strings and return them, or we can extract them and insert them.

App Localization Process

All devices are different, especially in size. For this reason, sometimes when translating we need to measure character space. For example, a Blackberry’s screen is much smaller than the screens for newer Android or Apple phones.

One must keep the maximum amount of characters for each string in mind, since the text must have a specific size in order to fit on the device’s screen. Additionally, one must also keep in mind the target audience that the app is directed to in order to decide what type of language should be used in the translation. Sometimes a client prefers to employ abbreviated words due to space restrictions, whereas others may need the text written in its entirety; it is therefore best to consult the client about their preference. Yet another point to keep in mind is the use of terminology. Cell phone and tablet users are oftentimes fans of games and applications. For this reason, the terminology and the tone given in the client’s instructions must be followed consistently (target audience age, gender, social status, interests, etc.)

Translate, Localize, and Test

In addition to translating and localizing, we can also test the localized application for different markets. Ideally, one should both localize translations as well as test them.

You can get in touch with Trusted Translations to request a quote for the translation, localization, or testing of your app. In addition, you can contact us for consulting services pertaining to translating, localizing, and testing apps for Android, Apple, Blackberry, Samsung, or Windows.

To view the original Spanish version, please go to:

Localización de Apps para desarrolladores