In today’s globalized world, reaching customers across borders is vital for businesses. But how can companies ensure their message is accurately translated and adapted to local markets?
Fortunately, the advent of technology has revolutionized the translation and localization landscape, making the process more efficient and streamlined.
One such technology that has emerged as a powerful tool in this domain is the Product Information Management (PIM) system.
In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between translation and localization and explore the challenges businesses face in getting their content just right.
We’ll introduce you to the concept of what is PIM and show you how they’re revolutionizing translation and localization.
What is Localization?
Localization involves adapting product information to suit each market where you sell your products.
This includes adjusting languages, currencies, payment methods, measurements, and other relevant details to align with the specific market requirements.
What is Translation?
Translation is an integral aspect of the localization process. To successfully localize product information, it is essential to have it available in the native language of the target market.
While this may appear simple, creating accurate translations for product descriptions is more complicated than it may seem.
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What is the Difference Between Translation and Localization?
Translation involves converting text from one language to another while maintaining its original meaning. It focuses on linguistic accuracy and capturing the essence of the content.
On the other hand, localization goes beyond translation. It involves adapting the content to the specific cultural, linguistic, and regional preferences of the target audience.
Localization ensures that the content feels native and resonates with the local culture, idioms, and sensitivities.
How does Localization work?
The following main steps show how Product Localization works;
1. Translate the product description
The first step in product localization is translating the product description into the target language. This involves converting the text to make it understandable and appealing to customers in the local market.
It’s about using the right words and tone to effectively communicate the features, benefits, and unique selling points of the product.
2. Adapting Multimedia Content for the Target Market
Multimedia content, such as images, models, photos, and videos, needs to be adjusted to suit the preferences and cultural norms of the target market.
This may involve changing the visuals to include people who reflect the local demographics or adapting the imagery to align with local customs and sensitivities.
3. Converting Weights, Sizes, Measurements, and Prices
Localization also includes converting measurements, weights, sizes, and prices to match the local system.
For example, if the product is sold in different countries with different measurement units or currencies, these need to be accurately converted to ensure clarity and ease of understanding for local customers.
4. Optimizing for Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
To make the product easily discoverable by customers in the target market, it’s important to optimize it for local search engine optimization (SEO).
This involves using relevant keywords and phrases that are commonly used by customers in that specific market. By doing so, the product is more likely to appear in search engine results and attract organic traffic.
5. Ensuring Compliance with Local Pricing, Taxes, and Return Policies
Lastly, product localization involves aligning pricing, taxes, and return policies with local standards and regulations.
Each market may have specific rules and requirements related to pricing transparency, tax calculations, and customer rights. Adhering to these standards ensures legal compliance and builds trust with local customers.
How does Translation work?
The following main steps show how Product Translation works;
1. Choosing the Right Translation Approach
The first step in the translation process is deciding whether to use human or machine translations. Human translations are preferred for their quality and ability to capture the brand’s “voice,” resulting in higher conversion rates.
However, they can be challenging to integrate with other product information, time-consuming, and expensive.
On the other hand, machine translations are fast, cost-effective, and easily integrated but often lack accuracy and natural-sounding language, leading to lower conversion rates.
2. Striking the Right Balance
The ideal solution lies in a hybrid approach, combining the strengths of both manual and machine translations.
This involves leveraging machine translation technology for speedy initial translations and utilizing skilled human translators to refine and enhance the content.
By using automated workflows, this hybrid approach accelerates the translation process while maintaining brand consistency and quality.
3. Building a Qualified Translation Team
Creating an external localization team involves finding qualified translators who possess experience within your specific e-commerce industry, such as beauty or tech accessories.
It is essential to select translators who not only have industry knowledge but also understand and can adapt to your brand’s voice and style.
These translators will elevate your product translations beyond the limitations of machine-only translations.
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What is PIM?
A PIM or Product Information Management system is a tool that helps businesses manage and organize product-related data in a centralized platform.
It serves as a hub for storing and updating product information, such as descriptions, specifications, and multimedia content.
What features PIM offers for Translation and Localization?
PIM system offers the following listed features for translation and localization;
1. Multilingual Content Management
- Ability to manage and organize product information in multiple languages.
- Centralized storage for easy access and updates to multilingual content.
- Support for different language variations and localizations.
2. Translation Workflow Management
- Tools for assigning translation tasks and tracking progress.
- Collaboration features for translators, reviewers, and stakeholders.
- Automated notifications and alerts for new content requiring translation.
3. Automation and Simplified Workflow
- Automated triggers for translation requests based on predefined rules.
- Streamlined approval processes to accelerate translation timelines.
- Workflow automation to reduce manual tasks and enhance efficiency.
4. Integration with Translation Tools
- Seamless integration with translation software or services.
- Compatibility with popular translation memory and glossary tools.
- Facilitation of consistent terminology and style across translations.
5. Quality Assurance and Language Consistency
- Quality checks to ensure accurate and error-free translations.
- Tools for maintaining consistency in terminology and language style.
- Support for linguistic review and validation processes.
What are the Benefits of using PIM for Translation and Localization?
1. Centralized management of product information
A PIM system centralizes product information, making it easier to manage translations. Instead of scattered spreadsheets or multiple systems, businesses can store and update all product-related data in one place.
This centralized approach saves time and effort by eliminating the need to search for information across various sources.
2. Translation management
PIM systems provide dedicated functionalities for translation management. They allow businesses to assign translation tasks, track progress, and collaborate with translators seamlessly.
These systems often integrate with translation tools, enabling efficient translation workflows and maintaining consistency in terminology and style.
3. Automation and workflow optimization
PIM systems automate many manual tasks in the translation and localization process.
They can automatically trigger translation requests, notify translators about new content, and streamline the approval process. Automation helps reduce errors, save time, and improve overall efficiency.
4. Collaboration and communication
PIM systems facilitate collaboration and communication among translators, reviewers, and other stakeholders involved in the translation process.
They provide tools for exchanging feedback, resolving queries, and maintaining a smooth flow of communication.
This collaborative approach fosters effective teamwork and ensures everyone is on the same page throughout the translation and localization process.
Outcomes after Implementing PIM for Translation and Localization
1. Improved Efficiency
After implementing PIM systems for translation and localization reported enhanced efficiency in managing multilingual content.
The centralized storage and automation features reduced the time and effort required for translation tasks, resulting in faster turnaround times and increased productivity.
2. Enhanced Consistency and Accuracy
PIM systems ensured consistency and accuracy in translated content by facilitating standardized terminology and style.
Businesses experience improved brand consistency across different languages, leading to a stronger global brand presence and improved customer trust.
3. Cost Savings
By automating workflows and eliminating manual tasks, businesses achieve significant cost savings in their translation and localization processes.
The reduction in human effort and time results in optimized resource allocation and lowered translation expenses.
Apimio PIM for Better Translation and Localization
Apimio PIM simplifies translation and localization processes, making it easy for your e-commerce brand to expand to more locations and channels. With Apimio, you have all the necessary tools at your fingertips.
The streamlined workflows and integrated translation tools ensure efficient management of global translations. You can update and maintain accurate product information for all locations effortlessly.
By utilizing Apimio, you benefit from simplified processes, reduced returns, and an organized workflow. The system centralizes and structures your product information, providing you with greater control and visibility.
This means you can easily make translation and localization changes, ensuring that your product information is up to date across all locations at all times.
With Apimio, you can confidently grow your e-commerce business globally. The system handles the complexities of managing translations across multiple markets, enabling you to focus on expanding your brand.
Rest assured that your product information is accurate and consistent, empowering your brand’s success in new markets.
Conclusion
Translation and localization are vital in today’s globalized business environment, and Apimio PIM offers a powerful solution to simplify and optimize these processes.
Apimio takes away the complexities of managing translations, offering a centralized platform for efficient translation and localization management.
By using Apimio, businesses can achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in their multilingual content.
With PIM as your partner, you can confidently navigate the challenges of global expansion, ensuring your brand message resonates with customers worldwide.
What to do next?
- Read more about our Product Information-related Guides here.
- To see the difference PIM can make to your e-commerce business, Start your free trial.
- If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Translation and localization ensure effective communication with global audiences by adapting content to their language, culture, and preferences.
A PIM system streamlines workflows, ensures consistency, improves efficiency, and reduces costs in translation and localization.
Translation focuses on converting content between languages, while localization adapts it to suit the cultural and linguistic preferences of a specific target market.
