As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, businesses of all sizes are expanding their reach beyond their local markets. In order to effectively communicate and engage with global audiences, SEO performance and content localization has become a crucial aspect of any international marketing campaigns or marketing strategy.
Content localization involves adapting and translating content to suit the cultural nuances and preferences of a target audience. This not only helps companies establish a strong global presence, but also allows them to connect with their customers on a more personal level.
In recent years, the field of content localization has seen significant advancements due to the rapid growth of technology and the ever-evolving demands of consumers.
In this article, we will explore the top 5 trends in content localization that businesses should pay close attention to in order to stay ahead of the game and effectively reach their global audiences.
From machine learning to the rise of video content, these trends are reshaping the localization landscape and are set to have a major impact on the way businesses communicate with their international customers.
To Diverse Target Audiences
Content localization involves customizing online and offline assets to cater to diverse target audiences. These audiences may vary in terms of geographical location, cultural backgrounds, or linguistic preferences.
In order to effectively captivate the attention of distinct groups, multinational companies need to allocate resources towards extensive research and targeted outreach efforts.
In this article, we will investigate tangible real-life instances where prominent enterprises have successfully implemented content localization strategies. Furthermore, we will provide you with practical recommendations and cutting-edge tools to empower your brand in this endeavor.
Additionally, we will delve into the potential impact of anti-trust regulations on the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) that your customers encounter worldwide.
1. Immediate localized home page signals
Below is the prominent display positioned at the top of the home page on Patagonia’s website, exclusively visible to North American users. As expected, it concentrates on showcasing the latest merchandise available and features an individual engrossed in what appears to be an adventurous pursuit, suspended from a rope above rushing rapids.
Over the past two decades, there has been a discernible inclination towards showcasing intensity in American advertising. This trend extends beyond mere products such as coffee, pizza, and leisurely strolls with pets, which are now consistently marketed as enhanced user experiences through an extreme lens.
The header banner on Patagonia’s home page accurately reflects the prevailing patterns in advertising targeted towards North American consumers.
However, when approaching the Patagonia brand from a European consumer perspective, an entirely distinct message emerges.
Based on the findings of the Environmental Performance Index, it is noteworthy that the top 23 countries exhibiting commendable environmental performance are exclusively situated in Europe or hold significant cultural and political ties to the region. In stark contrast, the United States ranks a mere 43rd in this index, while Canada lags behind at 49th.
Consequently, it is logical that Patagonia, a renowned brand, strategically places a plea for collective environmental assistance as the foremost content on its homepage, instead of showcasing solitary individuals enjoying recreational activities or promoting consumer products. This localized approach effectively aligns the business with the values and priorities of its target audience.
2. Video Translation
According to Statista, the global reach of online videos stands at an impressive 92%. However, in order to truly resonate with diverse linguistic audiences, understanding becomes paramount.
Consequently, there has been a notable surge in the demand for video translation services. Pioneers in the field, such as MrBeast and Squid Game, are wholeheartedly adopting multi-lingual YouTube video dubbing settings.
This approach offers a practical advantage, as modifying audio within a single video is far easier than managing multiple YouTube channels. In fact, some content creators are retrospectively dubbing their earlier YouTube video content to provide a seamless experience for their viewership, earned from various countries.
It is crucial to bear in mind that multilingual translation is not exclusively reserved for multinational corporations. I consider myself fortunate to reside in a state where nearly half of the population speaks a language other than English at home, with Spanish being the predominant secondary language.
Over the course of a couple of decades, it has become customary for prominent businesses in California to employ bilingual staff and showcase signage in multiple languages. From a marketing standpoint, it serves as an astute decision to offer a Spanish-language version of website content to maximize outreach.
Should your state, region, or country be blessed with sizable multilingual communities, the translation of all primary content, including video content, could provide a remarkable competitive advantage.
3. Holiday localization
SEOs and marketers have recognized the immense potential lying in the realm of diverse holiday celebrations, aside from the widely embraced sales events like Black Friday which have permeated numerous countries. For businesses dealing in candle crafting, it becomes imperative to acquaint oneself with the varying dates of observances such as Catholic Advent, Eastern Orthodox Christmas, the eight nights of Hanukkah, Diwali, or Shangyuan.
This knowledge ensures that special offers can be prepared well in advance to cater to customers’ specific festivities.
Moreover, even when certain events coincide on the calendar, they may bear different names across different regions. This necessitates the adaptation of sales strategies, such as transforming a supermarket’s Mardi Gras sale in New Orleans into a Pancake Tuesday discount in England.
To assist in meticulously planning promotional endeavors aligned with diverse customs globally, TimeandDate houses an up-to-date database of occasions, sortable by country and holiday. By leveraging this resource, businesses can effectively strategize their promotional year in harmony with various cultural traditions across the world.
4. Getting fine details right
If your goal is to expand your global market, it is crucial to tailor your weights and measurements to suit the preferences of each country you are targeting. I have received messages from customers expressing their gratitude for including centimeter measurements alongside inches for the art prints I sell worldwide.
This attention to detail not only enhances their shopping experience but also eliminates the need for them to leave your website to perform conversions. The Worldwide Metric Calculator is an invaluable tool that enables you to effortlessly perform these calculations.
Similarly, it is important to understand the specific language and terminology that resonates with your customers. Are they seeking a “cozy RV” or a “cosy caravan” for their “vacation” or “holiday”? The differences in spellings, superlatives, and terminology among English-speaking regions and diverse cultures worldwide are significant.
Accurately capturing these nuances can profoundly impact how your products or services are perceived by different audiences. Moz Keyword Explorer offers a comprehensive solution to analyze search language variants across various English-speaking regions.
By utilizing this tool, you can ensure that your content aligns seamlessly with the preferences of your target audience, creating a sense of familiarity rather than foreignness.
5. Product tailoring
Multinational fast food chains exemplify the recognition that product menus must adapt significantly to cater to diverse broader audiences. The accompanying video showcases the business’s endeavor to appeal to various regions by offering smokehouse burgers, kofta, paneer, and rice bowls.
While I cannot personally assess the accuracy of these representations, it is evident that in such instances, localization extends not only to content but also to the foundational products themselves.
Business branding can differ across different parts of the world; for instance, Burger King in America is familiar as Hungry Jack’s in Australia, Lays potato chips are mention to as Sabritas in Mexico, and DiGiorno frozen pizza is percieve as Delissio in Canada.
Instances of failed product tailoring often gain notoriety, perhaps because some of them appear comical from a distance. Nonetheless, cultural sensitivity should always be act toward with utmost seriousness. When marketing a brand with aspirations of global success, the most effective safeguard against reputational damage and revenue loss due to cultural insensitivity lies in enlisting the expertise of regional and cultural specialists.
These professionals, equipped with their firsthand and lived experiences, can guide the organization in conducting itself with awareness and respect.
+1 Content localization tip
From my perspective as an American, it appears that European countries have adopted a significantly more assertive approach than my own nation towards various aspects of the internet, spanning from privacy and security to antitrust matters. Consequently, multinational corporations are urge to adhere to distinct sets of rules and regulations in each region of operation.
Today, I wish to direct attention towards NearMedia’s research, which investigates the divergence between European and American search engine results pages (SERPs) due to divergent antitrust policies. The preliminary findings are so distinctive that Near Media has even released a comprehensive guide, titled “New elements of Google local search results in Europe: A visual elements glossary,” to assist brands in navigating these changes.
For global brands that maintain physical establishments and engage in face-to-face interactions with customers, it is now imperative to include the study of how Google modifies its SERPs to align with varying regulations on their agenda. This implies that types of content localization efforts may require greater customization across different markets than ever before.
What might be an inconspicuous local business directory in the United States could emerge as a prominent feature on the SERPs in France, Sweden, or Spain. If remote research is necessary and your brand is customer base in the United States, it may be worth considering an investment in a tool such as NordVPN to replicate the diverse Google search experiences that potential customers encounter in different territories.
In Conclusion
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for localized content will only continue to grow. By staying informed and adapting to new trends, businesses and organizations can effectively reach and engage with global audiences.
Keeping a close eye on emerging technologies, user engagement, user preferences, and cultural shifts will be crucial in developing successful content strategies. As we move forward, let’s keep these five trends in mind and pave the way for a more connected and culturally diverse future.
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