Localization for ecommerce apps

This is an exceptional time for online shops to internationalise. There is no doubt that the development and subsequent localization for ecommerce apps should be one of the main strategies to adopt. Mobile commerce is the e-commerce channel that is expected to grow the most, and mobile applications for e-commerce are the platform of choice.

Mobile apps and m-commerce

The emergence of smartphones has revolutionised the e-commerce landscape. The devices’ mobility has made life much easier for users who want to make purchases whenever and wherever they are.

Many online shops are already aware of the need to create responsive platforms that are adapted to mobile use. The user experience has improved considerably since the early years of smartphones. However, with mobile apps, the optimisation goes further.

M-commerce pose several advantages:

• Easy access to the latest products and the product catalogue without having to search in the desktop browser.
• Building customer loyalty
• Personalization of shopping experience is infinitely greater.

This is why, among Android users, the use of mobile applications has grown by 220% compared to 2013.

App localization for ecommerce

Mobile applications are the hallmark of smartphones, and the ecommerce sector must be aware of their huge growth potential for growth.

By investing in the development and translation of apps is a safe bet in terms of online shops’ growth and internationalisation strategies.

In any case, it is very important to be clear beforehand that mobile app translation for e-commerce requires the work of both linguistic and cultural professionals.

The main objective of localising a mobile app is to achieve optimal usability for the user, and several factors come into play when doing so.

Aspects to consider when localising apps

The app content must be translated with a marketing-oriented wording. It must be equally attractive, but adapted to the possibilities of mobile devices, especially in terms of the number of characters used and the buttons for interacting with the application.

• Specifying the currency and the appropriate date and time formats, product sizes, etc. according to the market the application is aimed at, as well as the legal peculiarities of target countries, is also essential.
• Design is also fundamental to successful mobile app localisation.Something as seemingly harmless as colours can have negative connotations depending on the culture.

In summary, mobile apps are a sales channel with great potential for online commerce. Deciding to develop and localise mobile applications for your online store is a safe investment.

However, only professional translators can carry out localization for ecommerce app services. They will be able to deal with the linguistic and cultural factors involved in these applications.

Therefore, online shops and professional translation agencies must go hand in hand on the road to internationalisation. Don’t miss our tips on how to internationalise your online shop.