Five factors to consider for the Chinese software localization service

The Chinese market is full of opportunities. However, it is not an easy task to tap into the Chinese market. It is quite tricky to strive in China.

To tempt Chinese audiences and create appeal to them it is important that translation is much more than a simple translation and the whole content of the app is adapted and positioned as per the choices of local consumers.

Entrepreneurs often dream of tapping the Chinese market as their process of globalization.

Here are five important rules that should be followed in order to tap the Chinese market well.

1.  Keeping it simple and casual

This is an important factor for the Chinese software localization services. It is also applicable to the higher-level approach to market for Chinese users.

The developers can also go to Chinese app stores and look for the attributes and features that they have marketed for fetching more customers. They address their customers in a tone that is helpful and simple.

Chinese apps such as ‘Taobao’ and ‘Iqiyi’ describe the features and screenshots in four to six characters. Hence, it is worth mentioning that during the localization of the screenshots and its caption they should not cut corners with translation tools.

They rather should go for a trusted and credible translation service that is well aware of the lingo and slang words in China.

2.  Making it social

Chinese software localization services should be efficient and effective. Mainstream users of China rarely use social platforms such as Facebook, and Twitter as the government has banned these.

They can access the sites through a VPN but the VPN could be quite costly for most Chinese. Hence, it is important to go for the campaigns for the publicity of the software localization. The company can boost traffic by starting campaigns on WeChat and Weibo. These are more like WhatsApp and Twitter in China. These have the features to get integrated into apps socially.

3.  Money is a big deal in China

It is not easy to go for Chinese localization services. The companies should be prepared well to adapt according to the preferences and choices of local users. China is a developed country. A number of Chinese smartphone users have goals of making and saving money.

China is a country where saving rates are around 50% and that is more than double of the US. All of the app developers and other marketers understand well that savings and getting discounts are hit for the Chinese masses.

That implies how money is really important for the Chinese people. Hence, developing software that is related to e-commerce has even more potential to shine bright in the Chinese market.

The makers can work on offering discounts on different things so that more people can make purchases. Moreover, the local publishers also use financial incentives to make their app strike and stick on top.

4.  Original content is the key

The content has to be original. The copied or plagiarized content doesn’t work in the long run. Mobile content is more appreciated and fresh content is the most sought. Companies such as Xiaomi and other innovative smartphones are manufactured by Chinese manufacturers.

More people in China are now owners of internet-driven devices. The penetration rate of China’s smartphones has reached 50% and a country with a population of billions has opportunities for one and all.

Youku – Chinese YouTube

Youku is considered China’s YouTube. However, it is an app that the Chinese consider their Netflix. Youku is leading the original and official division of original content on the internet throughout the country.

That doesn’t refer to being an owner of a big media house in order to promote original content. The original content makes its spaces of its own. Companies that deal with the Chinese localization services also take care of the factor about which app or software is being localized. The original content shines itself on the app store.

Considering cultural norms

Cultural norms vary with the people and regions. Since localization requires so much effort, not paying attention to cultural norms may ruin things and efforts. Many practices that are common and openly acceptable in China are controversial subjects in China. There is an app named ‘Momo’ that is somehow developed on the concept of Tinder and has a different approach and practice in China.

The app works more in the Chinese way and according to the Chinese norms. It suggests meeting up and later socializing. However, that doesn’t prove that foreign companies can not try new things and cannot have a risqué approach.

There are many other apps that are even more open than tinder. Gender norms are one of the basic cultural differences when it comes to Chinese culture and values. Moreover, norms regarding age, income, and more are also there.

Conclusion

Localizing software for the Chinese masses is not a simple task. It rather requires a lot of technicalities and considering many factors. However, when it comes to basic factors, these include taking care of cultural norms, working on original content, engaging in social activity, and keeping it simple.