What is localization?

Localization is simply transforming and translating the content, look, and feel of a product, website, application, media, or service, specifically tending to different audience segments. In most cases, this audience segregation would be done based on language, region, or more. In reality, localization is a business's key to unlocking an entirely new revenue center and widening your brand reach in the global market.

Localization in a Knowledge base

When you have a global clientele for your business, having a localized language website and knowledge base makes more sense. This would eliminate many hindrances your customers face in engaging with your single-language website for support.

For instance
In Document360, if you have a default language of your knowledge base as English, but you also have added support articles in a few other languages like Spanish and Japanese;

The reader would choose to switch between the different languages using a dropdown at the top right section of your page. Upon selecting the required language from the list, the support articles would be displayed in the chosen language (If you have translated the articles in the respective language by manual or machine translation).

Editor view

Here is the editor view when you author articles on the Documentation menu using either markdown or WYSIWYG (HTML) editor.
Languages : English (default) and Russian

Complete localization

A localized Document360 knowledge base would constitute the respective language's functionalities, articles, and controls. This would mean the content is translated from the original language and modified to suit the target audience better. Your pages' graphics, colors, aesthetics, fonts, and images can also be modified.

A Fully localized Knowledge base resonates with your diverse users because it incorporates relevant culturally local nuance to feel familiar instead of simply using machine translators and replacing the English words with translated text.

A multilingual Document360 Knowledge base could automatically detect and load in a customer's preferred language (based on the customer's login location or browser location preferences).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is localization of a knowledge base?

Localization of a knowledge base refers to the process of adapting and translating content in your product's documentation to suit the language, culture, and preferences of different target audiences in various regions.

Why is it important to localize our product's knowledge base?

Localizing your knowledge base enhances user experience by providing content in the user's native language, making it easier for them to understand and use your product. It also demonstrates your commitment to serving a global customer base and reduce the churn rate.

What content should be localized in a knowledge base?

Typically, all customer-facing content, including articles, FAQs, user guides, smart bars, cookie consent, controls, and interface text, should be localized to ensure consistency and clarity for users in different regions.

How do I decide which languages to prioritize for localization?

Document360 recommends you to prioritize languages based on your customer demographics, market demand, and potential growth opportunities in specific regions. Analyze user data and feedback to make informed decisions.

Can I use machine translation for knowledge base localization?

While machine translation tools offered by Document360 can be a starting point, it's recommended to have human translators review and refine the content to ensure accuracy and maintain the intended meaning.

How do I maintain consistency across localized knowledge base content?

Document360 recommends the Implemention of style guides, glossaries, and translation memory to maintain consistent terminology and writing conventions across different languages.

What challenges should I anticipate during knowledge base localization?

Some challenges include cultural nuances, technical jargon, and context-specific references that may not directly translate. A well-planned localization strategy can help overcome these challenges. You can also use third-party translation integration such as Crowdin with your Document360 project.

How often should I update the localized knowledge base content?

Document360 recommends you to keep localized content up-to-date with the original source content. Regularly review and update translated articles to reflect changes and improvements. Use the "Review reminder" feature to set up regular notification.

Should I use separate knowledge base workspaces for each language or have a single multilingual knowledge base workspace?

This depends on your resources and user needs. Document360 recommends the use of a single multilingual knowledge base workspace. It is more manageable, and Document360 offers an array of security and access features for better control and customization.

How do I measure the success of my knowledge base localization efforts?

Use metrics like user engagement, performance analytics, geography metrics, support ticket reduction, customer satisfaction, and feedback from users in different regions to evaluate the effectiveness of your knowledge base localization strategy.