Recession Proof Your Localization Strategy & Execution

If you’re a localization manager right now, you’re probably being asked to do a lot with very little. The current state of the markets has led to mass layoffs and budget cuts. With the right partnerships, though, project managers can work smart to execute cost-saving, recession-proof localization budgets.

As companies re-evaluate and optimize their growth strategies, localization will need to be an important consideration for many companies. A 2022 study by Lokalise found that 87% of surveyed participants agreed that localization is key to many large companies successfully entering new geographies. But, the same survey found that 97% of companies report localization challenges, including product issues, delays, higher costs, and errors.

Challenges During An Economic Recession For Global Businesses

During an economic downturn or recession, global businesses face a unique set of challenges that can significantly impact their operations and growth strategies. With budget constraints, increased demand, and uncertainty in the market, companies must navigate these difficulties wisely.

One pressing challenge for many companies is the need to streamline operations and reduce costs without compromising quality. This includes optimizing processes across the board, from production to marketing. Finding efficient ways to manage human resources also becomes paramount during tough economic times.

Additionally, businesses must stay agile and adapt quickly to changing market conditions. This means being ready to pivot their strategies, products, or services to target markets to meet evolving customer demands and preferences.

Maintaining a strong online presence and digital marketing strategy is crucial, as consumers increasingly turn to e-commerce during economic downturns. Investing in digital transformation and new customers can be a smart move to ensure continued customer engagement, conversion rate, and revenue generation.

Finally, fostering partnerships and collaborations can help companies weather the storm of the economic downturn. Strategic alliances can provide access to new markets, technologies, and resources for existing clients, enabling businesses to remain competitive even in challenging economic environments.

Importance of Localization For International Business

Localization is vital for international businesses as it facilitates effective communication and market penetration. During an economic recession, challenges for global businesses intensify. Budget constraints may limit investments in localization efforts, making it difficult to connect with diverse audiences.

This could lead to missed opportunities and reduced revenue streams. Furthermore, the recession can disrupt supply and demand chains and logistics, affecting the availability of localized products or services. Navigating fluctuating exchange rates and economic instability becomes a logistical nightmare for many businesses. In such times, localization remains essential as it helps companies maintain customer trust and loyalty, enabling them to weather the economic storm. Businesses that prioritize localization during recessions can sustain global growth, adapt to changing customer needs, and remain competitive when markets eventually recover.

Localization is integral to a company’s growth plan. So, what’s the smartest way to overcome these challenges and achieve effective localization that actually saves resources?  

Look for a localization partner with highly technical capabilities that’s in it for the long run.  

Here’s how a quality localization partner can help with cost saving: 

7 Ways to Recession Proof Your Localization Strategy and Execution

1. Save Time Searching for Credible Translators 

A quality localization vendor should have a large network of vetted translators that you can instantly access and trust with your projects, so you don’t have to spend time searching for professional translators. Look for a localization partner that works with top translation talent that specialize in your company’s industry. That way you can be sure they’ll understand the context and nuances of your projects.   

To maintain quality and save time on feedback turnarounds, you’ll want to have the option to continue working with the same translators once you find the right ones. If a translator already knows your product, nails your brand tone-of-voice, and understands your goals, then working with them consistently will save time and effort in the long run.  

BLEND allows you to build and maintain your own professional translator team with the MyTeam feature, so you can expect the consistent quality and fast turnaround that you’re looking for from your translator team. 

2. Automated Workflows for Cost Savings 

Localization is a dynamic field with many moving parts, requiring localization managers to be expert jugglers of a variety of different tools, people, and projects. To keep track of every step of the localization project is a big task without the right tools. Look for a platform that offers customizable, API-driven workflows that can adapt to your needs and goals. That way, it’s easy to scale your projects when the time comes.  

For example, let’s say your goal is to localize all your social media content. Imagine a platform that allows you to open social media translation projects, monitor them, provide feedback, approve final copy, and then post directly to social channels all in one place. Whether your company needs localization for social media, eCommerce, customer support or anything in between, BLEND builds custom APIs that are tailor-made to your needs.  

Working between many different tools adds up in cost and time. A localization partner that integrates with your TMS and CAT Tools makes the process a lot smoother and more pleasant. If you don’t use a TMS or CAT Tool, or are unhappy with the one you are using, your localization partner should be able to help guide you to the right tools based on your needs. The more your workflows can be automated and integrated, the less manual input you need to worry about.

3. Work Smart with Translation Technology 

Translation technology should be a part of any efficient localization workflow. Partnering with a localization platform that provides AI translation, machine translations (MT), and translation memory (TM) is essential to save both time and money.  

Using an integrated CAT Tool with a TM cuts time on revisions and turnaround, so you can get your content back faster. TM also helps with brand consistency, so you can trust that the quality and terminology of your translations will be on point every time.  

A quality localization partner should be able to help you determine when to leverage AI, MT, and TM, and how to balance these tools with professional human translators for maximum cost savings. 

4. Make Your LQA Hassle-Free 

A true localization partner should support you through every step of the localization process, including localization quality assurance (LQA). Save time searching for proofreaders with professional proofreading services from a reliable localization partner.  

Make sure your partner also offers the option for in-house localization professionals to QA and test your projects for you. By the time the end product reaches you, it should be ready to use.  

Along with offering professional proofreading and QA assistance, BLEND’s leveling system matches you to vetted translators that have produced quality work time and time again, so you can trust that you’ll be happy with the results. Plus, having direct communication with the translators working on your projects through BLEND’s platform will help shorten turnaround times and the LQA process.  

5. Easily Manage Your Budget 

One of the biggest advantages of working with a single-source localization partner is the fact that it simplifies your budget planning. Partnering with one platform that integrates all your localization needs means that you can save time trying to budget all your projects across different platforms.  

Beyond text translation, BLEND offers voice-over localization, transcription, and data enrichment services. As your company scales and grows, your needs may change. A single-source partner can be there for the long-run, altering your package as needed and working on a pricing plan that makes sense.  

6. Prioritizing Key Markets

During challenging economic times, it’s essential to prioritize your efforts wisely. Identify and focus on key markets that offer the most potential for growth and stability. Conduct market research to understand which regions or countries are less impacted by the recession or have resilient industries.

By narrowing your localization and marketing efforts to these strategic markets, you can allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that your message reaches the right audience at the right time. This approach not only maximizes your chances of success but also helps you navigate the recession with confidence.

7. Find The Right Localization Partner

Choosing the right localization partner is critical for your company’s success during economic downturns. Look for a partner with a proven track record in delivering high-quality, cost-effective localization services. Consider their expertise in your industry and their ability to adapt to changing market and domestic economic conditions.

A reliable partner will help you navigate the challenges of localization, offering support, guidance, and flexible solutions tailored to your specific needs. Collaborating with the right localization partner can be a game-changer, ensuring that your business remains agile, efficient, and competitive even in the face of economic uncertainties.

Partner with BLEND for Recession-Proof Localization 

Finding the right localization partner can help you overcome common localization challenges. By streamlining the localization process, you’ll be able to save money, meet deadlines, and see results. This way, the localization strategy and execution that your company needs to grow will always be accessible and recession-proof. 

With a network of over 25,000 certified translators, professional voice talent in over 120 languages, and an international team of localization experts, BLEND has all the resources you need for efficient and successful execution. BLEND’s localization professionals partner with you to create a customized plan based on your needs and goals — so you can save time and money while hitting every KPI.  

Ready for recession-proof localization? Get in touch with us for your customized solution.  

Corinne Sharabi

Corinne is the Social Media and Content Lead at BLEND. She is dedicated to keeping global business professionals up to date on all things localization, translation, language and culture.

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