Companies aiming to reach a new target audience are required to do more than just put their advertising content through translation applications. Many times, incorrect or wrong translations lead to the downfall of a product in a new market as they cause confusion and miscommunication about the product. This can cause considerable losses to the companies investing heavily in marketing in these new target zones.
Localization allows brands to convey their theme and identity accurately and in the intended manner. This helps brands stand out among the competition. But localization is not merely about translating text accurately. Executing localization QA tests enables businesses to thrive in global as well as local markets.
Localization QA Testers and Their Responsibilities
The role of a localization QA tester is to ensure that all elements of a product, such as content and other related marketing mediums, are accurate. They are responsible for ensuring that all communication regarding the product or brand reaches end users in the intended way.
There are three main methods testers use to localize a product:
1. LINGUISTIC TESTING:
This type of testing includes the following:
- Accuracy of translation
- Consistency of terminologies
- Proper Calendar Format
- Any Missing Content.
2. FUNCTIONAL TESTING
These testing processes allow testers to check if the product is working properly and in the intended manner. Functionality testing mainly checks the accuracy of:
- Links
- App Behaviour
- Input/output Validation
3. COSMETIC TESTING
These testing processes ensure the product is:
- Consistent with the source material
- Images are properly localized
- Character Display is accurate
Localization QA and testing are important for ensuring the suitability of localized software products in local markets. Precise localization testing strategies guarantee that top quality products reach their intended markets, as well as ensure that such strategies are free of any bugs or errors made during the localization process. QA testing enables businesses to be certain that their products are linguistically accurate, functional, and adapted to suit the cultural norms of their target audience.
Several leading IT firms believe that localization is the key to gaining a competitive edge. Software users can often choose from several similar products when it comes to the global market. Customers often switch to a competitor if they encounter a bug or find their experience substandard, as it fulfills their needs. In today’s evolving landscape, the wrong user experience can cause significant damage to a brand’s reputation in the market, as users can voice their negative experiences and opinions on social media.
This makes localization QA and testing experts vital for ensuring that users have a satisfying experience to create a positive brand image. Software testing companies ensure that businesses comprehend their localization QA requirements and assist them in choosing the correct testing programs.
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Here are six major reasons why localization QA and testing are essential for businesses:
1. Meeting the Local Specifications :
Localization QA testers make sure that characters are shown correctly according to the local calendar and date format. For instance, changing dates, holidays, currencies, and numbers to suit Asian markets. If it is left unchanged, it can cause the impact of several factors like misalignment, text expansion, overlap, etc.
2. Consider all Factors Related to Target Audience :
This refers to all aspects and elements related to the localized product(s) before the actual testing. These include translation, internalization and localization. Testing enables a team of localization QA experts to detect bugs and errors that have materialized during the testing process.
3. Cultural Factors :
Testers examine the different cultural factors and norms and make their user experience feel local and not generic. This has a significant impact on the perception and utility of a software application.
4. Localized Versions :
Several elements of software products can vary depending on the locale, but the aim is always to retain global solutions. Testing makes sure that all localized versions are consistent concerning the source of the product and deliver the intended user experience.
5. Speed and Accuracy :
Localization testing teams ensure that only the best and top quality products are released faster in every country. These products are subject to testing as well to make sure they contain all the new features and are free of bugs.
6. Linguistic Translators :
Experts need to work with an isolated source file. They are responsible for maintaining that the context of each localized product works properly for different user types and focusing on providing the intended quality and experience of the product as well as running functionality tests.
Conclusion
According to studies, more than half of all consumers prefer to use software products in their native language. These are some of the reasons why localizing software solutions can be worthwhile and help firms thrive.
