Is Localization in Mobile Apps Beneficial for Business Growth? 7 Reasons

Localization in mobile apps helps businesses expand globally, improve user experience, increase revenue, and gain a competitive edge by adapting content, language, and design for different markets.

Highlights

• 72% of users prefer apps in their native language for better engagement and retention.
• Localized apps see 26% more revenue due to improved user experience and cultural adaptation.
• Apps with multilingual support get 128% more downloads in international markets.

Co-Founder

Vandana Abrol

5 min read

An enthusiastic developer and skilled business management expert with over a decade of experience in the field

In today’s fast-growing digital world, businesses are growing beyond borders. A mobile app that works well in one country may not perform the same way in another due to language and cultural differences. This is where localization comes into play. Adapting an app for different regions allows businesses to connect with a wider audience, making the process more user-friendly.

Localization involves modifying the language, currency, measurement units, cultural references, and even design to fit the preferences of users in different regions. Many companies are now focusing on this strategy to improve optimization, internationalize their products, and increase revenue. Below, we will discuss seven reasons why localization can help a business grow.

Expanding to a Global Audience

A mobile application available only in one language limits the number of people who can use it. By localizing the app into multiple languages, businesses can connect with more users in different countries. A report by CSA Research found that 72% of users prefer apps in their native language because it makes navigation and communication easy.

For example, a shopping app that supports multiple languages allows users from different regions to browse and purchase without confusion. This increases trust and encourages users to spend more time on the store. Companies investing in internationalizing their apps often see a significant rise in their base of users and sales.

Increased User Engagement and Retention

Users are more likely to continue using an app that feels familiar to them. If an app supports their language, local payment methods, and cultural preferences, they will find it more comfortable to use. This improves customer satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates.

For instance, an on-demand app development company that localizes food delivery apps for different markets can ensure that customers easily understand the menu, pricing, and payment options. If users find the app easy to use, they are more likely to place repeat orders, improving long-term business growth.

Higher Revenue Generation

When an app is accessible to users from various locations, businesses can earn more through in-app purchases, advertisements, and subscriptions. Many companies miss out on potential revenue because their apps are not adapted for different markets. App Annie reports that localized apps generate 26% more revenue than non-localized ones.

For example, an Android app developer working on a gaming app can integrate localized in-game purchases that accept different currencies and payment options. This encourages users to make purchases without hesitation. Studies show that users are more likely to spend money when prices are displayed in their local currency.

Using Firebase for push notifications can further increase user engagement by sending localized offers and updates.

Competitive Advantage in the Market

Many businesses focus only on one or two major markets, leaving opportunities in other regions untapped. By localizing an app, companies can enter less competitive markets where they have a better chance of success.

For example, an app development company that localizes its fitness tracking app for Australians can attract more users because most competitors may not have adapted their apps for that audience. Localized apps often perform better than non-localized ones in regional app stores, giving businesses an edge over their competitors. ASO (App Store Optimization) plays a key role in increasing downloads. Statista projects that multilingual apps receive 128% more downloads in global markets.

Using frameworks like Flutter, Swift, Bloc, Ionic, and React can make it easier to adapt apps for multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and web applications.

Better User Reviews and Ratings

Users tend to leave positive reviews for apps that meet their expectations. An app that is difficult to navigate due to language barriers often receives negative feedback, which can affect its ranking in the store.

Localization improves the user experience, making the app more appealing to customers in different regions. Better ratings lead to higher app store rankings, increasing visibility and downloads. A mobile app development company looking to build long-term customer trust should consider localization as a key factor in its strategy.

Popular platforms like PhraseApp, locize, and golocal help businesses manage translations and i18n (internationalization) processes more efficiently.

Adaptation to Legal and Cultural Requirements

Every country has its own rules and cultural expectations regarding data privacy, user content, and payment processing. If an app does not follow these regulations, it may face legal issues, leading to restrictions or removal from app stores.

For instance, some countries have strict privacy laws requiring companies to store user data locally. Businesses that localize their apps to comply with these laws avoid penalties and gain user trust. In addition, cultural differences play a significant role in app success. An image, phrase, or symbol that works well in one country might be offensive or inappropriate in another.

Using tools like Azure, Firebase, etc can help businesses comply with data regulations.

Increased Marketing Opportunities

A well-localized app allows businesses to run targeted marketing campaigns for different regions. Ads, promotions, and push notifications can be designed in a way that connects with the local audience.

For example, an Android app development company that builds e-commerce apps can adjust seasonal promotions based on local festivals and holidays. If a shopping app is localized for the Indian market, it can offer special discounts during Diwali, while in the United States, it can focus on Black Friday sales.

Using Telegram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat can further improve engagement by delivering region-specific marketing messages.

Steps to Successfully Localize a Mobile App

Localization is not just about translation. It involves several steps to ensure that the app feels natural and familiar to users in different regions. Here’s how businesses can successfully localize their apps:

Identify Target Markets

Before localizing an app, it’s important to research and identify the markets with high potential. Understanding user behavior, language preferences, and local competitors helps businesses decide which regions to focus on first.

Translate and Adapt Content

Translating text is the most basic step, but it must be done carefully. Machine translations often fail to capture the correct meaning and cultural context. Hiring professional localizers ensures that content feels natural and appropriate for the audience.

Adjust Currency and Payment Options

People are more comfortable making payments in their local currency. Businesses should integrate region-specific payment gateways to make transactions easier for users.

Modify Design and Layout

Different languages have different text lengths. For instance, German words are often longer than English words, while Arabic and Hebrew are written right to left. Adjusting the app’s storyboard layout to accommodate these differences improves usability.

Localize Images and Icons

Certain symbols, colors, and images may have different meanings in different cultures. Ensuring that visuals are appropriate for each region helps avoid misunderstandings or negative reactions.

Optimize for Local Search Engines

Just like websites, apps need to be optimized for app store searches. Using region-specific keywords and descriptions improves search rankings and increases downloads.

Test the Localized App

Before launching the localized version, businesses should test the app with native speakers to ensure accuracy. This helps identify any errors or issues that might affect the user experience.

Final Words

Localization plays a crucial role in expanding a business through mobile apps. It allows companies to connect with users from different regions by making the app more accessible and user-friendly. Businesses that invest in localization benefit from higher revenue, better user retention, increased market reach, and stronger customer relationships.

As competition in the mobile app industry grows, companies that fail to localize may find it difficult to compete with those that do. By following the right strategies, businesses can successfully adapt their apps to meet the needs of a global audience, securing long-term success in the digital marketplace.

Ensure Your Mobile App’s Success with Localization

In today’s global digital market, a localized mobile app is essential for reaching a wider audience and improving user engagement. Whether it’s a business app, an on-demand service platform, or an AI-powered solution, adapting your app to different languages, cultures, and regions ensures better accessibility, usability, and market expansion.

At Digittrix, we specialize in mobile app development and localization services for startups and enterprises. From translation and currency adaptation to cultural customization and ASO optimization, our team ensures your app is optimized for diverse markets while maintaining high performance.

Want to expand your app’s reach and improve user retention through localization? Schedule a consultation with our experts today by calling +91 8727000867 or emailing digittrix@gmail.com.