The current economic landscape is marked by uncertainty, high inflation, and customers that are tightening their belts or centralizing functions.
As a CFO or CEO, you will be looking for ways to accelerate revenue or reduce costs with in-year payback on investment. One often-overlooked yet powerful strategy is investing in robust localization and translation approaches.
According to research conducted by CSA, Fortune 500 companies that invest in translation were twice as likely to experience an increase in profits as well as generate an augmented increase in earnings per share (EPS).
By embracing the opportunity that a seamless localization programme presents, you can fortify your business against market turbulence and secure a strong position for future growth.
Localization goes beyond mere translation; it encompasses the cultural, linguistic, and functional adaptation of your content, products, or services to resonate with diverse target audiences.
A strong localization strategy, supported by the right technology, allows you to reach global markets faster and more efficiently. But how does this translate to risk mitigation? Let’s explore.
Diversified revenue streams
As a C-suite leader, you’ll understand the benefits of diversification as an investment strategy, and the wisdom of this extends well beyond stock portfolios.
Diversification across global markets - as indeed multilingual or diaspora audiences in your home markets - is, in fact, a critical way for CFOs and CEOs to mitigate long-term organizational risks.
A strong localized presence in multiple markets shields your business from the impact of economic fluctuations in any single region. Additionally, you can learn about new use cases and value propositions for your services in new markets.
Lastly, we’ve seen that companies that diversify their language delivery find new audiences that they weren’t expecting, as customers feel that the product or service is more targeted to them.
Enhanced brand integrity and loyalty
Companies shouldn’t underestimate the critical role of localization and translation when it comes to building a strong presence in a market—the kind of presence that can bolster your brand and reduce risk over the long run.
Through localization, we not only translate content but also ensure that our brand's messaging aligns with local sentiments and values.
This alignment fosters trust and reinforces brand integrity and a strong audience connection to that brand, which proves to be a strong pillar, especially during times of market uncertainty.
In its research, CSA also found 3 out of 4 consumers want to see product reviews in their language, and nearly two-thirds will only make a purchase in their own language.
When customers feel valued and understood, they’re more likely to become repeat buyers and recommend your brand to others.
By offering tailored content that speaks to your audience’s specific needs and preferences, you can foster trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships that bolster your business through economic fluctuations.
Improved competitive positioning
Companies that invest in localization and translation tools and technology can swiftly adapt to market changes and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This agility enables you to stay ahead of competitors who may be slow to react, ultimately enhancing your market share and financial stability.
A strong localization approach also helps companies adapt pricing structures to suit the local economic conditions, consumer behavior, and competition in different regions while accounting for currency fluctuations and adjusting prices accordingly to maintain profitability and competitiveness.
Lower margins in some markets might be offset by higher margins in others. Large and sticky niche markets can be discovered that haven’t been envisaged before.
Legal and compliance
Implementing a well-thought-out localization and translation strategy is essential for legal and compliance purposes, especially for organizations operating in an increasingly globalized world.
It helps in understanding and adhering to local laws, communicating effectively and protecting the organization’s reputation. In turn, this reduces legal risks and fosters a smoother market entry.
Talent management and development
In today’s business landscape, attracting, retaining, and nurturing top talent is a pressing concern for CFOs and CEOs alike. With 73 percent of employers facing hurdles in finding skilled candidates, it’s evident that a new approach is needed.
Opting for a localized strategy in global hiring can be a game changer. By creating an inclusive workspace and providing localized training materials and communications that resonate with diverse backgrounds, businesses can forge a robust, highly productive workforce.
In the dynamic global market, fostering an approach that combines localization and translation with an eye on talent management and development is not just an option; it’s a strategic imperative.
Imagine operating a global field engineering team of tens of thousands of engineers, without localizing the field manuals. Incorporating localization allows for a wider hiring pool, faster onboarding, and reduced failure rates.
In the face of a volatile economic environment, a forward-thinking approach in risk mitigation is indispensable. Harnessing the power of localization and translation emerges as an imperative, not just to thrive but to protect the very foundation of a business.
As we’ve discussed, localization goes beyond just translation; it’s a combination of cultural, linguistic, and functional adaptations. Â
For savvy CFOs and CEOs, this is not a tick-box exercise but a strategic move in diversifying revenue streams, bolstering brand integrity, sharpening competitive positioning, ensuring legal compliance, and invigorating talent management.
A judicious investment in a localization strategy can protect your business from the uncertainties of the market creating a springboard for future growth and success.
In an increasingly interconnected world, localization is not just an auxiliary tool; it's an essential cog in the wheel of business strategy, driving resilience and success in the face of market turbulence.
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