When it comes to online content, I always
notice cross-cultural differences, especially when there is a marked difference
with Greece. I am a translator, after all.
The good news is that these local differences
can be explored to boost a brand.
How can this be done?
With localisation.
ENTER THE LOCAL NARRATIVE
What is localisation? Well, localisation is just like translation, but at the same time, it is much more than that. When it is done right, it looks as if the brand was specifically created for a certain market.
In localisation, every word is important as it determines whether the brand fits the local narrative or not. And this is crucial for success.
A localised website can help a brand find its
place in the local narrative.
Some cultures prefer more detail-oriented
product descriptions. Even in a website that sells toys for children, they want
to see facts and figures. For them, an informed decision is what matters most.
However, I cannot imagine a Greek commercial
website that sells toys mentioning facts and figures. Traditional countries like Greece prefer to see
the social and cultural values behind a product or service.
For the example above, I would expect that the
Greek website would mention that the toy can be given as a gift. In our culture,
it is customary to exchange gifts on many occasions. Greek children receive
gifts all the time: on their name days, on their birthdays, on Easter, on New
Year’s Day. We do shower children with gifts.
Another example is the content that refers to
recipes and food. Many Greek recipes underline the fact that this is something
that children will like and thus eat voluntarily (as child nutrition is very
important in our culture). Numerous milk ads feature children hopping up and
down, impatient to drink up their glasses of milk, filled up to the brim.
LOOK FOR AUTHENTICITY
We cannot say that some strategies are more
authentic than others. Each is authentic for its respected audience. That is
why websites and online content should be localised, not just translated. Not
written from scratch, but not just translated either.
Localisation begins in the target text but it
is not chained to it. If something is not working in the target culture,
localisation simply throws that out of the window and tries to find an alternative
way to make it work in the target culture.
For example, Befana can become St. Nicholas,
Santa Claus, Father Christmas, or Basil of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil
the Great.
Beware: this works only in the context of
website commercial translations. If you are translating a novel, Befana will have
to stay Befana.
Local culture, local images and local problems make more sense to local people. So, they are more likely to buy from you when your content is adapted to their preferences.
A good place to start is to watch out for:
- Idioms and fixed expressions
- Graphic design and images
- Currency, geography, religion and cultural-specific concepts
Are these adapted for your local audiences?
THINK LOCALLY
Global brands are popular. People all over the
world want to be part of them. People are thrilled to be able to try out new
products or services.
Very often, though, the product or service
needs to fit the narrative of the local market. You cannot expect loyalty from customers and clients when the product or
service plainly ignores them.
Rather, it is better to present yourself as
aware of the local narrative; this way, your brand becomes relevant. It becomes
part of the solution.
If not, people will not be able to relate to it. It will not be relevant to them or their needs. They have to be able to visualise themselves using the product or service. They have to be able to see clearly how the product or service is going to satisfy their own particular needs.
Each of us experiences life differently. Our
culture is part of who we are, whether we like it or not. And it almost always informs our
decisions when it comes to buying a product or hiring a specialist. A good
brand strategist needs to think locally to effectively enter a new market.
A local specialist will make a difference. And localisation is key.
If you want to know more about Greek, check out this post: 5 good reasons to learn Greek.
Thanks for reading!
