When we talk about localization, the first things to come to mind are often multinational corporations like Apple, Google, Twitter, or Facebook. While it’s true that localization helps for-profit companies reach international customers and expand their sales, localization is a powerful tool for non-profit organizations as well.
Localization encompasses a wide range of language-related services, from multilingual websites to translated brochures and e-books, subtitled or dubbed videos, even multilingual search engine optimization and social media management.
First and most obviously, your non-profit organization should pursue translation and localization if you serve primarily non-English-speaking populations. By translating your website, your marketing materials, and your volunteer training information, you can better reach people in the communities you serve in the languages that they are most comfortable using.
Making information about your organization available in multiple languages, for example through a localized website, also helps you build awareness of your cause and your organization’s goals and mission. The more people all over the world are aware of the change that you wish to see in the world, the greater impact your organization can have. Localization also allows you to access a wider pool of potential donors and volunteers.
Lastly, high quality translation and localization can help you build trust for your organization. If you’ve ever come across a poorly translated menu that left a bad taste in your mouth, you understand how you can lose trust in something when it is untranslated or translated poorly. The same can be said for non-profit organizations. Beneficiaries, donors, and volunteers will be more comfortable working with an organization that speaks their language. Research has shown that customers are much less likely to buy products online if they are using a website that is not in their native language (“Can’t Read, Won’t Buy,” Common Sense Advisory, 2014), and this finding can be generalized to donations as well. Don’t let language barriers keep your organization from reaching its goals.
Because Globe Multilingual Services provides translation and localization services free of charge to deserving non-profit organizations, we allow you to focus your resources on making a difference in the communities you serve. Contact us today to see how we can help with your organization’s multilingual communication needs.
References:
http://blog.globalizationpartners.com/website-translation-nonprofit-organizations.aspx
Shaun Kelly is a localization project manager at Globe Multilingual Services. She specializes in Japanese to English Translation and Localization and is enthusiastic about helping Japanese non-profits in need of English localization. Connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter.
