Photo by Austin Distel
A SaaS (Software as a Service) is a software solution accessible online, usually offered as a subscription. Unlike traditional software, it does not require any installation on the computer. The translation of a SaaS is not limited to transposing words from one language to another.It is a complex process, combining linguistic, cultural, and technical adaptations.
Milega, your multilingual expert agency, answers any questions you may have about the translation of SaaS:
- Should a SaaS be translated or localised?
- What specific elements of a SaaS require translation?
- What are the challenges when translating a SaaS?
- How to successfully complete this project, step by step?
- What are the best practices to ensure the best translation for SaaS?
1. Translation or Localization of a SaaS?
When it comes to internationalising a SaaS, good translation isn’t always enough. Let’s take a simple example: the date format. In the United States, a user who wants to note the date of 5 November will write “11/05/2024”, while in Europe, this same notation corresponds to 11 May. Far from being trivial, this type of detail affects understanding and the user experience. This is why it is important to go beyond simple translation, and to move your software solution through a Localization process. The Localization will focus in particular on the following points:
1.1. Conversions and formats
- The currencies: Localization ensures that the amounts on your SaaS are consistently and accurately converted into the local currency.
- Units of measurement: Many vary by country, so make all necessary conversions (in inches, feet, pounds, ounces, and other gallons).
- The formats.Thanks to the localization, the presentation of dates, times, and addresses is always in accordance with local conventions.
1.2. Legal compliance
Localization also allows for legal compliance with country-specific regulations. This includes, for example, adapting legal notices to ensure Legal compliance with the European GDPR, or to meet specific tax or regulatory requirements.
1.3. Cultural adjustments
Each market has its preferences and cultural sensitivities. Some content, textual or visual, must therefore be adapted to avoid misunderstandings. For example, an illustration showing a handshake might be perceived as inappropriate in Japan, where bowing is the norm for greeting.
In summary, software Localization aims to create a natural User interface experience, as if SaaS had been designed specifically for each target market. Investing in a SaaS translation and Localization service is therefore advisable to facilitate the adoption of your product internationally.
2. What elements need to be translated in a SaaS?
Software translation encompasses a multitude of elements, going well beyond the main user interface.
2.1. The user interface
Buttons, menus, pop-ups or error messages will be translated to ensure easy navigation in all target languages. The relevant translation of a user interface, ideally by a native speaker, makes it accessible and intuitive.
2.2. User documentation and online help
User guides, FAQs, and video tutorials are essential to accompany customers. These contents must be translated and adapted. Nothing is more annoying for a user than being confronted with poorly translated user documentation, revealing that it was not intended for them.
2.3. Glossaries
A glossary is an important tool in a SaaS technology service, as software-specific terminology can be complex. It is important that technical terms are clearly defined in all targeted languages. Particular attention will therefore be paid to the translation of the Glossary.
2.4. Marketing content and sales messages
Advertising campaigns and landing pages must capture local audiences by respecting their cultural and linguistic particularities. This is where creative translation, or Transcreation, comes in, which involves adapting marketing messages while preserving their intent, style, and emotional impact.For example, a slogan based on a pun in English may require complete rephrasing to have the same effect in another language.
2.5. Customer support scripts
To provide quality support, customer support scripts should be translated with clarity and precision. A user who encounters a difficulty with the software must be able to obtain a clear answer. This is an essential point for your image among users.
3. What are the challenges specific to translating a SaaS?
The translation of a SaaS involves specific challenges that require expertise and responsiveness.
3.1. Frequent updates
SaaS solutions are constantly evolving. Each update or new feature requires a rapid translation to maintain a seamless user experience. A delay in translation can lead to confusion and adversely affect the satisfaction of international users.
3.2. Technical terminology
SaaS often relies on specialised language, where each term has a precise meaning. Translating these terms into other languages can be tricky, especially when the technical terminology has no direct equivalents. Poor translation can lead to misunderstandings or give an impression of amateurism, undermining the credibility of the software.
3.3. Multilingual SEO optimisation
For a SaaS to gain visibility internationally, it is not enough to translate keywords literally: they must be adapted to local search habits. This SEO-optimised translation involves performing an in-depth analysis of relevant queries in each target language, while taking into account the specificities of search engines, such as Baidu in China or Yandex in Russia.
4. The stages of translating a SaaS
The translation of a SaaS is a methodical process. Once the destination languages have been defined and the budget allocated, here are the steps to follow:
4.1. Analysis and planning
This step aims to identify the content to be translated (User interface, guides, marketing scripts) to develop an effective strategy adapted to the complexity of SaaS.
4.2. Content preparation
This involves extracting, formatting, and organising the files to facilitate their processing by translators and specialised tools.
4.3. Translation and Localization
This is where an expertise is necessary. It is necessary not only to translate, but also to adapt the content to the cultural and technical context of each region. For this step, which also includes Multilingual SEO localization, it is essential to call on specialized professionals.
4.4. Integration of translations
Next comes the time to incorporate the translated content into the specific formats of the SaaS software. Their integration must be perfect, without display errors in the user interface.
4.5. Tests
After integration, conduct usability testing of the user interface and features, to detect and correct any errors, and ensure a bug-free user experience.
4.6. Upload
Finally, the localised version of the SaaS can be deployed in the target markets.
Using professionals, like Milega, ensures that every step is carried out with care and precision.
5. Best practices in SaaS translation
5.1. Creation of a glossary and style guide
Creating a detailed Glossary helps maintain consistent Technical terminology, especially for technical terms. A style guide sets out the rules to be followed for each language, and ensures a uniform tone for all content.
5.2. Using Transcreation
For marketing content (slogans, advertising campaigns, landing pages), call on Transcreation experts. They will know how to adapt your messages so that they remain impactful while respecting the cultural sensitivities of the target audience.
5.3. Translation memories
Using translation memory tools allows for the reuse of segments that have already been translated, saving time and money, while maintaining consistent quality.
5.4. Conducting tests
The tests allow for the detection of potential translation or display errors. Check that everything works as expected by involving native testers for accurate feedback.
The translation of SaaS is a complex process, but essential for international success. At Milega, we support our clients in their SaaS translation and Localization projects. In particular, we helped the SaaS platform Nosto to internationalise, by ensuring a complete localization of its user interface and marketing content.
Are you also ready to conquer new markets? Trust the expertise of Milega!
