The business world today is more global than it’s ever been. To compete in this arena, becoming international is more of a must-have than a nice-to-have.
Success comes from not just translating words into other languages, but localizing into specific cultures with messages adapted to resonate with local audiences.
As a Language Service Provider (LSP) we know that taking your business global is a challenging prospect. The best first step in this process is to find the right LSP to partner with. One who understands your business, your goals and, importantly, your industry.
But how do you find them? There are a lot of LSPs out there that will be vying for your attention.
Here’s our guide of what you should look for to help you make a smart, strategic decision.
Understand Your Specific Needs
Before starting your search, define exactly what you need from a localization partner. Are you launching an app, marketing campaign, or technical product? Different industries have different demands.
For instance, software localization requires expertise in user interfaces and functionality testing, while marketing localization demands cultural nuance and creativity.
Clearly outline your goals and requirements so that you can find the partner with the best fit for your organization.
Look for Industry Experience
This may sound obvious, but we frequently see businesses partnering with LSPs that don’t operate in their industry. And localization certainly isn’t a one-size-fits-all process.
Healthcare, legal, finance, gaming — each industry comes with its own terminology, regulations, and audience expectations.
Only look for partners who have a proven track record in your field. Ask for case studies, references, or client testimonials that demonstrate their expertise.
An experienced partner will already understand your industry's nuances, reducing risks and shortening your time to market.
Evaluate Their Linguistic and Cultural Expertise
Quality localization goes beyond direct translation. It involves cultural adaptation — considering local customs, humor, etiquette, and even color symbolism (want to make an impact in Japan? The color red should be in your plan).
The right partner will employ native-speaking linguists who not only master the language but also live and breathe the local culture. Test their capabilities with sample projects if possible.
You want a partner who can safeguard your brand’s authenticity while making it feel native to each market.
Assess Their Technological Capabilities
Technology plays a crucial role in modern localization. Ask about the tools and platforms they use — from translation memory systems to AI-driven solutions and project management software.
Your LSP should leverage the right technology to ensure consistency, improve speed, lower costs, and maintain high quality across all projects.
And, crucially, make sure they consider compatibility with your existing tech stack (such as CMS or product management tools) to streamline collaboration.
Check Their Quality Assurance (QA) Processes
Mistakes in localization can lead to embarrassment, lost revenue, or even legal issues.
Just ask Swedish home appliance giant Electrolux who thought it was a good idea to bypass localization and just translate their slogan into English when their vacuum-cleaner entered the US market – “Nothing sucks like an Electrolux.” And nothing sucks like that tag line.
A good LSP will have a clear, rigorous QA process in place. This includes multiple rounds of review, linguistic testing, functional testing, and client feedback loops.
Make sure you ask about their QA workflow and request examples of how they handle errors or client dissatisfaction.
Prioritize Communication and Flexibility
Strong communication is more important than ever when you’re dealing in multiple languages which, naturally, you don’t speak yourself.
Your localization partner should offer clear project management, quick responsiveness, and be willing to adapt with the needs of your business as they evolve.
Flexibility is just as important — global markets move fast, and your partner should be ready for changing timelines, new target markets, or last-minute revisions.
Consider Scalability
As your company grows, so will your localization needs. Choose a partner who can scale with you, offering a range of services across languages, regions, and content types.
Whether you're launching into two markets today or twenty markets next year, your partner should be ready to support that journey without compromising on quality or speed.
Review Pricing Structures
Of course, cost is a factor, but it shouldn’t be the only one. Beware of choosing the cheapest provider without considering the full value they offer.
Transparent pricing models, clear deliverables, and high ROI are what you should be looking for. A cheap service that delivers poor localization will cost you more in rework, brand damage, and missed opportunities.
A Long-Term Partner
The right LSP is out there for very business. By looking at these simple areas within the context of your industry – sector experience, cultural knowledge, technical capabilities, project management and QA process, scalability and price – you’re prepared to make the best choice possible.
This should be a partnership that is proactive and provides guidance and leadership to you as you begin, or continue, moving towards your global business goals.
Are you looking for a localization partner? If so, we’d love to talk to you. Consultations are free and there’s no obligation.
You’re in safe hands with us as we’re ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 compliant, have over twenty years of professional translation experience, and have earned the trust of organizations around the world.
