INTERNATIONALIZATION STRATEGY - 5 PHASES
As already mentioned in our blog article "Internationalization of websites - an overview", there are several steps that need to be taken before or as part of the internationalization strategy before the actual implementation begins.
In this blog article, we specifically address the 5 phases that need to be completed when implementing an international website in order to establish it successfully.
WHY IT NEEDS A CONCEPT AND
PHASE MODEL
Some may wonder why a concept and associated phase model is needed to internationalize the website and why it is not possible to "just get started". The reasons for an internationalization strategy may sound banal, but they should by no means be underestimated:
Cost savings
A basis for all those involved is the be-all and end-all of any internationalization. A clear target market definition, clear coordination processes and clearly defined areas of responsibility avoid extra loops and everyone knows what needs to be done. Misunderstandings can be avoided, extra time buffers planned and better communication guaranteed. At the same time, possible internationalization options are thought through from the outset, which avoids changes and adjustments afterwards and thus saves costs.
Saving internal and external resources
A well thought-out concept for implementing an international website also makes the best possible use of internal and external costs and saves them at the same time. This is because clear areas of responsibility and a predefined timeline allow all the necessary parties to work smoothly. For example, internal marketing staff can provide direct support when capacities are available, so that no additional external resources are required.
Optimization of publishing processes
Thanks to the clear internal and external distribution of responsibilities, publishing processes can run optimally. For example, external translation service providers can be informed in advance of any relevant requirements, receive all the necessary content as quickly as possible and can get straight to work on the corresponding translations. At the same time, content managers are aware of the schedule and can quickly enter the translated texts into the system.
Increasing the speed of publication
The better the internationalization strategy is defined in advance, the more timeframes are adhered to and any challenges that may arise are taken into account, the faster translated content can be published, as inconsistencies can be avoided and a smooth process can be implemented.
The 5 phases of internationalizing a website and the corresponding processes and tasks are described below. In addition, rough time requirements can be viewed and a rough schedule is presented as an example. This is only a guideline and must be adapted depending on the size of the company, resources, products and/or services.