Common Localization Mistakes: What Not to Do

When a company launches a localization project, all ducks should be in a row first. You research your target market, hire the best people, come up with a strategy, allocate resources to make sure you’ll be successful. All set, right?

What some businesses fail to take into account, however, is the best practices of localization and, arguably even more importantly, main mistakes that might sink your efforts. Localit is here to guide you through the most challenging obstacles that could arise on your pathway to a successful project localization and offer real-life examples to explore their impact. Let’s get into it!

What Is a Localization Mistake

It’s basically anything that you can do wrong during a localization project. But here’s a general definition:

Localization mistakes are failures to adapt your content to fit the linguistic, cultural, and functional expectations of your target audience in a particular country or region.

Unlike translation mistakes, which are mostly about getting the meaning wrong when switching from one language to another, localization errors represent a far broader notion. They include not just language slip-ups but also missteps in reflecting local customs, meeting user expectations, or sticking to technical requirements.

The main types of localization errors can be split into the following categories:

1. Technical mistakes

2. Linguistic mistakes

3. Formatting mistakes

4. Cultural expectation mistakes

In other words, there are a lot of moving parts to a localization project. But you already know that. However, paying special attention to these aspects will ensure long-term success and satisfaction of your target customers with your product or service.

How Localization Mistakes Can Harm Your Business

Like any problems with any projects, localization mistakes can be rather costly (not just in terms of money) for businesses. Let’s take a look at these:

And the list goes on! So our top tip is to be extra careful when approaching localization. The phrase “lost in translation” did not emerge out of nowhere after all.

Most Common Localization Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Here, we will review the main localization errors your business might encounter and the ways to deal with them. To make it easier, we’ll split them into the main categories mentioned above. Read on to find out more.

Technical Mistakes

1. Hard-Coding Text in Your Software

Imagine embedding text right into your code. It sounds quick, but it's a nightmare for localization. Translators have to dig through the code to figure out what needs to be translated, slowing the whole process down. Plus, hard-coding makes it more expensive and harder to keep translations consistent.

Solution: Externalize Your Text.

Keep all your localizable content in external files instead of burying it in your code. This makes it easier to update, manage, and version control.

Example:

Here’s how you should not structure your code:

Instead, use an externalized approach:

2. Ignoring Country Variations in Language

Languages don’t just differ from one another, they can also have variations within one another. Spanish and English are good examples of that, since British and American English variants are similar but have their own uniqueness that needs to be accounted for when localizing your software, product, or service. It’s a common topic for discussion: color or colour, truck or lorry, organization or organisation? Both are fine, just be consistent with your messages and the locale.

Spanish in Spain and Mexico is also not homogenous. Did you know that Castilian Spanish uses ordenador for computer, but Latin America says computadora? And even within this group of countries, most use it as a feminine noun, while Chile and Colombia see it grammatically as a masculine one?

In other words, these little details matter because they can confuse your customers.

Solution: Use Locale Codes.

Be specific with locale properties that include both the language and country. For example:

• British English: en-GB

• American English: en-US

• Spain (Spanish): es-ES

• Mexico (Mexican Spanish): es-MX

• Argentina (Argentinian Spanish): es-AR

Example:

3. Concatenating Strings

Concatenating pieces of sentences in your code might save space, but it creates chaos for translators. Grammar rules and sentence structures vary by language, so splitting sentences into placeholders can lead to translations that don’t make sense.

Solution: Use Full Strings Instead.

Write complete sentences for translations to avoid confusion.

Bad Example:

Good Example:

Linguistic Mistakes

4. Literal Translations

Relying on literal translations might seem like the simplest approach, but it often results in phrases that sound awkward, confusing, or outright hilarious in another language. Languages have their own idioms, structures, and context that don’t translate word-for-word. Ignoring this can make your brand look unprofessional or out of touch.

Solution: Translate Meaning, Not Words.

Focus on capturing the intent or emotion behind the phrase instead of sticking to a direct translation.

Examples:

1. Idiom: C’est la fin des haricots (French).
   Literal Translation: It’s the end of the beans.
   Intended Meaning: It’s a disaster; it’s the end of the world (in an exaggerated sense).
   Better Translation: It’s game over/That’s the last straw.

2. Idiom: A cada capillita le llega su fiestecita (Spanish).
   Literal Translation: Every little chapel gets its party.
   Intended Meaning: Everyone gets their moment of glory or their comeuppance.
   Better Translation: Every dog has its day.

5. Careless Translation Control

Deadlines are quality control’s worst enemies. In pursuit of completing localization projects, businesses sometimes skip proper checks of their translated content. This can result in unwanted connotations in your target language, puzzling images, and even downright insults.

Solution: Employ Native Speakers and Experts.

People who understand or closely work with a language are your pathway forward here. They can spot any irregularities and confusions from just glancing at your work.

Examples:

• IKEA once came up with this smelly name for its convenient desk:

• KFC decided to take the Chinese market by storm without checking their bellowed slogan first. As a result “finger lickin’ good” turned into “eat your fingers off”.

6. Choosing a Wrong TMS

Picking the wrong Translation Management Service (TMS) can be a major roadblock. It slows down your workflow, eats into your budget, and frustrates your team. When the system is clunky or doesn't fit your needs, localization becomes a headache instead of a solution.Many businesses dive into localization without fully understanding what they need from a TMS. The result? Overcomplicated tools, wasted time, and content that doesn’t deliver.

Solution: Localit.
Localit ticks all the boxes, keeping your localization process smooth and stress-free. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Affordable: Great for startups and medium-sized businesses that want quality without overspending.

• Fast and Convenient: Speed up your localization projects with workflows that just work—no time wasted.

• Supports 111 Languages: From global giants to niche markets, Localit helps you connect with everyone.

• Simple to Use: Built for developers, project managers, and translators alike, it’s intuitive and frustration-free.

Head over to Localit’s website to test out its features and get your free plan today!

Formatting Mistakes

7. Leaving Dates and Currencies Behind

Mismatched formats for dates and currencies can cause massive confusion and frustration for your customers. What seems clear to one region can mean something completely different in another. If you're not careful, this can lead to miscommunications, late deliveries, or even lost sales.

Getting dates and currencies right is more than a technical detail—it’s about respecting your customer’s expectations and ensuring their experience with your business is smooth and frustration-free.

Solution: Double Check All Requirements. Always adapt your date and currency formats to align with the conventions of your target market. For dates, this means using formats like MM/DD/YYYY for the US and DD/MM/YYYY for pretty much the rest of the world. For currencies, ensure symbols, placement (before or after the amount), and decimal separators match local expectations.

If you’re a global business, implementing automated formatting based on user location is key. Tools like Localit can handle these adjustments seamlessly for you, reducing errors and keeping customers happy.

Example: A US customer orders a Christmas gift from a European website. The website lists the shipping date as 12/01. The customer, assuming the U.S. format, thinks the gift will arrive on December 1st, just in time for the holidays. However, the site uses the European format, meaning January 12th. By the time the gift arrives, Christmas is long gone—and so is the customer’s trust.

8. Not Factoring in More (or Less) Text

When you don’t plan for text expansion or contraction during localization, your beautifully designed layout can quickly become a mess. German takes up much more space than English because of its gigantic nouns and complicated verbs, while Chinese is significantly more compact thanks to its writing system. Right-to-left languages like Arabic and Hebrew add another layer of complexity, requiring adjustments to alignment, spacing, and layout.

Solution: Keep Flexibility in Mind.

Use responsive layouts and dynamic text boxes that can adapt to varying lengths. Test your design with different languages to ensure it works for text-heavy and compact scripts. For right-to-left languages, make sure your design and text support proper alignment and mirroring where needed.

Example:

See all (English, 7 symbols) ←→ alles sehen (German, 11 symbols) ←→ 查看全部 (Chinese, 4 symbols).

Cultural Expectation Mistakes

9. Cultural Faux Pas

Failing to consider cultural sensitivities can alienate your audience or even offend them, damaging your brand’s reputation. Symbols, images, colors, and even product features that are harmless in one culture might have negative connotations in another. Ignoring these differences can make your brand seem careless or disrespectful.

Solution: Thorough Market Research. Understand cultural taboos, preferences, and expectations. Work with local experts or localization partners like Localit to ensure your content aligns with cultural norms. Avoid generic solutions—tailor your approach to each audience for maximum impact.

Examples:

1. The Number 4 in China:
   In Chinese culture, the number 4 is associated with death because it sounds similar to the word for "death" (死). Using the number prominently (like in pricing, prints, or floor numbers) can be off-putting to Chinese customers.

2. Pork in Muslim Countries:
   Advertising products that include pork or pork-derived ingredients in predominantly Muslim countries can alienate or offend customers due to dietary laws and religious beliefs.

3. Media and Visual Failures

Images, videos, and other visual elements are just as important as the words you choose—and just as prone to localization mistakes. Failing to adapt visuals to fit local expectations can confuse or alienate your audience, even if the text is perfectly localized. What works in one culture might be irrelevant or even offensive in another.

Solution: Stay in tune with local visual norms and expectations. This includes everything from clothing and gestures to symbols and color palettes. Partner with local experts or a marketing agency to ensure your visuals align with cultural preferences and avoid any unintentional missteps. Always test media with target audiences to guarantee it resonates and feels natural.

Avoid Mistakes to Localize Better

Localization might feel like a juggling act, but getting it right can make all the difference between wowing your audience or leaving them scratching their heads. From handling dates and currencies to avoiding cultural missteps, every detail matters. The good news? With the right tools—like Localit—and a solid strategy, you can dodge these common pitfalls and deliver content that truly connects.

Remember, localization isn’t just about translating words—it’s about making your brand feel at home in every corner of the world. So, stay curious, keep adapting, and always put your audience first. You’ve got this!