content strategy goes global
DESCRIPTION
In this presentation, we analyze two global websites to see what makes a global content strategy successful and what makes it fail. We also discuss best practices for creating a global content strategy.TRANSCRIPT
Global Content Strategy
Val SwisherFounder & CEO
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
@contentrulesinc
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Who We Are
Professional services firm specializing in content development and global content strategy
Founded in 1994 12 full-time employees Network of 2000+ fully-screened consultants across U.S. Managed, contract, and placement services
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
What We Do
Help companies plan their global content strategy Create and modify all types of content Evaluate and improve content quality using state-of-the-art tools Help companies save money on translation with our global readiness
services
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Key Clients
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
What We Will Cover
Common problems associated with globalizing content
Successful approaches to globalizing content
How to evaluate your website for problems and successes
Best practices for creating global content
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Symptoms of an Unsuccessful Global Content Strategy
Symptom #1: Can’t find the front door Symptom #2: Perplexing inconsistencies Symptom #3: Impossible navigation Symptom #4: Inconsistent branding
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Our Laggard
Muji is a specialty retailing company from Japan
www.muji.com Known for its minimalist aesthetic Sell direct off their website and through a network of 20+ stores
We like their products a lot
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Symptom #1: Can’t Find the Front Door
www.muji.com
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Symptom #1: Can’t Find the Front DoorIf I click on the circles:
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Symptom #1: Can’t Find the Front Door
Uh oh.
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Symptom #1: Can’t Find the Front Door
Finally found it. But…
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Symptom #2: Perplexing Inconsistencies
www.muji.co.uk
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Symptom #2: Perplexing Inconsistencies
www.muji.us
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Symptom #2: Perplexing Inconsistencies
Nav bar for U.S. site is down another level:
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Symptom #2: Perplexing Inconsistencies
U.S. U.K.
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Symptom #3: Impossible Navigation
Let’s try to find the site for Italy:
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Symptom #3: Impossible Navigation
Not here again.
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Symptom #3: Impossible Navigation
Ah ha!
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Symptom #3: Impossible Navigation
Wait, this isn’t Italian?
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Symptom #3: Impossible Navigation
Oh, all the way down there at the bottom:
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Symptom #3: Impossible Navigation
Finally, Italian. Translation of EU site.
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Symptom #4: Inconsistent Branding
Common branding elements of Muji:
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Symptom #4: Inconsistent Branding
Wait! What happened here?
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Recap: Common Problems in Global Content Strategy
Difficulty finding the site I need Inconsistencies from site to site Navigation that is cumbersome Inconsistent branding
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
What Makes for Success?
Success #1: Easy and obvious entry point Success #2: Consistent branding Success #3: Culturally significant branding
Success #4: Country-specific imagery Success #5: Culturally sensitive layout
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Our Leader
Lush is a specialty cosmetics company from the United Kingdom
www.lush.com Known for its handmade soaps, lotions, shower gels, shampoo, and so on
They have 830 stores in 50 countries, in addition to online shopping
We like their products a lot, too
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Success #1: Easy and Obvious Entry Point
www.lush.com
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Success #2: Branding Begins on First Page (and continues throughout)
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Success #2: Branding Continues
www.lushusa.com
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Success #3: Culturally Significant Branding
Different seasonality dictates different product mixAussie pride
www.lush.com.au
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Success #4: Inclusion of Country-Specific Imagery
www.lushjapan.com
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Success #4: Inclusion of Country-Specific Imagery
Distinctively Japanese branding element
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Success #5: Culturally Sensitive Layout
Japanese grid is prototypically Japanese:
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Success #5: Culturally Sensitive Layout
Contrast with US grid
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Recap: Success Global Content Strategy Elements
Simple to find the site I need Corporate branding consistent on all sites Regional changes to branding Images designed for particular countries Layout sensitive to cultural norms
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Best Practices
Our goal is to get every laggard to morph into a leader
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
Best Practice #1: Have a Plan
Yes. Sounds obvious. No. Most companies don’t.
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Best Practice #2: Locate Your Global Content
Who is creating content for global?
At HQ?
Regionally? Anyone single-sourcing? Where is all of this content and who is responsible for it?
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Best Practice #3: KISS Your Source Content
Keep it short and simple Writing for translation | global English | simple English | international English best practices
8 Simple Steps to Make Your Content Global-Ready Now!
Email me and I’ll send you a copy!
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.
KISS Elements
1. Reduce word count2. Increase use of identical sentences3. Decrease word variability4. Reduce sentence length and complexity5. Eliminate word usage errors (idioms,
jargon)
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Best Practice #4: Standardize Your Translation Memory
Single repository of translation memory Take ownership of your translation memory, not your LSP
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Best Practice #5: Use the Best Method: Translation, Localization, and Transcreation
Know the differences Process Function Cost Best places to use each
Determine which content falls under which method
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Methods of Handling Global Content
Translation Localization Transcreation
The content stays the same
The meaning stays the same
Different content developed to meet business objectives
Language Literal word-for-word translation of everything
Translate the meaning of the words in a way that is culturally appropriate
Developed in local language; English may be used as part of the brand vocabulary
Images No change Change to fit local expectations / product needs
Change to fit local expectations / product needs
Layout No change Minimize changes Change to fit local expectations
Brand Vocabulary
No change No change Enhance and expand
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Q & A
Val Swisher CEO & [email protected]@contentrulesinc
© 2012. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.