Data shows that Chinese enterprises are accelerating their global expansion—35% have already gone overseas and launched localization initiatives, 29% are planning to do so, and in the technology sector, the figure is as high as 69%. Yet 55% of companies still face cultural and communication barriers, making localization a decisive factor for success or failure.
Overseas users often report that “technical documentation is difficult to understand” or that “products are hard to use.” The issue is rarely the product itself, but rather the lack of professional localization support. Whether in smart manufacturing, semiconductors, new energy, or SaaS software, without localized documentation, even the best product will struggle to win trust.
Drawing on Landelion China’s practical experience, we have summarized 10 core principles of technical documentation localization to help your technology truly “land” in global markets.
1. Establish Standardized Processes to Ensure Consistency
Technical documentation is about conveying precise information, making consistency the first principle. From terminology and sentence structures to formatting, a unified style guide is essential.
We recommend building a dedicated terminology base and translation memory for each client to ensure consistency across documents and languages. For example:
l “固件” should always be translated as “firmware”
l “延迟” in communications should consistently be rendered as “latency”
💡 Landelion Tip: Use CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools for project management. They improve efficiency and maintain long-term quality through automated terminology prompts and translation memory.
2. Deliver Precise Terminology, Avoid Machine Translation
Terminology is the soul of technical documentation. A single mistranslation can cause misuse or even safety risks. True localization means aligning with industry conventions and local language norms, not literal translation.
English Term | Machine Translation | Professional Translation | Application Notes |
overload protection | 超负荷防护 | 过载保护 | Safety manuals, must follow IEC standards |
endpoint | 端点 | 接口端点或API端点 | In API docs, must clarify as service access address |
emergency stop | 紧急停止 | 急停按钮 | Manuals must include EN 418 “red mushroom button” symbol |
💡 Landelion Tip: Use a three-party model—industry experts + native translators + technical consultants—to ensure accuracy and naturalness. Reference leading global vendors’ documentation to match international market standards.
3. Respect Cultural Differences to Enable Cross-Cultural Communication
Region | User Preference | Content Characteristics | Common Pitfalls & Optimization |
Germany | Rigorous, compliance-driven | Structured, standards (DIN/EN/IEC) cited, safety info upfront | ❌ Using weak directives like “recommended” → ✅ Use strong language like “must” or “system requirements” |
North America | Concise, direct, results-oriented | Active voice, clear commands (“Click Save”), efficiency-focused, quick guides | ❌ Long phrases like “It is recommended that you…” → ✅ Use “Do this → Get that” |
Middle East (Arabic) | Religious sensitivity, RTL layout | Modern Standard Arabic, 24-hour clock, formal honorifics | ❌ Left-to-right design only → ✅ Use RTL tools and adapt UI/images |
📌 Case: A Chinese smart manufacturing firm’s manuals used “We recommend…” which felt weak in German markets. Adjusting to “System requirements…” with compliance statements increased approval rates significantly.
4. Localize Text and Visuals Together
Modern documentation heavily relies on diagrams, screenshots, and flowcharts. Localization must extend beyond text to include image captions, UI labels, and symbols. Even simple marks like “√” or “×” can be culturally ambiguous.
💡 Landelion Tip: Use professional tools like MadCap Flare or Adobe FrameMaker for multi-language versioning and automated publishing.
5. Prioritize Compliance for Market Entry
Documentation is not just a guide—it’s also a legal compliance document. Each market has strict standards, and failure means rejection.
Market | Certification | Key Standards | Language Requirement | Timing |
EU | CE | EN 62368-1, EN 60204-1 | Official local languages required | Before launch; updates within 30 days |
North America | UL/CSA/FCC | UL 62368-1, ANSI Z535 | English; French required in Canada | At certification submission; after product changes |
Middle East (GCC) | G-Mark | BD-1908566-01, GC/DC 2:2017 | Arabic mandatory, English optional | At registration; annual reviews |
Saudi Arabia | SASO | SASO 2619:2020 | Arabic mandatory (min 10pt font) | Before import & certification |
📌 Landelion Practice: Build compliance reviews into early project stages. Ensure all safety warnings, disclaimers, and responsibilities meet legal standards.
6. Rebuild Structure Around User Scenarios
Technical docs should be solution guides, not just manuals. Structure content as: Installation → Configuration → Operation → Maintenance → Troubleshooting.
Add FAQs, application scenarios, and troubleshooting charts. Embed QR codes linking to videos or knowledge bases for complex systems.
🎯 Goal: Make docs understandable, usable, and searchable, reducing support tickets and boosting satisfaction.
7. Integrate Multilingual SEO for Discoverability
Global users often search Google for solutions. Without SEO optimization, even translated documents remain invisible.
Embed relevant keywords (e.g., “how to reset XYZ device”) naturally in titles, headers, and meta descriptions. Use Schema.org markup for better indexing.
8. Build Version Control and Continuous Updates
Frequent product iterations require documentation updates. Use Git + DITA or other doc management systems for version tracking and automated reviews. Provide a clear revision history so users always see the latest version.
9. Close the Feedback Loop for Continuous Improvement
Localization is dynamic. Add “Was this helpful?” rating functions, analyze bounce rates in Google Analytics, and conduct usability testing with overseas customers. Feed this data back into content optimization.
10. Publish Across Channels for Maximum Reach
Channel | Application |
Website | PDF downloads + HTML version |
Mobile App | Embedded help center |
Video Platforms | YouTube tutorials with multilingual subtitles |
Collaboration Tools | Slack/Teams knowledge bases |
CRM Systems | Integrated into support ticket systems |
Conclusion: Documentation First in Global Tech Expansion
In global competition, technical documentation is your “second product.” Clear, localized, and compliant documentation reduces support costs, enhances user satisfaction, and builds brand credibility—an invisible advantage in global markets.
Achieving this requires a fusion of linguistic expertise, industry knowledge, cultural insight, and technology tools. That’s where Landelion comes in.
Landelion China: Your Localization & Digital Growth Partner
We provide end-to-end solutions for high-tech enterprises expanding globally:
✅ Technical documentation localization (manuals, API docs, whitepapers, compliance files, 20+ languages)
✅ Terminology base & style guide development
✅ Multilingual SEO & knowledge base building
✅ Full lifecycle project management with transparent delivery
We’ve helped smart hardware, industrial automation, and cloud companies enter Europe, North America, and Japan/Korea—transforming products from “usable” to “delightful.”
📩 Contact us today for a free documentation localization assessment.
📚Further Reading
The French Brand's China Playbook: Dual Localization Strategy for Language & Marketing
Crafting a Global-Ready Website: Essential Localization Strategies for Visual Design and Copywriting