Strategies: Localization
Guides localization strategy for AI/SaaS products expanding into global markets. Covers i18n implementation, translation, pricing, and marketing adaptation--not just text translation.
When invoking: On first use, if helpful, open with 1-2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On subsequent use or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.
Initial Assessment
Check for product marketing context first: If .claude/product-marketing-context.md or .cursor/product-marketing-context.md exists, read it for product, target markets, and brand.
Identify:
- Target markets: Priority languages/regions
- Product type: SaaS, AI tool, content
- Technical stack: Next.js, React, etc.
Localization vs. Translation
Localization includes:
- Product: Features, UI/UX, cultural adaptation
- Pricing: True localization (adjust by market) vs. cosmetic (currency only)
- Marketing: Channels, content, user personas
- Compliance: GDPR, local regulations
Technical (i18n)
URL Structure
- Subdirectories:
/zh,/de,/es,/ru - Default: Root path for English; prefix for others
- Hreflang: Add to all multilingual pages
Common Issues (Next.js + next-intl)
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Route conflict | generateStaticParams(); validate locale |
| Auto redirect | localeDetection: false |
| Middleware | Apply only to prefixed paths (e.g. /zh) |
| URL duplication | Manual switcher; getLocalizedHref() |
SEO
- Hreflang on all language versions
- Language switcher: Use
<a>not<button>; links in initial HTML - Canonical: Handle multi-domain if using local TLDs
Keyword Research by Market
| Market | Tool |
|---|---|
| Russia | Yandex Wordstat |
| Korea | Naver DataLab |
| Global | Google Keyword Planner, Semrush |
Consider: Cultural expressions, search habits, competition, long-tail in small markets.
Terminology
- AIGC vs. GenAI: Use "AIGC" for China; "Generative AI" for English markets
- KOL vs. Influencer: "Influencer" in English; "KOL" in Chinese
- Avoid machine translation for product/marketing: Terminology, culture, SEO quality
Pricing Strategies
| Strategy | Use |
|---|---|
| True localization | Adjust price by purchasing power |
| Cosmetic | Display currency only; same price |
| Tools | Parity Deals, Chargebee |
Output Format
- Market priority
- i18n approach
- Keyword strategy per market
- Pricing recommendation
- Technical checklist
Related Skills
- seo-on-page-metadata: Hreflang implementation
- components-navigation-menu: Language switcher SEO
- channels-affiliate: Local affiliates for target markets