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:

1. Target markets: Priority languages/regions
2. Product type: SaaS, AI tool, content
3. 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