Report written by Miguel Sepulveda.

Deep down, every business person in the world knows it: localizing a company’s content and products can boost revenue — enormously. But how can globalization experts persuade the C-suite — and other stakeholders — to greenlight a localization program? 

In other words, how do you pitch a localization program? Answer: you create a business case. 

What is a business case, anyway?

A business case is one of the most powerful tools in the decision-making process. It provides a management team with an assessment of investment, benefits, and risks of a decision.

A localization business case will answer the following key question: if we decide to invest in localization, what good things can happen for our organization?

A business case also allows readers to critically examine opportunities that impact the entire business. It usually takes the form of a document, though it might be delivered as a presentation with a detailed leave-behind proposal. A business case is the preferred way to make a recommendation for the best course of action to create business value.

Let’s take a look at why it’s worth creating a business case.

Although the majority of your localization business case will focus on opportunities, you’ll also want to keep in mind that every investment carries risks and potential pitfalls. So, like it or not, you’ll want to include the risks as well — in considerable detail. In fact, presenting a meticulous SWOT analysis will undoubtedly create a compelling — and balanced — business assessment.

When do you need a business case?

The decision around whether to localize involves many layers and areas of an organization. A solid business case is often the indispensable first step in the decision-making process.

A business case can be helpful in a variety of situations to:

• Show how localizing the organization's digital products can boost the bottom line.
• Secure the financial funding and other resources to implement a localization project.
• Explain and evaluate outsourced, in-house, or hybrid localization programs.
• Help an organization enter new regional markets for international growth.

So, what’s the most streamlined way to handle your localization business case? Think of it in these four discrete steps:

This report has been researched and written by Nimdzi's Globalization Specialist, Miguel Sepulveda. If you want to learn more about this topic or lay the groundwork for your own global expansion framework, reach out to Miguel at [email protected].