Translation vs. Localization: What Makes Sense for Your Project?

Really appreciated how you clarified the difference between translation and localization — that framing alone makes strategy decisions so much easier. I’ve experienced cases where we started with simple translation, but without localization (tweaking visuals, idioms, and even small cultural cues), user engagement dropped fast.

It’s a bit like browsing the Dunkin Donuts menu — you can list every item, but unless it’s presented in a way that feels inviting and tailored to the customer’s expectations, people just won’t connect with it.

In your view, what would a minimum viable localization process look like for a team with limited resources, but that still wants to achieve the kind of cultural connection that makes content feel truly native?