Do you need quality translation services but don’t know where to start looking?
The English language is considered ‘universal’ for communication and business purposes. Around 1,500 million people in the world speak English, of which 375 million are native speakers.
But if you’re looking to expand your business globally, you need to overcome some language barriers first.
Not everyone understands or speaks English. In fact, many businesses prefer to use their native tongue for communication. So if you reach out to them in their mother tongue, you’ll be more likely to close a deal and gain respect.
This is why hiring a translator or agency to help you overcome these issues is a good investment.
So keep reading to discover the five most important things to look for in translators and agencies.
Keys For Translation Services
1. Experience on the Topic
Before you hire a translator, you need to do research on their experience. Whether you’re considering a translation agency or an individual, make sure they have the right experience on the topic you need.
For example, if you’re a law firm, look for specialized translation services rather than generalists. Law terminology is tricky, especially when translated into a different language. So you need a capable and experienced translator who takes accuracy seriously.
When screening a potential candidate, don’t be afraid to ask for more information and proof of their experience.
2. Certifications and Credentials
Not everyone that speaks two or more languages can be a translator.
Professionals in the field have the appropriate degrees and hold additional credentials. For example, to translate legal documents, translators must obtain a special certification issued by legal institutions in their country.
Also, know if you need an interpreter or a translator – these are two different fields of expertise.
When looking for translators, many people go for the cheapest one, without looking into their education and training.
But don’t be surprised if you end up with a low-quality translation that’ll cost you more money to fix it.
3. Global Presence
If you’re doing business globally, it’s a good idea to look for translators based in the locations of interest or with multiple offices around the world. This way, you won’t have to fly across the world to negotiate the terms.
For instance, if a translation agency has regional project managers, they’ll be able to find local talents with experience in your field. You’ll also be able to request project updates and changes at any time if they have translators in different time zones.
4. Rates
Translation services are not cheap and the rates depend on several factors. Some translators charge by the word/page or have hourly rates. Others charge per project but will raise their rates for rush turnaround times.
The field of translation is another crucial factor, as not all topics require the same level of expertise.
Before you negotiate the fees, get some quotes first and do research on the going rates for your industry.
5. Reliability
Needless to say, the translators you’re doing business with must be reliable.
You can verify this by checking if they’re a registered business, read client testimonials and online reviews.
If you can, work with a local translator who you can meet in person. If not, a simple online search will tell you whether a translator or an agency is reliable or a scam.
Now You Know How to Choose the Right Translation Services for You!
Before you hire a translation agency or individual, you should always know what to look for so you don’t end up scammed.
Need to find industry professionals? Browse our business directory to find the best translation agency for you.