When selecting a translation business to connect with for your business’s international
document translation needs it is never an easy task to select just the right one. Here are
the five things you should consider before making your final decision about a
translation agency:
1. How your translations will be handled
The first thing to consider is how your translations will be handled. Some of the newer
translation businesses are start-ups that give you the opportunity to get your business
documents translated using software to help them. For a lot of businesses, this is
typically the best way to go because using software ends up a lot more cost-effective
then using the services of a human translator. The main problem is that software
doesn’t always work and online translators like Google Translate rarely do accurate
translations on their own. You can really only trust translation services that depend
on human translators to fine-tune all business translations.
2. The translation company must pay attention to detail
This is one of the most vital things you’ll want for your business as you can’t afford for
even the smallest mistakes to be made especially in your document translations. Just
one small error could lose you, customers.
Your translators must be experts in the use of both the languages you require for your
document translations. They must be experts in your subject matter but they must seek
help if they need any clarification of meaning in a document.
3. Translation experts & native speakers are not equal
A person who is a native speaker isn’t necessarily a language expert so when choosing a
translation company you should check the qualifications and certificates of their
translators so that you are sure you are getting the ones with the right skills to do your
business document translations. A successful translator should be able to master both
the language and culture of the language they are qualified to translate.
4. A good translation company will have an effective project manager
In order to ensure you get your translations on time, the translation company needs to
have effective project managers who ensure translators get the jobs completed on
time. A project manager at a translation agency keeps the translation process greased
and rolling as it supervises, instructs, and coordinates the moving parts of each
translation project. Working competently is 50 per cent of the battle while being
dedicated to customer satisfaction is key as well and a good translation business will
also have the best project manager.
5. Translation companies require professional editors
Without the services of a proficient editor, a translation company would have no chance
of meeting a client’s expectations. It is their skills and attention to detail that is the
backbone of a successful translation company. Their role is to review all translated
material and make sure that the message is complete, clear and easy to understand for
your targeted audience.
6. A translation company needs to have localization experience
Localization today is an absolute requirement when a business document needs a
translation. In its absence, you can never be certain if your message has successfully
resonated with your audience. What is accepted in one culture may be totally
unacceptable in another even if the same language is used. To be absolutely certain you
are getting the highest quality from your translation company it’s always in your best
interest to hire a translation company with an experienced, dedicated, and professional
team who knows the importance of localisation.
When you are choosing a translation company for your business translators consider
the 6 tips above before you make your final choice.