Do you have a legal document that needs to be translated? Does your company involve frequent communication with customers in different languages? Or own a website that you want to expand the reach to global markets?
Translation benefits have come a long way in eliminating language barriers and helping businesses succeed. Choosing the right translation company is critical to ensuring your message translates accurately, cost-effectively, and quickly.
With so many options online, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Stay with us as we explore five essential points to keep in mind when selecting a translation company.
1. Make sure they do localization instead of just translation
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a translation company is whether they provide certified document translation and localization services. So what is localization? Localization involves more than just a simple word-for-word translation of a website or document. It requires understanding the cultural nuances and differences of the target language. This is essential for ensuring that your message resonates with people from different regions.
Localization is critically important, especially for businesses that offer actual services or products in their target market. This allows your products or services to be tailored and customized to the needs of a specific culture.
2. Ensure that the translation company has a strict quality control process
The last thing you would want is to have your message misinterpreted by the target audience, especially when translating from Russian. That’s why it’s essential to make sure that the translation company you choose has a robust quality control process in place. This should include processes like spellcheck, grammar check, and proofreading by native speakers.
When interviewing a translation company, feel free to ask about their process and system to ensure quality control. Are the company’s translators native speakers of the target language, particularly when translating from Russian? Do they use any advanced tools to check for accuracy? Make sure you get satisfactory answers to these questions before making a decision.
3. Make sure the company is reputable
Being in the industry for the longest time is not the only reason to trust a translation company. A lot of research and word of mouth can help you determine which services are reputable and reliable.
Look at the reviews of previous customers, ask around for referrals, or read through the translation company’s website to see what other translation services they offer. Review websites such as Clutch.co, GoodFirms, or G2 Crowd can be beneficial when selecting a company.
4. The translation company should have 24/7 customer service
One of the most commonly overlooked points when choosing a translation company is the availability of customer service. When you have an urgent project or need assistance with something, it’s essential that the company you select has 24/7 customer service.
This guarantees that whenever you need help with your project, there is always someone on hand to assist you. This is especially important if the translation company you choose is from other countries or time zones.
5. Make sure the company should have the specific industry or subject matter expertise
Last, but arguably the most important, is to make sure that the translation company you select has subject matter expertise in your industry. Each industry comes with its own set of terminologies and expectations.
Are you a law firm, a tech startup, or a retail company?
It’s essential to make sure that the translation company you choose is familiar with the specific industry or subject matter that you need to be translated. This will ensure that your message is accurately conveyed and that the translation company can provide quality services for all your needs.
Ask for any similar projects they have completed in the past and review their portfolio of services to make sure that you are dealing with experienced professionals.
Related Article: Why Professional Legal Translation is Important
Key Takeaways
Narrowing down the list of translation companies can be a daunting task. But if you keep these five points in mind, it should make the process a lot simpler.
Make sure that the translation company you choose provides localization services, has quality control processes in place, is reputable, has 24/7 customer service, and has expertise in your specific industry.
By doing thorough research, you will be able to make an informed decision and get the most value for your money.
If you are in need of such a service, feel free to contact us at AFLS – A Foreign Language Service. We are trusted by many organizations and pride ourselves on providing quality translation services.
Get in touch today and start expanding your global reach!
