Choosing a translation service provider is essential for the commercial success of many companies. When you try to globalize your business, for example, your likelihood of breaking into new markets will largely depend on the quality and accuracy of your message in different languages. Similarly, if you’re looking to establish relationships with brands and professionals in other countries, your internal communication has to be fluent and precise, and only the best agencies can offer this. Now, do you know how to find them? Is there some sort of method that will help you to build a reliable team? Let’s dive in!
What could and should you expect of a translation agency?
Here are some of the criteria that will clue you in to the professionality, quality, and reliability of the service provider you need.
The presence of a native team
Probably the most important aspect in the world of translation is that translators should be native speakers of the languages you require. This proficiency level is the most important, since a native speaker will have grown up speaking that language. Because of this, they have mastered it completely.
It’s important to work with native, professional translators because they’re able to distinguish between the different tones that can be used to express the same message. They know what expressions to use and how to manipulate emphasis and meaning in a sentence. This gives the text more authenticity, as if it had been drafted originally by a speaker of that language.
If you want your business to be relevant in a wider range of countries, this is the level you should expect of the people participating in your project. This is the only way you’ll be able to achieve authentic, lasting success.
Check out reviews from previous clients
The level of satisfaction shown by previous clients will give you a good idea of how a team works from the inside. Look at both positive and negative comments to understand the good, the bad, and the ugly that you might find in their team.
Before anything else, it’s important that you know what it is you’re looking for, since not all offers are the same. Is the speed of translation work important to you? Do you prefer a team that will put their blood, sweat, and tears into your project? These are some of the different options you’ll have to weigh. Once you know what type of professional translators are right for your goals, it will be easier to understand which client reviews are the most helpful for you.
Consider what services they offer
Some companies provide the option of reviewing texts at a calmer pace, and by both parties. Some agencies, though, work at a more frantic pace that does not allow for this option. Once you’ve established your priorities, it’s time to start thinking about what specific services you will need the most and why.
For example, there will be some cases where localization is essential. More than likely, though, some other jobs will simply involve a quick, accurate, and convenient translation. Ideally a translation company will offer various options and will adapt well to your needs with each option. This is a way to establish a long and lasting relationship with translators that will get to know your business and help it grow.
They have specialized services
The level of language proficiency these translators have doesn’t always indicate their level of professionality and competence. Think about medical or scientific article translation, for example. These areas require not only language knowledge, but also an understanding of theconcepts and terminology related to each subject. Because of this, the specialization of each translator will be a key factor when you’re trying to decide whether to hire one agency or another.
Think about all the different written formats that might need translating and all the ways this can happen. For example, sworn translation (the most obvious case) will require a sworn translator. Similarly, it’s also important to have a medical expert for pharmaceutical work.
The same thing is true for lighter content. Without getting too complicated, audiovisual subtitle translation has its own internal rules and only a professional in the field can do it correctly. We encourage you to choose the option that best suits all of your needs.
Have you decided on a translation service provider yet? Don’t forget, we’re here to help with anything you need. If you want to enlist the services of a professional translation agency that checks all your boxes for work and professionality, we’re only a phone call away. At blarlo we’ll help you with your project!
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish) Français (French) Nederlands (Dutch) Deutsch (German)
