A Helpful Guide for Evaluating Translation Companies for Software Localization and Website Translation Services
by
Joseph Mathew
Are you considering international markets for the future growth of your business online? Expanding your business across international borders means speaking the local language, and speaking it well usually means enlisting translation companies that specialize in website translation services and software localization services.
In this article, we ll take a look at why you should consider professional website translation services, how to select from a wide range of translation companies, and what you should expect when you re paying for software localization and website translation services.
Why You Should Partner with Translation Companies
When it comes to software localization services and website translation services, there s a strong tendency to try and cut costs by simply hiring a freelance translator who speaks your target language. While this seems like a reasonable solution, the truth is that translation companies provide more than just translating English into your target market language.
Software localization services go beyond making your business make sense. Decisions must be made concerning user interface issues, culturally appropriate imagery and icons, customer experience expectations, and appropriate platforms for publishing your content. Translation companies understand that software localization and website translation services require a full-circle approach, taking into account language, technology, work-flows, updates, and project management.
How to Choose Which Translation Companies Should Work on Your Project
While all translation companies have some degree of experience with software localization services and website translation services, not all are a great fit for you. When evaluating translation companies, ask these questions:
1. Are you a novice or an expert in localization? Do you have an internal team to manage the process and the translation company, while also performing some of the related work such as desktop publishing or file extraction and prep? This answer will determine how much you ll need to rely on your translation company for guidance and help. Some companies that provide website translation and software localization services are willing to guide you through the process and be a one-stop shop. Others will be more hands-off and may just offer translation services without any extras. Determine what is best for your business.
2. What types of clients have the translation companies worked with in the past? Do they have experience in your particular industry? Do they have linguists who are well versed in that industry?
3. Do the translation companies you re considering have well-defined workflow and project management processes? Can these be customized to your needs? For example, if you re working in an agile software development environment, determine if the company can adapt their workflow to your continual releases. If you re translating your website, look into how the company addresses updates and changes to web pages post launch.
Preparing to Work with Translation Companies
Once you ve chosen a website translation company, there are steps you can take to prepare for your project and reduce expenses when it comes to website translation and software localization services.
1. Organize your assets ahead of time. Don t wait until you ve engaged your translation company to start sorting through your content for translation and localization. Sort it out internally first.
2. Reduce the overall amount of content for translation. The more you have to translate and localize, the more expensive your project will be. Do you really need to translate every blog post or press release? Think about what is necessary for each target market.
3. Start small and expand your need for software localization services and website translation services gradually. Don t pick 14 languages for your first project. Start with one or two languages to iron out your process and determine your level of satisfaction with your translation company.
Acclaro is a localization and translation agency that helps the world s leading brands succeed across cultures. We specialize in expertly adapting brands, products and services to new languages markets. As one of the world s leading
localization companies
, we equip clients for success in global markets through a variety of localization services.
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