Many businesses looking for a global competitive advantage choose to outsource content translation and localization to a language service company (LSC) who are specialists in this field. There are many aspects to consider when localization is involved, and it should be done in the most professional way possible in order to achieve desired results. Some businesses may think that asking for a sample translation is the best way to test a potential partner offering translation services. Unfortunately, this is actually not a good idea since there will be no need to create a glossary of terms, the translators won’t be trained, and a simple sample translation won’t provide relevant results, and the actual translators who will work on your projects may be different than those who prepared the samples.
However, at Geneva Worldwide, we provide translation services in all forms including editing/proofing, desktop publishing, website localization, voice over, subtitling, and more. Working with the right combination of language skills, subject matter expertise, experience, and state-of-the-art software equipment, we deliver accurate document translation services, and are well-suited to offer the following advice on selecting the best translation and localization provider for your specific project needs. Here are 5 tips to help you get started:
1. Select a Translation Company with Experience in Your Industry
In addition to having professional translators based in the target countries, your language service company needs to have experience in your specific industry. For example, if you’re in the medical or legal field, you want a translation company that specializes in medical and legal document translation services. And not just any provider, because these types of translations require a specific process with attention to accuracy and timeliness.
2. Make Sure that the Company Has both Linguistic and Technical Expertise
Let’s say that you need to translate and localize your website into 20 languages. What languages do they work with? Not only do you need to feel confident that the translators are experts in both the source and target languages, but you also want to make sure that the company uses the latest technology for website localization, along with tools like translation and glossary management systems. Otherwise, you may receive correct translations, but the amount of time it will take you to publish and update it online in multiple languages will be a nightmare.
Today’s website translation management solutions are so efficient that they recognize when content has been changed or added on your source English website, and the translation management system and localization professionals take care of it immediately. You don’t have to send files back and forth, and manage the project. So make sure that the company not only possesses knowledge of language, but also uses the latest technology for the services that you require.
3. Know the Company’s Quality Assurance Framework
The best document translation services providers put their projects through multiple layers of translation and quality assurance (QA) in order to provide the most accurate deliverables. For example, they start by working with you to develop terminology related to your specific project, product, and industry, and they may form a glossary to work with, for example. After the initial translations take place of the project, additional translators should review the project to make sure that there are no errors. The QA process should also include extensive proofreading and testing to verify that the appropriate terminology has been used. If the content requires any formatting, which is called desktop publishing (DTP), another layer of review should be included before the content is finalized, given that usually DTP people aren’t native speakers of the target language. At Geneva worldwide for example, our skilled project managers oversee the entire translation process, including editing and proofreading in its entirety to ensure clients are satisfied and that translations are completed with accurate cultural adaptations.
4. Review the Company’s Credentials
It’s important to check that the professional translation services provider you choose to work with has all the right credentials and certifications. These will reflect their work processes and their ability to ensure stable and thorough QA. The company’s memberships, and affiliations also hold great importance. In addition, does the company work with qualified, certified linguists and translators?
5. See What Others Are Saying
Ask to see some references and testimonials from clients and colleagues, and even visit the company’s offices, to build your confidence in their capabilities and to see how things work. You can also look at social media channels and industry online communities such as ProZ, GALA, and Multilingual to research what people are saying about the company as vendors. This should help you to verify the company’s integrity.
In summary
To sum it up, you must evaluate the translation and localization services provider before you start the process in order to make sure that you get the most professional service. At Geneva Worldwide, our translators and reviewers follow a stringent, comprehensive, multi-stage process to guarantee the highest quality and accuracy. You will have access to the world’s best translators on a one-time or ongoing project basis that caters to all industries and subject-matters. We’re committed to your international reputation, and with over a century of experience, Geneva Worldwide has you covered.
To learn more about our translation services and discuss your needs, we invite you to contact our New York offices and to follow our LinkedIn company page.
