6 rules you need to know about ordering an online translation

What’s stopping you from ordering professional translations online? High prices? Too many providers to choose from? Are you suspicious about online translation services? Well, you’re not alone. E-commerce is booming but so are online scams. Here are 6 tips to make the process of ordering an online translation easier.

It’s now easier than ever to reach out to qualified translators and order a translation online. Thanks to the e-commerce boom and the emergence of translation platforms.

Yet, lack of regulation means everyone with internet access and knowledge of one foreign language can become a translator. We’re still far from regulating the translation industry. If we will ever get there!

The picture can be blurry for clients looking for peace of mind when ordering professional translations online. When assessing a translation company, clients should do a basic due diligence. Here are the top 6 tips to consider before reaching into your pockets:

1. Do you need human native translators?

Much has debated about human versus machine translation. In this article, I mentioned some key differences. When considering what type of service is best for you, start by thinking about your goals.

Are you looking to adapt your content to a specific audience? Are you concerned about delivering quality content? Do you want to communicate your expertise in your industry? Then look no further.

Professional human translation is the best option to reach out to international audiences. And you’ll also keep a local flavor.

2. Check online references

When considering a translation company, start by reading the “About” section and checking who works there. Check the employees’ online references and google their names. Browse professional websites such as LinkedIn or Proz.

This one might seem obvious, but make sure you read what others are saying about that company. Check reviews on Google and social media. When considering a review, check the arguments and the reviewer profile.

Read social media posts and see how they’re written. Some instances can give rise to suspicions.

For example, a 2-year-old translation startup with 20k followers on Facebook and low engagement (~4 likes) on their posts.

Read a couple of articles from the company blog. What are the subjects mentioned there? How well are the posts written? Are the blog posts stuffed with keywords to appear in search results?

3. Think about specializations

Should you go for specialized translation? Does your industry demands in-depth technical knowledge? Are you comfortable working with a recent graduate or do you prefer an experienced professional?

All these factors are crucial when choosing what type of service level is best for you. At Lingfy we have different service levels that suit your needs and budget.

4. Ask for a quote on large volume jobs

When ordering a translation it matters how big the job is! That’s obvious!

If you’re looking to translate a few pages, such as blog posts, emails, social media posts, using a platform such as Lingfy.com can save you time and hassle.

You’ll get a fast and convenient access to professional translators.

But, when translating large or recurring jobs, you must establish a closer business relationship. In these cases, Lingfy will assign a project manager to your project and you‘ll also get a special discount!

5. Clarify any doubts and ask for a sample

If your doubts persist and you want to make sure you get the best results, ask for a translation sample.

Most translators don’t mind providing you with a sample. If the job description is clear and depending on the volume, most translators will provide a sample.

Ordering a translation from a freelance professional is a 2-way agreement and should be based on mutual trust. Common sense is necessary at every step of the process for both parties.

6. Test it

Nowadays, it’s so easy to build a website, that internet users are becoming more cautious. If you’re using an online translation platform for the first time, it’s normal to be prudent. I would feel exactly the same.

In fact, I saw a “global” platform with offices worldwide and no address explicit on their Terms and Conditions page.

There are so many companies pretending to be something else. This gets consumers confused and skeptical.

That’s why it’s always a good strategy to start small. Try the service before you commit a large sum. So order a small translation and see how it goes. In the first few interactions with the company, you get a clear picture of how the business relationship can evolve.

If you still have doubts, don’t proceed. And if you feel the service was bad and with poor quality, please share your feedback by posting an online review.

Why Lingfy?

At Lingfy.com we don’t promise what we can’t deliver. We prefer to turn down jobs and be sincere to our customers rather than not meeting their expectations.

That’s the way we work. It’s our DNA.

We try hard every day to build relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

We developed a great platform with outstanding translators but it’s not perfect. But our platform isn’t static. It’s constantly evolving.

We keep thinking of new features and perfecting the way it operates based on the feedback from our clients and translators. We don’t do what everyone says we should do.

We turn down many ideas, especially our own ideas. And things aren’t always going as fast as we wanted. But we guarantee you we enjoy the process of constant learning because we work in something we believe in.

Are you ready to take your words in front of international customers?

Curious how quality translations can help your organization reach out to new international customers? Get an instant quote at Lingfy.com or drop us a line at hi@lingfy.com