How to Find the Best Translation Agency – and What Most People Overlook
Successful localization can dramatically increase your business's reach – achieving a ROI of over 300% by partnering with a professional translation and localization provider is not uncommon.
Although translation agencies are plentiful on the market today, the quality varies significantly when you take a closer look. In the end, it’s not always easy to find a Translation and Localization Company that meets your expectations.
This article will cover exactly that: How do you find professional Translation and Localization Companies, why is it so important, and what options are available?
What is a Translation and Localization Company?
Translation and Localization Companies are service providers specializing in translating content from one language to another. However, their services go beyond traditional translation bureaus. These companies also ensure that content aligns with the cultural, legal, and regional specifics of the target market.
While translation focuses solely on the language aspect, localization ensures that texts and other content are relevant and understandable within the specific cultural context.
What does this look like in practice? A Translation and Localization Company doesn’t just adapt the language of a product manual, for example; it also considers local units of measurement, date and currency formats, legal requirements, and cultural preferences.
Benefits of Working with a Translation and Localization Company
Working with Translation and Localization Companies offers several advantages. The most important is the professional quality and accuracy a Translation and Localization Company provides. Qualified native speakers and experts work together to consider every small cultural nuance of the target market, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and increasing relevance.
For companies offering products in other countries, managing translations can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. A Translation and Localization Company reduces the workload and ensures timely project completion.
Thanks to automated software localization tools and resources, established Translation and Localization Companies can localize extensive content, such as entire websites or software applications, in a short time. This saves time, especially when rapid market entry in multiple countries is required.
Other advantages of working with Translation and Localization Companies include scalability, technological support, legal compliance, and cost savings. Ultimately, the goal is to deliver tailored content to the market to enhance the user experience and increase the likelihood of product purchases or service bookings. For any globally operating company, a Translation and Localization Company can provide considerable competitive advantages.
Who Needs a Translation and Localization Company?
Primarily, Translation and Localization Companies are aimed at companies and organizations looking to expand internationally or establish themselves in various markets. Industries such as e-commerce, software, technology, marketing, healthcare, law, and tourism particularly benefit from Translation and Localization Companies, as these areas require content to be adapted for diverse languages and cultures. Besides global players, small and medium-sized businesses entering new markets to maximize their international success potential can also benefit from these services.
How to Find a Good Translation and Localization Company
Finding a high-quality Translation and Localization Company is not as easy as it may seem. A strategic approach to the search is highly recommended.
Important: Define your requirements for the Translation and Localization Company. Here are some questions that may help:
- Which languages and regions need to be covered?
- What type of content (e.g., website localization , software- or marketing materials-) should be translated and localized?
- Do you need industry-specific expertise (e.g., medical, technical, or legal knowledge)?
- Are technical tools such as Translation Memory, machine translation, or terminology databases required for your project?
The clearer your needs, the easier it will be to find a suitable provider.
Moreover, a Translation and Localization Company should be able to showcase several successful projects. Experience in this specialized niche is essential. Ideally, the company holds awards or ISO certifications. Also, ensure that either qualified, experienced translators or, even better, professional native speakers work at the Translation and Localization Company. The use of modern tools such as Translation Memory (TM) or Machine Translation (MT) further enhances efficiency.
Don't Forget:
- Good communication and reliable customer support with dedicated contacts
- Transparent pricing without hidden costs
- Flexibility to handle urgent requests when needed
- Punctuality and reliability with adherence to all deadlines
A company’s website, listed references, and customer reviews on independent platforms can provide a solid first impression of Translation and Localization Companies. Ideally, the Translation and Localization Company will offer a test project, allowing you to assess their skills and service in detail. Ultimately, the goal is to establish a long-term partnership with the Translation and Localization Company, so take your time in choosing wisely.
Why Finding the Right Partner Can Be Difficult
As we have often mentioned, finding a professional Translation and Localization Company is not always straightforward. But why is that? Because there is no clear definition, and essentially anyone offering translation, interpretation, subtitling, dubbing, and localization can call themselves a Translation and Localization Company.
Additionally, there is a wide range of providers, from small specialized agencies to large global service providers. You’ll quickly notice that the quality of translations and localizations varies significantly. Often, the first attempt to find a suitable Translation and Localization Company fails because there seems to be no provider with the required industry-specific knowledge, or the pricing structure is vague. The latter is often a sign of unprofessional companies.
Yes, finding the right Translation and Localization Companies requires some effort. However, investing time in this process will pay off when you can work with a professional company in the long term.
The World’s Top 10 Translation and Localization Companies
Did you know there are around 18,000 Translation and Localization Companies worldwide? To help keep track, some consumer associations and independent market research firms evaluate Translation and Localization Companies. Below, we have compiled the top five translation and localization providers worldwide along with other recommended options.
1. Supertext
- Top-class localization solutions, Swiss made since 2005.
- Price: $0.16 - $0.24 per word.
- Over 3,000 professional translators and copywriters, ideal for app developers and SaaS companies.
- Local teams in Zurich, Berlin, and Los Angeles support projects every step of the way.
2. TextMaster
- SaaS translation service suitable for simple web content to complex documents.
- Price: $0.066 - $0.132 per word.
- Offers specialized translations, including financial, technical, and legal.
3. BLEND
- End-to-end localization solutions focused on cultural nuances and consumer behavior.
- Price: $0.079 - $0.139 per word.
- A global community of over 25,000 translators and language experts.
- BLEND Express as a self-service platform for personal and business projects.
4. Translated
- Professional language solutions with a mix of human expertise and AI.
- Pricing varies based on contract.
- Supports over 200 languages and serves various industries, including legal, marketing, and technical.
5. TransPerfect
- Global company with over 5,000 experts and offices in more than 90 countries.
- Supports over 170 languages with specialized services such as website and software localization.
- Utilizes the Translation Management System and GlobalLink to improve quality and efficiency.
6. LanguageLine Solutions
- Leader in healthcare, covering over 160 languages.
- Provides specialized language services in digital and print formats.
- Continuously expanding into new sectors like gaming and media localization.
7. RWS
- Over 60 years of experience in translation and localization.
- Focused on advanced technology and a global team, especially in tech, pharma, and automotive industries.
- Over 3,000 employees and 35 offices worldwide.
8. Keywords Studios
- Focused on gaming and multimedia localization.
- Offers a range of services: website, software, and app localization, content creation, voice-over, and subtitling.
- Supports machine translation (MT) via the KantanMT platform.
9. LionBridge Technologies LLC
- Global language services for businesses and individuals.
- Services include technical writing, multimedia localization, and creative transcreation.
- Uses modern translation management systems based on AI and machine learning.
After learning what to look for when evaluating Translation and Localization Companies and getting to know the top ten providers, you may be considering whether to continue managing translations internally to avoid the extensive search.
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