Technology is making the world a smaller place – the boom in ecommerce and teleconferencing means that more and more businesses can easily reach a global audience. It also means more businesses will have to deal with different languages and cultures, and while online translation tools are very advanced, they’re no substitute for a professional translation service.
Why us a professional translation service?
And there’s more to a professional translation service than just translating, including language training, interpreting and cross-cultural coaching. Here are five benefits of using a professional language translation service.
1. Professional translation services understand nuance and culture
Using an automated translation tool can do a reasonable job of translating, but it misses the nuances of other languages, meaning translated content is often stilted and doesn’t flow correctly. It also doesn’t allow for cultural differences that can really make your content resonate – not to mention avoid any linguistic mishaps.
At Dialogue, we use translators who are native speakers with an in-depth knowledge of their language and culture. Native speakers understand the intricacies of the language and have the insight to deal with cultural influences and local differences, meaning your content always correctly conveys the correct message without any embarrassing oversights.
2. A professional translation firm can help globalize your business
If you’re trading in new territories, translating your website and marketing materials into the local language is just a single step towards globalizing your business. Although search engines now offer instant website translation services, this is no substitute for creating a dedicated website for each country you’re operating in, as you can completely tailor the content, colors, images and functionality of your site.
Businesses that translate information to communicate with their customers and keep up with growth are almost three times as likely to see their revenue grow, according to a survey from the CSA Research, an independent market research firm. Having a tailored, multilingual website will help your business achieve this.
3. Professional translation services can help with localization
It might sound like a contradiction, but as the world gets smaller, localization becomes increasingly important. Professional translation companies are experts in localization, and native translators will adapt all of your content to meet the cultural and linguistic expectations of the audience you’re talking to, as well as making sure it complies with all the rules and laws of that country.
This means that everything from the copy on your website to marketing slogans, product information and advertising materials are culturally and regionally suitable.
4. Professional translation services are cost-effective and efficient
In order to be successful, all marketing materials must be consistent and convey the same message, which means all translations of those materials must also be consistent. Employing the services of professional translators ensures this consistency, as you can have the same translators working on each campaign to help keep the same tone of voice throughout all of your translated content.
Professional translation companies also use the latest, cutting edge translation memory (TM) tools that work with the most up-to-date linguistic databases, which can help to keep costs down and reduce turnaround times if you’re against the clock.
5. Professional translators develop a working partnership with your business
The more you work with a professional translation firm, the more they get to know your business and the more they can offer invaluable tips and advice on how to best utilize your website and marketing materials in other territories.
This ensures that your messages are always aligned, regardless of the language it’s produced in, and guarantees that your website, mobile app and online help are all legally compliant and safeguarded against infringements against copyright, local laws and customs.