Translating content is essential if you are planning to hit the global market. The saturation level in the domestic market is very high, and this has led many business owners to localize their content as a means to grow their business in foreign countries. Localizing content like UI, web applications, websites, technical publications, etc. allows the companies to taste the success of international markets by catering to the needs of the target customers in their native language.
The importance of professional translation
If you are considering using machine translation, you should think about your strategy again. These translators may be suitable for quick translation needs, but not for impressing the global audience. Also, if Google finds that your website has unprofessionally-translated content, it will downgrade your website rank. So, it’s down to hiring a professional translator, but their services aren’t cheap. For example, if you are planning to sell French tie-pins in India, you need to employ an efficient French translation service to get the job done. Your website content may be translated into English if you are tapping on customers who know how to read and understand English.
But professional translators may not be budget-friendly. They may charge to translate per page or quote according to the number of words on the website. If you don’t have such a huge budget, you may try to reduce the costs by following the methods below:
1. Reduce word count and reuse content
Translation costs often depend on the number of words in your website content. The fewer words the translator translates, the lower you must pay. Develop content that can connect to the audience using only a few words. Don’t overcomplicate things with too much text. This will not only lower the translation costs but will also attract customer attention.
Also, if you do not intend to launch a new product soon, you can reuse the content of the website. There is no need to spend on translation if the new content essentially says the same things about your company.
2. Make use of a translation memory
Once you translate the content of the website, you should start using translation memory. This database tool stores words from your source content and their respective translations in virtual memory. It takes your content and the translation and pre-populates the page with that content. So, when new customers are visiting your website, they see the translated content automatically. This saves a lot on translation costs, especially if you don’t have plans to launch new products or services soon.
3. Make use of a translation management system
Translation management system manages the entire content and provides real-time update and budgets information. When the translation is complete, you can control the translation process, initial submission, and invoicing. It will save hundreds on translation costs as you will be the manager of the content. If you want to translate new content, you can think of hiring a professional translator again.
Translation tools and content planning are two critical factors that can reduce translation costs. You don’t have to compromise on the quality of your content just to bring down your overall expenses. Follow these tips and see your audience grow in number while padding your bottom line.
Translation management system is very important.