When running a business, your customers and clients should be your main priority, which is why communicating with them clearly is key to showing them you care. Translation services are a good option for companies that are hoping to expand into other countries and grow their business, regardless of whether they can speak the language. You can benefit from written translation, for product labelling, contracts, or communication – you will even have the option to use interpretation services to communicate in spoken language when necessary. Here are 10 things to consider if you decide to use a translation service.
1. Translation or interpretation?
Choosing to communicate in different languages can open so many doors for your business, which we will look at in more detail below, but it is important that you consider whether you need translation, or interpretation services to help you. Translation services refer to the process of changing a written document, like an email or contract to another language so that the person that is receiving it can understand it. Interpretation services are used to change spoken language, whether that’s in real-time over the phone, or on a video or telephone call. Both have their benefits – if you are a company that uses mostly written communication like emails and letters, translation may be the best option for you. If you communicate regularly with customers over the phone or via video chats, interpretation may be the best option for you.
2. Impact on your business
If you are wondering whether you should implement translation services into your business, you should think about the impact that it can have on your company. Being able to communicate with others in different languages means that you can employ people from all over the world, no matter their background. You could grow your business in other countries, make a larger impact within your sector, and help boost your success. Not being able to speak the language keeps you confined to one area or country, which limits your growth and may not allow you to reach your full potential.
3. Impacts on your customers
Not only does this mean you can grow in other countries, but it also means you can gain customers in other countries too. Whether you’re communicating with clients that rely on your business or appealing to customers to buy your product, you can show them that you are doing all you can to communicate with them in their native tongue. This also gives you an edge on your competition that may not be able to offer this – using translation services within your company makes it easier for you to connect with your customers.
4. Languages
You’ll need to think about what languages you’d like to introduce into your company. For example, if you have customers or clients in a specific part of the world, you should implement translation and interpretation services to communicate with them primarily. If you are thinking of growing your company in a specific country that you think would be profitable, taking on a translation service that can offer this language is key.
5. Documentation
When running a business, documentation is key and can be anything from product labels to contracts and subtitles. If you have clients in other countries, to avoid crossed wires, it is always best to rely on translation services to help you with crucial information. Misunderstandings in business can be costly, especially if this is within a compliance document. Using a translation service within your company means that you can reduce the chance of any issues due to miscommunication, which can save time and money.
6. Tone of voice
You’ll need to think about the tone of voice you’d like to display within the text that you are having translated. High-quality translation services use experts that are fluent in their language, meaning they can use the correct words and tone of voice suited to your product and customer. This can be a great addition to any kind of text that you may be translating, as it allows your customers to understand the product clearly, but also appeals to customers as you are using relatable language.
7. Accuracy
If you are thinking about introducing translation services into your company, whether that’s to grow your business so that you can appeal to customers in other countries, or as a way of communicating clearly, you are going to need to ensure the services that you are using are accurate. If you are translating to another language that you don’t speak, you’re not going to be able to check whether your text is correct, so you must be able to rely on your translator and be sure that they are translating accurately and effectively.
8. Remote interpretation
If you have decided that you could use interpretation instead of, or alongside translation, you’re going to need to make sure that your interpreter can work remotely, as well as face to face. Many companies use online platforms like video calls, as well as phone calls to communicate with their clients, so having someone that can portray your ideas clearly in a remote way is essential.
9. Online services
Have you ever thought about how those in other countries find your business online? Translation services can be used to boost your businesses with SEO in a different language! Search engines rely on keywords so that businesses can be found more easily, so if you’re a business that is catering to customers in countries in a specific country, or around the world, implementing SEO translation services could be a great option for you. Localised SEO means you can reach customers in completely new markets, that may be more profitable for you.
10. Product labels
If you are thinking of branching out to other countries that don’t speak your language, you’re going to need to think about your product labelling – this is not just because you’d like your customers to understand what your product has to offer, it is also essential for compliance. Your company must be able to list ingredients and use by dates or allergies to ensure that your customers know that the product is safe to use.
Mashum Mollah is an entrepreneur, founder and CEO at BloggerOutreach.io, a blogger outreach agency that drive visibility, engagement, and proven results. He blogs at Blogstellar.
