Translation as a profession or career choice has gained a significant amount of popularity in the last few years owing to an increased demand for language services and advances in internet technology.
Good translators usually translate text from the target language to their native language. Focus on quality is of utmost importance here and the industry also has organizations like the QSD, the association of medium-sized German companies, whose goal is to provide information about quality in the ever-evolving translation market and to provide orientation and guidelines to its members.
To start, let us discuss the most basic thing, such as translating content online. A lot of beginners start with the misconception that you don’t need certifications or accreditations, ‘you just’ need the required knowledge of the languages and an internet connection. Well, we can assure you that the world of translation is a lot more complex, and it goes without saying that any accreditation from a recognized body will give you more credibility and an enhanced ability to attract potential customers. Quality standards in the translation world such as the ISO17100 clearly require formal training.
Also, knowing a language does not automatically qualify one to become a translator. There are super qualified professionals for it, but for everything – there is a start. If you have a solid knowledge of two or more languages, then you have that essential starting point.
Here are some ideas that you have to keep in mind if you want to make money translating.
Find Information about Working as a Translator
The first step towards becoming a translator involves a thorough study of the language industry. Start by gauging the area of your specialization. Generic texts are the most common, but apart from expertise in a particular language, having knowledge in some other areas such as the legal, financial, commercial domains will allow you to differentiate yourself and become more valued.
Organization and knowledge of the Online World
Having the freedom to do a job does not mean being chaotic, a serious mistake for all beginners. Keep in mind that all your work must be planned and organized. Within the freelance world, there are many tools, applications, methods and concepts that we must handle or at least be aware of, before starting.
Register on the different Platforms for Translators
After investigating, you will surely find some platforms to start working as an online translator, for example, Workana, Freelancer, Prolancer, One Hour Translation, Text Master, among others. These platforms present interesting opportunities for beginners who are yet to build a customer base.
These platforms will help you get in touch with potential clients and also get access to interesting projects. Apply for projects that you feel you can add genuine value to. These freelancing platforms are driven by reviews and a getting 5-star review for every successfully completed project can help you find better quality clients and higher-paying projects.
Invest in Personal Branding
Whether you work with direct clients or translation companies, you will have to invest in building a personal brand. Doing this will help you showcase your skills and expertise better and also act as a strong competitive advantage. Identify your target audiences – like a specific industry or a translation agency that targets a specific industry. Having clarity about your target audience will help you work on your value proposition in a more thorough manner.
Get a professionally done website that will act as your portfolio and also help you connect with new clients. Also, write insightful blogs for your website and also get active in relevant communities on social networks like LinkedIn and Facebook.
Being consistent with your efforts is the key to finding long term success. Also, delivering good quality work with every project will ensure a stable workload and revenue stream.