What Is An Online Translator?
An online translator is a person that converts written text from one language into another language. To interpret a language and translate it into another. Translators are fluent in at least two languages. They translate written communication to help more people read and understand different documents. Unlike regular translators who operate in person, online translators work with clients who submit their documents online. The translators primary responsibility is to ensure that the text keeps its meaning as the original version. Hence, each translator will translate a text in his or her own way. Yet, if they do their job well, they should ultimately reach the same conclusion.
As an online translator you need basic skills in grammar, spelling and punctuation. The gigs you will encounter may vary. Hence, you might want to pick your preferred field of work. Here are a few fields to consider:
- Document translation
- Legal translation
- Commercial translation
- Technical translation
- Administrative translation
- Website text translation
- Copywriting translation
- Book translation
- Medical translation
- Website translation
- Script translation
Who Needs Online Translators?
With the internet being an essential part of everyone’s life, a majority of the world’s population are sharing information across the internet. There is hardly any service or product today that is not available on the world wide web. This is where the need for translation comes in. Companies as well as individuals need online translation services to reach people across the world in their local languages. This has sparked a flame in the translation industry. There is a growth in translation agencies, who provide their services to clients. Where there is demand there is opportunity. Which is the reason I suggest online translation as a good freelance business. Here’s a list of people and businesses who use translators on a regular basis:
- Businesses
- Advertisers
- Publishers
- Students
- Writers
- Authors
- Website owners
- Legal entities
How To Become an Online Translator
They say that every successful business story starts with passion. This is also the case in becoming an online translator. However, as with most stories passion is not the only requirement. You have to put in the work. In the online translation field, that means putting in the work to perfect your fluency in your chosen language to that level where you can act as messenger and deliver a message from one language to another. Your translation abilities directly follow you knowledge and lingual skills. Like most online gigs, your are not required to have a degree. However, having one will greatly improve your chances of getting hired. Educational and professional backgrounds can vary widely for translators. However, most translators have at least one degree. Many translators also go through courses and training programs, which are available online. These courses teach differences in meaning and context. They help you with tools to use when text cannot be translated literally. Your degree will boost your portfolio. Take some free of charge practice gigs. Volunteer to translate to obtain hands-on translation experience to boost your portfolio. This will undoubtedly help you stand out in the job market.
Don’t expect things to be easy. It takes a more than just being fluent in another language to build a successful online translation business for yourself. The road to get there requires a good portion of dedication and persistence. You should have the ability to work independently and to meet deadlines. Most modern translators tasks gets performed on computers. Familiarity with word processing, editorial software, and spreadsheets will get you a long way. This will help you land jobs and opportunities. All with the luxury of working remotely. There is a good reason why so many digital nomads and remote workers are in the translation industry. There is potential. If you are willing to cultivate and evolve your skills, you, too, can profit from its advantages. Here are a few steps to consider on your journey to being a successful online translator:
- Become fluent in your chosen language
- Target a specific industry
- Get a degree
- Become certified
- Make a portfolio
- Gain work experience
Pros Of Being An Online Translator
Being an online freelancer has many advantages. Here are a few:
- Location independence
- In control of schedule
- Pandemic-proof
- High demand
- Meet and connect people all across the globe
- You are your own boss
- No transport
- No major upfront investment
Cons Of Being An Online Translator
As with every job, being an online translator has its downsides. Here are some:
- You are WiFi dependent
- A lot of screen-time
- Sense of isolation
- Technical issues may occur
- Competition for gigs
- Instability in pay
- Deadlines
The Skill Requirements of An Online Translator
There are some basic requirements to becoming an online translator. Although not all are required, I truly believe you will reach success easier if you implement the below elements into your career. Just remember that the exact requirements can vary depending on the gig and client.
- Language skills
- Cultural skills
- Communication skills
- Writing skills
- Research skills
- Listening skills
- Planning and organisation skills
Your clients need to be able to understand what you write. This will build trust. Also, you need confidence your knowledge of language. Otherwise, you spend too much time wondering which words to pick and you won’t get much work done.
An Online Translators Salary
As with all other online jobs, the rates of an online translator can vary depending on factors like the country or your client. A translator's pay may also depend on a variety of factors, such as skill level, experience and education. Most translators are freelancers and self-employed, typically working from home. While other translators may work for agencies dedicated to providing translation services to larger companies. Self employed translators often have variable schedules and periods without work. As a freelance translator, your income is naturally dependent on how many clients you have. Once you have a good portfolio and a base of returning clients, you can earn between $40,000 and $55.000. Again, this all depends on the above mentioned factors.
Get Your Certification
Although translators are not required to obtain a degree to offer their translation services, obtaining a certification in translation will absolutely help you land some gigs. Your potential clients want to know that you are qualified to do the job. In case you want to work for an agency, they mostly will ask for certifications. So plan in a budget and time for an online course and get your certificate. The certification will speak for you. It will tell your clients that you have the skills necessary to do the job. That you are serious about your career.
Gain Work Experience
When you first get out there, don’t expect to get the best and highest-paid jobs straight away. Be patient. You need to gain some experience. Built your portfolio. Start with smaller gigs and build up from there. This will help you to get a feeling of how this industry works and help you build your personal workflow. You will know what you are capable of. Give all gigs your best. A good testimony from a client is worth gold in your portfolio.
Just like other jobs, getting a job as a translator requires experience. You need to proof to your clients that you are the right pick for their gig. Completing jobs for clients and getting testimonials is one way to gain relevant experience. Another way would be by doing volunteer work. Many community organisations offer volunteer opportunities for newbie translators. Do a few of these and jump to the paid gigs.
Promote Yourself As An Online Translator
The next chapter of your journey to becoming a self-employed translator is to promote yourself. You need to use your certifications, skills, experience and testimonials to get bigger clients and gigs. As with any online business, hard work is often not the key to success. You need to add smart into into the equation. As an online translator, you need to make yourself as visible as possible to your potential clients. This is where your portfolio and social media come in. Being a part of the conversation on platforms like Facebook or Twitter will help you build your brand and land gigs. Here are some ways you can start promoting your translation business:
- Create a website
- Set up profiles on job platforms
- Create social media pages
- Post content
- Engage in forums and discords
Improve Your Skills
Always be evolving and cultivating your vocabulary and working flow. No matter how experienced or skilled you are, you can always improve yourself. Get more degrees or certifications. Listen to music and watch movies in your chosen language. Subscribe to YouTube channels. This will give you high levels of cultural awareness and sensitivity. Just like fitness, you need to keep your mind in shape. Stay updated about industry developments.
As a successful translator you have to have strong reading and writing ability to read, comprehend and write fluently in all of the languages you choose to work with. Also, work on improving your business skills in relation to communicating with your clients. There confident you are in yourself, the more your potential clients will choose your services.
Join Freelance Websites
There are unlimited websites out there that connect freelancers and clients. Sign up to as many as you feel necessary. Just as there is a high demand, there is a lot of competition. Nevertheless, stay persistent. This is a part of the journey. The is the way to build your freelance translation business, gain experience and clients. If you prove to be a great translator, some clients might be willing to hire you as their go-to translator. Here are a few freelance platforms I suggest you look into:
Joining Translation Agencies
The benefit of joining a good translation agency, is that they do the marketing for you. They basically pitch to clients. Clients come to them, not the other way around. It’s important to stay positive and easy to work with on these platforms. Reviews are alpha and omega on these platforms. One bad review can ruin your chances with other clients. However, if you stay humble and give the clients what they want, positive reviews will get you more work automatically. Be easy to work with. Communicate well and be able to deliver high-quality work whenever needed. That makes you a positive resource for those agencies and will land you more work. Some of these platform also use algorithms to promote their best service providers. Why not be one of them?
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