October 21, 2024
Important Considerations for Selecting Your Global Content Services Partner
We’ve compiled some key questions to ask your existing or prospective localization partner to guide your decision-making process.
When searching for a localization partner, you might find yourself comparing services that appear quite similar, making it difficult to identify the best fit. While cost is undeniably a significant factor in any decision, relying solely on the cheapest option can sometimes backfire—choosing based on price alone may not deliver the results you need.
Instead, we recommend evaluating the cost of translation services alongside other important considerations to ensure you make a well-rounded and informed choice.
Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Translation Partner
1. Does the provider have quality assurance processes at every stage?
High-quality translations come with a cost, but cutting corners on quality control can lead to expensive rework later. Opting for the cheapest option may seem appealing initially, but without thorough quality assurance measures in place, you could face higher costs in the long run.
It’s essential to ensure your provider has robust processes to assess and maintain quality throughout the entire translation workflow. This proactive approach not only minimizes risks but can also save money over time by preventing errors before they occur.
Another critical factor is the selection of linguists. Since linguists play a pivotal role in delivering accurate translations, ensure your provider carefully evaluates and assigns professionals best suited for your projects. Additionally, they should monitor each linguist’s performance to maintain consistent quality. At MyTrans, we hold our linguists to exceptionally high standards, surpassing industry norms.
2. Does the provider offer a centralized platform for managing requests and communication?
If you’ve ever struggled to track the progress of a content project, you know the frustration of not having a unified translation management system or an easy way to connect with your vendor.
A centralized system ensures all deliverables are tracked and up-to-date, giving you complete visibility into your projects. Without this, you might miss out on the ability to leverage company-wide translation memories or streamline workflows.
Cloud-based platforms allow stakeholders to monitor every stage of the translation process, simplifying approvals, budget tracking, and quality control. This efficiency translates into cost savings, improved workflows, and enhanced translation accuracy. Curious about the real-world benefits? Check out our success stories to see the difference centralization can make.
3. Does the provider offer translation memory—and treat it as your intellectual property?
Translation memory (TM) technology can significantly reduce costs by reusing previously translated content, lowering per-word rates, and speeding up turnaround times. This not only enhances accuracy and consistency but also reduces time-to-market.
However, not all TMs are created equal. Ensure your provider uses advanced, up-to-date technology tailored to your needs. Importantly, confirm that your translation memory remains your intellectual property and is accessible to you at all times without additional charges.
4. Does the provider leverage cutting-edge technology—or even create it?
Your translation partner should embrace and innovate with the latest technologies, including neural machine translation (NMT), artificial intelligence (AI), and tools for content creation and delivery. Technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) also play a growing role in delivering immersive multilingual content.
Leading providers don’t just adopt technology—they create solutions to meet evolving localization challenges. Partnering with a company that fosters innovation ensures you’re prepared for future needs.
5. Can the provider scale with your growth?
As your business expands, your translation requirements will likely grow in volume and complexity. A scalable provider should be capable of translating large volumes into multiple languages daily, using efficient processes and advanced technology.
Working with smaller vendors or individual translators may limit your scalability, resulting in delays or costly last-minute vendor changes. Choose a partner with the infrastructure and expertise to meet your growing demands. At MyTrans, our advanced translation management system ensures seamless scalability for projects of any size.
Remember: Translation services are more than just a price tag
When selecting a translation partner, avoid focusing solely on cost. Instead, think about the value they bring to your business. The cheapest provider might save you upfront but could result in inefficiencies, errors, and rework that cost you far more over time.
A reliable partner works with you to optimize your translation program, helping you achieve your global growth goals effectively and efficiently.
