How to Start a Home Based Language Translation Service

Professioal Translation Service

The world is becoming smaller and the diverse population translates into success for language translators. Knowledge of multiple languages puts you at the forefront of this global movement. Read on to find out how to start a home based translation service, where to get further training, and how to get clients who need translation services.

Instructions

1. Sharpen Your Language Translation Tongue

   If you know a second language such as Spanish, German, Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian or Japanese you will be able to set up a home translation service. Although you know the second language sharpen your skills before you offer translation services.
   • If you do not feel comfortable translating in to your second language you could do the reverse. Translate in to your native tongue.
   • Look through books, magazines, or on the Internet and read out loud in your second language. The written word is a great teaching tool for spoken words.
   • Take community interpretation courses.
   • Find a multicultural community center that offers interpretation training certificate programs.
   • Take a translation training seminar online.
   • Locate a professional translator association and see what language training they offer.

2. Types of Language Translation Jobs Available

   As a freelance translator you have a variety of choices for attaining language translation jobs.
   • Have your name listed on government accredited interpreters roster. Immigration, refugee, hearings and interviews are all situations that need an interpreter.
   • Visit the multicultural center in your community and get your name on their roster of qualified interpreters.
   • Phone interpreting for a local language service company or anywhere. These companies offer a telephone interpreting home option so you do your phone interpretation at home.
   • Airports that are international hubs have a consistent need for language interpreters to assist foreign travelers.
   • Businesses including lawyers, accountants, physicians, and all types and size of businesses are venturing in to business abroad and need interpreters for meetings, written documents, or any other type of work with their foreign group.

3. Determine Fees for Language Translation Services

   The fees you charge will depend on the assignment and where you live. Do some research to find out how others in your area are setting up their fee schedule.
   • Call foreign language interpretation agencies in your city and ask about their fees.
   • Turn to the Internet and check the fees being charged in your area.
   • Find interpretation associations and consult with them to assist you in setting your fees.
   • One website, Foreign Word (www.foreignword.com), has a variety of resources available for you to research.

4. Translator Services Marketing Ideas

   As a start-up in the language translation business you need to get your first client. Determine what type of client you would like to work for, ie. business, hospital, government, etc., and then find the correct marketing medium to reach your target audience.
   The use of the Internet is essential for any target audience you wish to market your translation services to.
   • Place classified ads in the appropriate websites.
   • Use the social websites such as LinkedIn and Facebook to market your professional translation services.
   • Create a website and write informative articles.

   Direct mail marketing is a great way to get your information into the hands of your specific target audience.
   • Go to www.infousa.com to create and generate a targeted mailing list for your market.
   • Prepare a letter, a list of your qualifications, and any translation experience you have. Use this for your first mailing.
   • Create a series of postcards and send one out every 2 - 3 weeks until you begin to get clients.

5. Other Resources Helpful for a Home Based Translation Service

   Style guides and dictionaries -
   • Translating into English have The Chicago Manual of Style
   • There are both bilingual and English dictionaries on CD-ROM
   Translation Books - Recommended Reading
   • 'The Craft of Translation'
   • 'The Translator's Handbook', 3rd Ed. By Morry Sofer
   • 'Becoming a Translator: An Accelerated Course' by Douglas Robinson

Tips & Warnings

• Starting a home based language translation service can be a part time or full time freelance career. If you have questions about your start-up business contact the Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov).

Resources

• How to Use Small Business Credit Card Services
• Small Business - Dream to Reality