The Secrets of Highly Paid Translators

The Secrets of Highly Paid Translators

The translation industry is certainly not suffering, and that’s largely due to the fact that we’re living in such a connected world today.

If you’ve been struggling to get your freelance translation business off the ground, or perhaps you’ve been away from your business for some time and now you’re trying to revive it, or maybe you simply just don’t have enough work, there are various ways to get your business up and running again. These methods will range from applying to every translation agency you can find right through to preparing some really creative marketing materials and making sure you attend every trade fair for your target industry.

The translation industry is certainly not suffering, and that’s largely due to the fact that we’re living in such a connected world today. Most translators will say that they’re very busy. For the purpose of this post we’ll assume that you’re interested in increasing your marketing efforts because you really want to attract some high-paying direct clients, so let’s have a look at some ideas on how you can achieve this –

Approach Potential Clients and Request an Interview

We understand that this sounds very daunting, and there will be those translators out there who won’t have the confidence to take this step. However, asking potential clients for an informational interview on their particular business and how translation fits into their industry, can provide some interesting leads. Businesses you might contact include local translation agencies, association presidents, direct clients and so on. Suggest that they may like to join you for a cup of coffee and remember that this is an informational interview – it’s not meant to be high-pressure sales. These kinds of people are decision-makers, so go to them direct – don’t depend on meeting them at networking events.

Offer to Write Articles

You’re looking for direct clients, so offer to write articles for publications associated with your target industry. Of course, writing articles for translation industry publications is extremely worthwhile as well. A simple article titled ‘Best practices for purchasing translations in the legal/financial/pharmaceutical/automotive/building/whatever industry’ could well place you in the position of being an expert in that field, and we all know that there are publications out there for every imaginable area of specialization so your target industry will almost definitely have their own publication.

You’re the One Who’s Always Available  

Market yourself as the translator who’s always available during those times when no-one else is: by this, we mean weekends, nights, holidays (particularly the period between Christmas and New Year’s) and so on. We know that international business never stops, and people of different countries and religions observe different holidays, so there will always be an opening for translators who are prepared to work the hours that no-one else wants to.

Visit Your Source Language Country

Put this one down to ‘a marketing trip’ - there are various services, such as Payment Practices, that can assist in finding good overseas clients. Contact the agency’s listed on these sites by email requesting an informational interview (this means a coffee or lunch at your expense), find yourself a cheap airfare, and set yourself up to achieve!

So the point here is, if you’re trying to grow your business you need to try something that other translators aren’t doing, and you’ll definitely reap the rewards. Yes, we understand that some of these strategies cost money, while others don’t. Some take a lot of courage, while introverts will have to find different ways of attracting new clients.

A Good Marketing Strategy Is Vital to the Success of Any Business

The most effective way to attract customers to your business is to have an excellent marketing strategy.

Being successful in your translation business means successfully selling your product or service, which means that potential customers must be made aware of what you’re selling. The most effective way to attract customers to your business is to have an excellent marketing strategy.

What Is Marketing?

Marketing is a general term referring to the various ways of introducing your product or service to potential clients, promoting that product or service and making it stand out above the rest. It’s through marketing that you convince your potential customers to buy your product. Marketing might include advertising, promotions, public relations, and sales. You could have the most amazing product or service to offer a specific industry, but without a marketing strategy you won’t be able to achieve the level of sales you need to help your business grow. In fact, marketing is vital to the success of your business, and when you decide to expand your business and take it international, that’s when your marketing strategy becomes even more important.

A Good Marketing Strategy Makes All the Difference!

A well thought out marketing strategy makes all the difference between a business’s success and failure. Some of the advantages of a great marketing strategy include –

• You’ll sell more of your product or service with good marketing. The only way any business can make themselves known is through good marketing, and depending on the marketing campaign you decide to use it’s possible to see an increase in sales within just a few short days.
• You’ll increase public awareness of your brand. When people become familiar with your products and your brand, they’ll stay in the mind of your potential customers; they’ll remember what you’re offering, who you are, and where to find you.
• When you continue with a great translation marketing strategy, your consumers will begin to trust you. They’ll see you as reliable and honest, and in exchange they’ll start trusting you, your business, and your product.

It’s almost impossible to develop a powerful brand name without a good marketing strategy, and smart marketers understand that it’s professional branding that separates them from their competitors. It’s the reason why clients choose your brand and products instead of your competitors.

 Are You Ready to Go International?

Becoming international is certainly the goal for many small, medium, and large businesses, but we can’t deny that it really is a huge step and there are certain processes that must be undertaken to prepare for the challenge. If your business dream is to take your services or products to the international market, then there are some important factors you need to consider before expanding your business. Creating a strong international presence is not a simple step. Consider the following –

Future Customers

Considering the country or countries you’re considering expanding into, do you believe there will be customers for your product? Have you done your research into the potential market in this country, and will your product have the same appeal as it does in your local market? Make sure that the customers in your new market have a need for what you’re offering.