How to Choose the Best English to Spanish Translation Service

Scary stuff, especially if you are choosing a translation service for the first time. Even more so, if you are trusted to choose the team that will be responsible for elevating your company’s contents, values and industry power to the rest of the world. No need to panic. Many have done this, and most of them have survived. Now, in order to really strive and have a true shot at becoming an “international” company, there are a few pointers you might like to remember, if and when the time comes. 

First, and as a basic survival approach, you need to make sure that the translation company has been in the business for considerable time, that they are trustworthy, committed and serious, and that they know their trade. In order to do this, you might want to review their client’s feedback, to check whether they belong to any professional associations, whether they have ISO Certification, and you could even have access to their translation samples. There is always time to request a translation test, before signing any contracts. Having teeth and a big mouth does not mean I am a shark. Similarly, knowing and potentially dominating two languages does not make me a translator. That is just for starters. Size does not matter, indeed. You can hire a small translation agency, and receive high quality, and personalized work. 

Second, you need to make sure they include localization services, and professional linguists who are able to localize your contents to the Spanish variety you need, according to your historic, as well as prospective client base.

It would be quite convenient to check that the company is able to handle big work volumes with reliable deadlines. Their teams should include professional high-quality linguists with CAT Tools skills, including as many platforms as possible, since your contents might need a specific one.

Finely tuned project management processes are fundamental. If you need it, the Project Manager in charge should be able to provide job progress updates, and definitely should contact you in case there are any doubts along the way.

Here comes the elephant in the room: rates! Do not fear them. And do not take linguists’ work for granted either. Language is as visible, and necessary for humanity as big chunky figures in the Stock Exchange. Therefore, respect yourself as a client, and respect the translation company as a skilled supplier. Having said this, there can always be margin for negotiation between you and the translation service, as long as there is mutual respect, and common sense.   

Materials format is key to showcase what you need to the audience you target, and in the way you envisioned. Therefore, discuss delivery format, design, visual presentation in depth with the team member in charge. It is not only about “what” you are offering, but “how” you are showing it as well.

If rates were the elephant in the room, then AI is the T-Rex in the cubicle! Just breath deep and make sure that, if needed and convenient, your company project management includes AI involvement to improve, keep a good work pace, and enhance processes. Things should not necessarily be black or white. There are infinite shades in life, so that we can seize what AI has to offer, without having people disappear as human workers and thinkers, into an unfair and sad oblivion. Human linguists and AI working together form a much tighter force than opposing each other. 

Make sure that everything included in the invoices you receive is squeaky clean. Ask away if you are not sure. 

And when you receive the final results of the work that will help put your company on the world map, enjoy every moment of the journey, and full heartedly thank those who helped you.

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