Language Services Providers (LSP) are like any other service providers – you get good ones, bad ones, and everything in-between, so you’ll need to vet any prospective LSP to find out a bit more about what services they offer, how efficient their project management is, and what they offer above and beyond the next provider on your list.
However, even if the LSPs you inspect seem to offer a high standard service with reasonable rates and qualified translators, it doesn’t necessarily mean working with them will be straightforward.
Here, at Creative Word, we’ve been providing quality language services for more than two decades so we understand how complex the translation process can be but also how to make sure a project goes according to plan.
We’ve collected our top tips on getting more from your LSP and share them here…
1. Know What you Want
We often have clients who come to us in need of translation services for a particular project but without any knowledge of the various language services available they are unable to clearly define and communicate their requirements or understand how the process works.
In this instance, the best idea is to do a little research on what is available, find potential LSPs with whom you can discuss your ideas, and ensure you have as much information at hand as possible ready to show them.
Once you’ve done this, you should have a better idea about the scope of your project, costs, limitations, documentation required, and so on.
You can then assess all your material – ensure it is accurate (any mistakes will be assumed to be correct so could be copied into the translation), check for potential formatting issues, and make sure you’re ready to localise everything from colour to currency for your target audience.
At this point, you’re ready to convey your requirements to your LSP, remembering to consider:
• Localisation for your target audience – will your message resonate with your audience? Do you need translation or localisation?
• Brand voice – what tone of voice do you want to use? How do you want your audience to perceive your message? Are you fun or formal?
• Objective – what is the purpose of this translation? How can your LSP help you achieve this?
Be available to clarify any points, answering queries as quickly and clearly as possible so there are no hold-ups with the project.
Work closely with your LSP so they can help you achieve your goal.
2. Provide Reference Material and Supporting Documents
You’ll obviously need to give your LSP the original document(s) that you want to be translated but there are lots of other documents and supporting materials which can help your LSP provide a better finished product and also makes the process faster by reducing queries.
For instance:
• Industry terminology
• Glossaries of frequently used terms/phrases
• Design guidelines
• Brand information
• Images
• Product/service information
Another point worth making here is ensuring a reliable point of contact within your firm for your LSP. Make sure you select someone with the authority to make decisions quickly and who is readily available.
Most professional LSPs should offer project managers or relationships managers who will be your contact for the duration of your translation project so you always know who to contact and can be sure that they know all about your project.
3. Choose the Right Language Service Provider
Choosing an LSP to partner with on your translation project is not an easy task – there are lots of us around, all claiming to offer the same language pairs, similar services and a quality advantage.
However, there are a few guidelines you should always follow when choosing an LSP if you want to guarantee a first-class translation…
• Choose an LSP who specialises in the language(s) you require
• Check they use native speaking linguists
• Check they follow quality control guidelines
• Ask to see examples of their previous work
• Find out if they have experience of your industry
• Check they have a good cultural understanding of your target audience
• Ensure they can deliver the entire translation process including, editing, proofreading, updating, and so on.
Investigating each LSP thoroughly will help you choose the right one for your translation project and ensure you are happy with the finished article.
Ask to see examples of their work and speak to previous clients as there is still no better endorsement than a satisfied client!
4. Be Prepared to Work on your Relationship
Every positive relationship is based upon two-way communication so keeping up your side of the conversation is important.
Keep in touch regularly with your chosen LSP, check they have everything they need from you, and be sure to let them know as soon as possible if something isn’t right or you’re dissatisfied in any way.
An outstanding LSP will want to know that you’re satisfied with the work they have completed and that they have met with your expectations.
Feedback (positive or negative) is vital for improvement so if your LSP hasn’t met your standards or they’ve exceeded them, let them know.
For more support or specific guidance with your translation project, please contact the Creative Word team here.
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