020 · Translating Documents

If you are fluent in both your native language and a second or even third one, you can translate different types of content (documents, books, and other texts). A low-stress activity that allows you to work from home and earn a full or supplemental income. It won’t necessarily be easy, as there’s quite a bit of competition in certain markets, and because more and more people are using tools like Deepl or ChatGPT to translate their content. But let’s see how to find clients and turn this idea into long-term success.

• Here's the program
• Introduction
• What types of content can be translated?
• How to find your clients
• How to calculate your prices
• Using a Translation Application
• How to maximize your chances of success?
• Tips and tricks
• Conclusion
• EcoTips
• Pros and Cons
• Information recap

Introduction

If you are lucky enough to be the son or daughter of an immigrant or have lived long enough in another country, chances are you are fluent in a second language. Or maybe you’ve studied modern languages (sorry, Latin-Greek won’t help you much here). No matter how you learned them, mastering several languages opens doors to a job where the demand is steady: translator.

Please note that I’m not talking about those who know another language only moderately well and are barely able to hold a basic conversation. No, I’m talking about real skills, in terms of grammar, spelling, and conjugating.

If you fit this profile, then you could use your talent to help others. You could work at home, or abroad as an expatriate, and earn money for translating various content sent to you.

What types of content can be translated?

The types of content to be translated are varied, reflecting the diversity of the industries you will work with and the specific needs of each client. Whatever the content, your linguistic expertise will be utilized to adapt messages for different audiences while respecting their professional and cultural context. This versatility makes translation an exciting, yet sometimes demanding, profession.

Here are different types of content you might be asked to translate:

• Traditional documents (text, Word, PDF, etc.)
• Translation and transcription of audio or video files
• Website language files (.po, .mo)
• Paper book or ebook
• Mobile applications and software
• Research reports and technical documents

And the subjects you will be asked to translate are very broad and sometimes even quite specialized. In some cases, you will have to do research to be able to accurately translate specific terms related to them.

This approach is essential to ensure the accuracy and quality of the translation, especially in fields where errors could have significant consequences. Here are some areas of specialization that involve specific terminologies and may therefore require the use of specialized glossaries.

• Medical
• Legal/administrative
• Technical
• Literary
• Finance-related
• Marketing and advertising
• Education and training

Translating books is often long and tedious, but it’s the kind of work that can earn you the most money.

How to find your clients

The easiest and fastest way is to offer your services on various freelance marketplaces for freelancers. There are several of them, and some are more popular than others. There are some I prefer, but nothing prevents you from doing your own research if you wish.

• Fiverr: This is one of the most popular. Services start at $5, and even if there are already a lot of providers, it’s worth signing up.
• UpWork: Another very good platform but it works a bit differently. Here it’s not the service providers who impose their price, but the customers who indicate what their budget is.
• PeoplePerHour: Another very good site that offers customers to find a freelancer in different ways (fixed price, tender, search by providers…)
• Toptal: A highly selective platform that connects top professionals with clients, focusing on quality in tech, design, and finance.
• ComeUp: The 100% French equivalent of Fiverr. Here too, services start at $5. This is a base price, of course. For that amount, you might offer to translate 200 or 300 words or provide another similar basic service.

To maximize your chances of success on these platforms, your presentation must be clear and professional. Highlight your linguistic skills, past experiences, and the benefits you can offer to your clients. Also, include samples of your previous work to demonstrate their quality. If necessary, offer a short free translation to hesitant clients.

Start with competitive rates to attract your first clients and gain positive reviews. These reviews are essential for improving your visibility on these platforms. Once you have built a good reputation, you can adjust your rates according to demand and your level of expertise.

Freelance platforms are perfect for starting out, but there are other options. For example, you can create a professional website, detailing the services you offer, showing examples of work you have done, and displaying positive reviews from your clients. You can then promote it through advertising campaigns on Google or social media. Creating a blog on translation or foreign languages can also help attract clients by showcasing your expertise in the field.

Directly approaching certain companies and media outlets that you have carefully selected is another option that can be very effective. Don’t forget the importance of word-of-mouth either. Let your personal and professional network know that you offer translation services. Recommendations from trusted individuals can often lead to interesting and well-paid projects.

Finally, participating in forums and discussion groups related to translation is also an excellent way to network and find new opportunities. And for more information on this subject, I invite you to read my article “25 Effective Ways to Find Customers for Your Business”

How to calculate your prices

To set fair and competitive rates, several factors need to be taken into account. Whether you are new to the field or have years of experience, it’s crucial to strike a balance between valuing your expertise and staying in tune with market conditions. This process requires a careful assessment of different elements that will influence your pricing and ensure the viability of your business.

Analyze the market

Start by examining the rates charged by other translators in your area of specialization and the languages you offer. Freelance platforms can give you an idea of the common price ranges.

Evaluate the complexity of the project

The type of content, its technicality, and the requested deadline directly influence your rates. A legal or technical text will require more research and precision than a general text, thus justifying a higher rate.

Calculate your hourly rate

To determine a base rate, estimate how much you want to earn per hour of work, then evaluate the time needed to translate or proofread a certain volume of text (usually calculated by word count or page). This approach will help you set a price that covers both your time and your expertise.

Consider your expenses

Don’t forget to account for your overhead costs, such as translation software, equipment, and other expenses related to your business. These costs should be factored into your rates to ensure that your business remains viable.

By adjusting these variables, you will be able to set prices that reflect your expertise, the quality of your work, and market realities, while remaining competitive.

Using a Translation Application?

With the emergence of artificial intelligence, online translators such as Google Translate, Deepl, or Reverso, but especially chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude AI are becoming more and more efficient. But some fake translators on freelance platforms, who do not master at all (or very little) the languages they pretend to know, use these fast and automated translation websites. It’s a pure scam, of course. But then, could you use them in your case? The answer is yes, but…

I myself had to translate texts written in English into French (which is my mother tongue) several times. So, I tested the Deepl application, and I must say that the result was quite good. I could have translated the whole text manually, sentence by sentence, but I must admit that this tool saved me a lot of time.

So, yes, you can use it, but it is important to reread each paragraph one by one and to correct the many mistakes you find. Human language is very complex, and that’s where you have to make the difference.

As for chatbots, they tend to produce translations that, while often grammatically correct, sometimes lack nuance or cultural subtleties. They can also introduce contextual errors or choose phrasing that, although technically accurate, doesn’t always match the tone or style expected by the client. This is why, even though these tools can be a good starting point or a time-saving aid, they can never replace careful and meticulous translation work.

Oh, and don’t forget to use a grammar correction tool (Grammarly, Scribens or Ginger) because no one is safe from a careless mistake.

If you’re a digital nomad, expatriate, or live in a remote location, this business allows you to work remotely. Wherever you are on the planet, all you need is an Internet connection stable enough for videoconferencing and receiving documents by e-mail.

How to maximize your chances of success in the age of artificial intelligence?

As I mentioned earlier, the translation market has undergone profound changes in recent years, mainly due to the emergence of artificial intelligence and automated translation tools. These technologies, while practical and fast, have changed the way clients perceive translation services. If you’re considering entering this field, it is now crucial to develop strategies to stand out and succeed despite this new competition. Here are some ways to achieve that.

Specialize in a specific field

The widespread use of automatic translation tools has led many translators to specialize in complex areas where machines still struggle to match human skills. Whether in the medical, legal, technical, or literary field, developing a strong expertise will allow you to position yourself as a key expert in that sector. Clients are looking for translators who can understand the nuances and specificities of their field, something that AI often cannot offer.

Focus on quality and personalization

One of the biggest weaknesses of artificial intelligence is its inability to understand and interpret cultural subtleties, emotions, and the intentions behind a text. As a translator, you should capitalize on these aspects by offering a personalized translation service, where each word is carefully chosen to faithfully reflect the message and tone of the original text. Highlight your commitment to high-quality work, emphasizing the careful attention to detail and thorough revisions you provide for each project.

Build strong relationships with your clients

In a world where machines are increasingly present, human relationships take on even greater importance. Take the time to understand your clients’ specific needs, communicate with them regularly, and offer them impeccable customer service. Client retention is built on trust and satisfaction, aspects that AI cannot replace. By being responsive, providing customized solutions, and demonstrating a true understanding of your clients’ needs, you’ll build stronger loyalty and distinguish yourself from automated solutions.

Continuously train and evolve with technology

AI and automated translation tools are constantly evolving, and it is essential to stay up to date with these advancements to avoid being left behind. Engage in continuous training, learn how to use CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools, and even integrate certain technologies into your workflow to give yourself a competitive edge. By combining your linguistic skills with an understanding of new technologies, you can offer a more comprehensive service tailored to modern needs.

Leverage your expertise through marketing and networking

It’s essential to make your skills and expertise known. Create a professional website, share testimonials from satisfied clients, and participate in conferences or events related to translation. Use social media to showcase your know-how and establish your online presence. Personal marketing is crucial to attracting new clients, especially in a market where visibility is the key to success.

Tips and tricks

We are nearing the end of this article. But before we wrap up, here are some practical, original, and useful tips to help you achieve the success you’re aiming for.

• Use a wide screen: Investing in a wide screen can significantly improve your workflow. With an extended display space, you can view the source text and the translation or correction simultaneously, avoiding the hassle of toggling between windows.
• Create a personal glossary: Throughout your projects, you’ll encounter specific terms, phrases, and expressions that recur frequently. By building your own glossary, you’ll save time on future translations and ensure consistency in your work. This glossary can be digital, using tools like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, or even integrated into CAT software.
• Automate administrative tasks: Use tools like Trello, Monday or Asana to organize your projects, manage deadlines, and track your invoices. Automating these tasks will free up your time to focus on more essential tasks.
• Join online communities: Engage in forums and translator groups on platforms like LinkedIn or Reddit. These communities provide a space to exchange tips, find support, and even secure new work opportunities.
• Take regular breaks: Working without interruption can hurt your productivity and the quality of your work. Practice the “Pomodoro” technique or simply impose regular breaks to recharge and avoid mental fatigue.
• Optimize your workspace: Create a workspace that inspires you. A tidy space, with good lighting and a comfortable chair, can greatly improve your concentration and daily well-being.
• Diversify your services: Offer complementary services such as text revision, localization, or transcription. I’ve already mentioned this, but diversifying your offerings can attract a broader range of clients and increase your revenue.
• Practice regularly: Even when not working on paid projects, continue translating or proofreading to refine your skills. You might translate articles that catch your interest or revise texts you come across. Continuous practice will help you stay up to date and hone your style.
• Simulate projects: Before offering a new type of service, run simulations to test your speed and efficiency. This will help you accurately estimate deadlines and rates to propose to clients.

Knowing a second language isn’t like riding a bike: you can forget it. So don’t miss any opportunity to immerse yourself in it. Read, converse, watch movies and series… anything is good to stimulate your memory.

Conclusion

The big advantage of this idea is that you can work from anywhere in the world as long as you have a good Internet connection (at home, in an Internet café, while traveling, or even as an expatriate). It’s also a fairly quiet job that allows you, except in exceptional cases, to work at your own pace. But, once again, this activity is only possible if you really know the languages you claim to know.

Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that competition in the translation field can be fierce, and especially that the advent of automated translation tools (Deepl, ChatGPT…) has made this activity more challenging than before. To succeed, it’s no longer enough to simply master multiple languages; you also need to stand out through the quality of your work, your ability to adapt to client needs, and by offering complementary services like proofreading or localization.

This article aims to equip you with the tools you need to succeed, and I hope it has done just that (feel free to share your thoughts in the comments). Ultimately, the key to success lies in your commitment to providing impeccable work and building trustful relationships with your clients.