Do you know the total number of translation agencies in service right now? It’s a huge number. They range from top language services providers (LSPs) to boutique agencies.
In today’s competitive freelance translation space, building strong relationships with translation agencies is essential for securing consistent work and growing your business. Agencies often have a steady stream of projects and can provide valuable opportunities for freelance translators.
By fostering positive relationships with agencies, you can increase your visibility, establish trust, and gain access to a wider range of clients. So, whether you are trying to secure a full-time living or a part-time income, getting enough jobs is crucial for you. Translation agencies of all sizes can be your go-to place to find regular work.
6 Tips to Get More Freelance Work From Translation Agencies
Tip 1. Partner with Translation Agencies as a Freelancer
The more translation agencies you have a working history with the more likely you are to get new work.So, it should be your priority to find new agencies that you can work with.
Where do you find potential translation agencies?
- Nimdzi 100: Every year Nimdzi publishes the top 100 LSPs in terms of their yearly revenue. These are top agencies to date that you can probably be interested in. However, there is a popular agreement among professional translators that bigger agencies often tend to pay lower. Remember you are the CEO of your freelance business. Still this can be a starting point for you.
- LinkedIn: You can search LinkedIn for translation agencies and find the potential agencies to work with.
- Google Search: This is probably your best tool to find the most number of translation agencies. However, be cautious to weigh each agency against the red flags.
Checklist to partnering translation agencies:
- Do they have a website?
- Can you find their contact information online or on LinkedIn?
- Do they have a good standing in The ProZ.com Blue Board™?
If you find one or more of these red flags, avoid that agency. To spot more red flags in an agency, you may find this article helpful.
Pro tip 1: Target the small agencies. They have fewer project managers. And you will get noticed easily.
Pro tip 2: Always research the agency before you start collaborating with them. Look out for the red flags of an agency.
Tip 2. Be Prepared
When you start contacting translation agencies, you may be asked to share translation samples or take a translation test. Here are a few steps you can take beforehand which will streamline the tiring process of partnering with a lot of translation agencies.
- Have your resume updated.
- Have your LinkedIn profile updated.
- Have your best translation samples ready to showcase.
- In your profiles highlight your areas of expertise and language combinations.
- Consider creating a portfolio website or use platforms like Proz.com.
Tip 3. Pass Translation Tests
Translation agencies often use translation tests as a part of their recruiting process. If you are asked to take a non-paid translation test, be sure the translation text is 200-350 or maximum 500 words long. It is important to follow the given instruction and provide a quality translation to stand out in the test. Be confident and approach the test with a positive mindset.
Tip 4. Maintain Commitment & High Quality Standard
Maintaining a strong commitment to quality and professionalism is essential for attracting and retaining clients in the competitive freelance translation market. Here are some strategies to ensure you deliver consistently high-quality work:
- Adhere to Deadlines: Deadlines are a critical aspect of freelance translation work. Meeting deadlines ensures client satisfaction, builds a strong reputation, and can lead to more opportunities. Deliver projects on time and to a high standard of quality.
- Time Management: One of the core skills of a successful translator is the ability to estimate how long it may take to deliver a project. Develop effective time management strategies to ensure timely delivery of projects.
- Prioritize Tasks: Set realistic deadlines and prioritize tasks to avoid falling behind.
- Active Listening: Listen carefully to client feedback, even if it’s critical.
- Use Feedback: Use feedback to improve your skills and services. Take steps to address any issues or concerns raised by clients.
By consistently maintaining high-quality standards and demonstrating your commitment to excellence, you can establish yourself as a reliable and sought-after freelance translator.
Tip 5. Effective Communication and Client Relationship Management
How well you communicate with your project managers and manage their expectations is central to your chance of winning more projects.
- Provide regular updates throughout a project. Keep the project manager informed about project progress, including any potential delays or challenges.
- Use clear and concise language to avoid misunderstandings.
- Clearly communicate your rates, terms, and conditions.
- When in doubt, seek clarification on client requirements, expectations, and target audience.
- Be proactive in addressing any concerns or questions raised by clients.
- Maintain a professional demeanor and conduct yourself ethically.
- Respond to inquiries promptly and professionally.
Tip 6. Stick With the Good Agencies, and Get Rid of the Bad Ones
By carefully evaluating and selecting the right translation agencies, you can establish long-term partnerships that benefit both you and the agency. If an agency fails to meet your expectations, don’t be afraid to end the relationship. Focus on building relationships with agencies that are beneficial to you. Here is more on how you can determine an agency that you don’t want waste your time on.
Freelance success largely depends on consistent flow of work. Partnering with translation agencies and nurturing a reliable relationship can be a key to your success. Remember building a client base takes time. Keep searching, and patiently explore new agencies.
