When you are browsing through the website of several different companies, it might seem hard to understand what is behind a fully featured website or just a few web pages. However, there are always some characteristics to look out for, which will help you to choose the best baker, florist or indeed language service provider and avoid any nasty surprises later on. If you are looking at a company which is located in another country, a well-translated website will most likely be the reason that you hang around to read more. So what is important when it comes to website translation services?

First of all, a translation company which is committed to its work will be transparent in its policy toward translators and customers, and this will be clear from its website. Linguists will be given precise information on the requirements they need to satisfy before applying. Similarly, a serious business is proud to let their clients know the high level of the staff they employ. You therefore need to look for what a translation and interpreting company is able to offer you in terms of the experience their linguists have, as well as any translation tests they are required to undergo. If this information is really difficult to find or even missing, then it can lead to doubts about the professional attitude of the company. Similarly with other sectors, if the information is unclear or badly worded, it is unlikely to keep you attention for long. This highlights the importance of accurate and effective website translation services.

Secondly, it is always better to take self-service quotes with a pinch of salt. Although they might seem faster than the process of being contacted by a personal Project Manager who will draw you a personalised quote, they fail to take several aspects into consideration. Not only do they ignore the nature of the document (a translation of a general text is cheaper than a legal or financial document), but they also do not take into account whether you need any desktop publishing services or any other services post-translation. In addition, a real person with a translation background might be able to advise you on a cheaper or more effective way to fulfil your requirements, which is impossible if you are just dealing with a ‘free quote calculator’. The personal touch is also important when taking into account the style of the website content. Website translation services need to reflect the tone of the original content, but apply it to a new culture.

Finally, don’t forget that companies that are run by professional linguists are very much likely to have a translation blog linked to them. Although this might seem something trivial, it is actually a sign that behind those pages are people with a language background who are able and willing to share their knowledge with their customers.

What do you think are the most common mistakes companies make with regard to their website? If you would like more information about how your business could be boosted by website translation, please visit our website translation services page.