Translation / Localization

Service description

Translation turns text into another language. Localization goes further, adapting content so it reads naturally in a specific market, including dates, currencies, units, images and tone. A provider can handle documents, websites, software or marketing material, often with a reviewer checking the translator's work.

Common industries

Applies to any business reaching customers, partners or regulators in other languages.

ROI

Proper localization unlocks new markets and avoids the credibility hit of bad translation; scales with global expansion.

Benefit

Translate and localize your content, product, or documents for other languages and markets — accurately and in context.

Why get it

Customers and partners respond to material in their own language, and poor translation can undermine trust. Some documents, such as contracts, labels or filings, must be exact. The right approach depends on whether the need is plain translation or adapting a product or site.

When you benefit

A one-time project for a document, or ongoing as content changes and new markets are added.

What it costs

Typically a per-word fee.

When you pay

Providers usually charge per source word, with rates that vary by language pair and subject, or per hour for formatting and review work. Localizing software or a website may be quoted as a project. Rush work and specialized material often cost more.

Other costs

Internal review time by a native speaker, formatting or design changes, and certification or notarization if a recipient requires it.

Risks to know

A literal translation can read poorly or offend, and an error in a contract, label or set of instructions can cause real harm. Terms and names may be rendered inconsistently across documents. Documents for courts, agencies or other official use may need a certified translation, and a plain one may be rejected.

When risks arise

Errors usually surface after publication, when a customer, regulator or partner reads the material. A review before release is the cheapest point to catch them.

The process

The provider reviews the source material and agrees languages, markets and format. A translator produces the draft and a reviewer checks it, and the provider adapts layout, formats and images for localization. The business reviews the result and requests changes before release.

Your commitment

The business provides the source files, names the target languages and markets, and explains the audience and purpose. It supplies any glossary, brand terms or past translations, and has a speaker of the target language review key material.

Documents to gather

• Source files in editable formats, not only PDFs
• Glossary, brand terms and style guidance
• Previous translations of the same material
• Notes on the target audience, market and intended use

Helpful reading

• Localization vs. Internationalization — W3C Internationalization Activity
• Choosing a language tag — W3C Internationalization Activity