The demand for translation is increasing each year, but
competition among freelance translators is high. Below are a series of tips to help you get your foot in
the stirrup and save you time.
Build your brand as an independent translator from the start
One of the most
important points for any freelancer, whether a translator, graphic designer or
developer, is to build a personal brand. This brand will allow it to be
identifiable and to put its potential customers in confidence. This must
go through at least 3 things:
2. Your profile on freelance marketplaces
3. If possible, your own site
Professional social networks
LinkedIn, Proz, or TranslatorsCafé will allow you to expand your network, with potential employers but
also with other freelance translators (see below). These sites are also
sources for finding freelance jobs, often for translation agencies.
Platforms for freelancers
They are very good
at displaying positive feedback from your previous customers. Of course,
you won't have one at first. This is built over time and can take several
months to have a sufficient number of notes.
But once you've expanded your freelance translator
profile, it's much easier for you to make clients want to entrust their
translations to you. The jobs available on these marketplaces are a mix
between direct clients and translation agencies. See what Lexling
has to offer.
Your own website
It may be just a page or a blog but it will allow you to
display your skills and diplomas. With some good SEO practices, it should
allow you to appear at the top of searches for your name on
Google. A translation company or a direct
customer will be able to take a look at it. However, you have to think
about keeping it up to date!
Some volunteer translations for associations, to build your portfolio
By definition,
your professional history as a beginner freelance translator is low. To
garnish it, you have two options. You can accept low-cost (non-recommended!)
translations or participate in volunteer translation projects.
Lexling does not recommend stringing together low-cost
translations in the hope of winning out regular customers. For example,
there is little chance that a customer looking for a professional English
translation at 0.04 euros per word will offer you
higher rates in the future. In addition, these translation projects are
rarely among those that can be displayed as references.Contact with us for your business website translation!
