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When to work with translation companies vs. freelancers

By Samantha Brazel on May 27, 2021

If your brand has a presence in multiple markets, then you will most probably have a regular need to translate at least some of your content.

Employing writers for each target market is not always an option, in which case you may choose to work with freelance translators or translation companies.

But when should you work with freelance translators, and when should you work with translation companies? What are the differences between them, and how can you know which option is best for your needs?

If you are asking these questions, never fear! We have just published an in-depth guide on this topic (access it by clicking the banner below) and summarised some of the key points in this blog post.

When to work with freelance translators

If you are a relatively small company who is just starting on your path of international expansion to a limited number of target markets, then it may make more sense for you to work directly with freelance translators.

Managing one or a small number of freelancers by implementing a GDPR policy, non-disclosure agreement, payment terms, and collaboration terms can be relatively easy to manage internally, and in return, working directly with freelancers enables you to build a close personal relationship with them.

However, if you are targeting multiple target markets, you might find that the management of multiple translators can become a significant undertaking.

When translation needs grow, businesses will often turn to translation companies to make use of their experience, resources, and scalability.

When to work with a translation company

If you have a significant translation requirement, several languages, or simply do not have the time or resources to manage freelancers, you might be better off establishing a relationship with a translation company.

Translation companies (such as Webcertain!) are able to do most of the work on your behalf and can also advise you on the best strategies and workflows to meet your needs.

Some translation companies offer a holistic suite of content services, including content writing, file engineering, translation, post-editing, optimisation and more. So, they can handle everything from content creation to content launch, and all to your brief.

Translation companies also have the capacity for scalability and flexibility. So, if you have an unexpected translation need, or you need to change tactics quickly, they can often adapt and support, using their experience to help you be proactive rather than reactive to change.

Conclusion

I hope this blog post has given you a useful summary of when to work with translation companies vs. freelancers. For more in-depth information and advice, read the full-length guide here. The guide covers:

  • the differences between freelance translators and translation companies
  • the vetting criteria you should use in order to choose a quality translation partner
  • the pros and cons of freelance translators and translation companies
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Samantha Brazel

Production Manager at Webcertain
Samantha is a Production Manager at Webcertain. With over a decade of digital marketing experience, she oversees the management and ensures the smooth running of the Translates, SEO and Content Care departments. She enjoys new learning opportunities and developing her skill sets. Originally from the UK, Samantha now lives in France.

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