For manufacturers seeking a translation services provider to help them scale like Armstrong International, global expansion is a strategic necessity. With operations in over 100 countries, Armstrong’s leadership team knew that choosing a translation company that would help them streamline translation processes was critical to growth, maintaining global compliance, and strengthening brand trust worldwide.

The Challenge of Global Expansion for Manufacturing Leaders

Company expansion isn’t just about selling products in new markets. It’s about building relationships and consistent, reliable communications.

Armstrong’s Chief Marketing Officer, Jeff Nowicki, faced a significant challenge:

“We didn’t have a global process to support multiple languages. We were looking to consolidate with a single source, and to implement systematic localization of content on a more routine basis.”, states Nowicki.

How could he ensure that every piece of Armstrong’s marketing, technical documentation, and eLearning content was accurate, culturally relevant, and brand-consistent in multiple languages?

He needed a translation partner who understood Armstrong’s business inside and out, and not just another vendor.

15 years ago, he found the answer – Interpro Translation Solutions.

Over the past 15 years, Interpro has become more than a language service provider; they have become an extension of Armstrong’s marketing and technical teams. This article explores why that partnership works, the unique challenges of technical translation in manufacturing, and how Interpro helps Armstrong maintain brand consistency across global markets.

Why a Manufacturing CMO Needs a True Translation Partner, Not Just a Vendor

At Armstrong, the company doesn’t just sell thermal utility solutions – it sells reliability. Customers trust Armstrong to provide precise, technically sound, and highly specialized solutions for their steam, air, and hot water systems. Any miscommunication in technical materials – for employees or customers – could lead to inefficiencies, safety hazards, or compliance issues. And of course, there’s the challenge of maintaining a consistent and culturally relevant brand in 100 countries.

This is where many translation services fall short. A generic translation provider may be able to convert words from one language to another, but without deep industry knowledge and workflows to keep terminology consistent across all materials, the results can be disastrous.

What Armstrong needed was a translation partner that could:

• Understand the industry’s technical language and translate complex engineering terms with absolute accuracy.
• Ensure brand consistency across marketing, technical documentation, and training materials.
• Scale with Armstrong as it expanded its presence in multiple international markets.
• Integrate seamlessly into Armstrong’s workflow, working alongside the marketing and engineering teams.

Interpro checked every box.

A Strategic and Consultative Partnership with Interpro

The journey with Interpro began in 2010, when it recognized that a fragmented translation approach wasn’t sustainable. The company was working with different language service providers in various regions, leading to inconsistent terminology, formatting issues, and translation inefficiencies.

From the very first project together, Interpro’s commitment to accuracy and efficiency was clear. Interpro doesn’t just translate materials. The Interpro team did extensive scope discovery, understanding Armstrong’s unique problems. Interpro then developed a systematic localization strategy and streamlined workflow to support Armstrong’s global communication needs.

Key early initiatives included:

• Building a comprehensive Translation Memory (TM) to ensure consistent use of technical terms across all languages.
• Glossary development for French, German, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish: This eliminated inconsistencies across materials.
• Migrating marketing materials from QuarkXPress to Adobe InDesign and ensuring multilingual content was production-ready across all markets.

Since then, Interpro has translated and localized nearly 800 projects for Armstrong, including:

• Armstrong University eLearning course library
• Installation guide and technical manual translation
• Global marketing and sales materials
• Multilingual website localization
• Video translation with voiceover and captions

Each project has reinforced Armstrong’s trust in Interpro’s ability to handle technical complexity while maintaining brand consistency.

“The relationship between Interpro and Armstrong is likely unlike other client relationships, from the standpoint of Interpro becoming fully integrated with our global marketing team, including attending the in-person summit, and quarterly team meetings,” says Nowicki.

The Unique Challenges of Technical Translation in Manufacturing (And How Interpro Solves Them)

Ensuring Absolute Accuracy in Technical Documentation

In manufacturing, the slightest mistranslation in a technical manual or product specification can lead to critical errors. Customers rely on these materials to properly install, operate, and maintain complex equipment.

How Interpro Helps:

• Industry-Specific Linguists: Interpro assigns translators with manufacturing and engineering backgrounds to ensure precise terminology usage.
• Multi-Step Quality Assurance (QA): Armstrong’s process includes multiple review stages, including in-country review (ICR) by native-speaking subject matter experts.
• Glossary and Style Guide Maintenance: Ensures consistency across all documents, regardless of the language.

Result: Armstrong’s technical manuals are accurate, reliable, and compliant in every market.

Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Global Markets

Brand voice and messaging should be consistent, no matter the language. Many manufacturers struggle with maintaining the same level of clarity, authority, and professionalism across translated materials.

How Interpro Helps:

• Centralized Translation Memory & Glossaries: Ensures key brand messages and technical terms are consistently translated.
• Cultural Adaptation (Not Just Translation): Their linguists localize content for different regions, adapting phrasing while keeping the brand’s tone intact.
• Integration with Marketing Teams: Interpro regularly attends Armstrong’s global marketing meetings and summits, ensuring alignment with brand goals.

Result: Armstrong’s messaging is unified and effective across all global campaigns.

Scaling Translation for Growth While Maintaining Quality

Armstrong International operates in over 100 countries and serves clients in industries such as food & beverage, healthcare, automotive, and education. As the company grows, the demand for translated content continues to expand.

How Interpro Helps:

• Scalable Team of Experts: They quickly ramp up resources for large-scale projects.
• Technology-Driven Workflow: Their translation management system (TMS) streamlines projects, reducing turnaround times without sacrificing quality.
• Ongoing Collaboration & Consultation: Regular check-ins ensure that Armstrong’s evolving business needs are met.

Result: Armstrong can confidently expand into new markets with a trusted translation partner by its side.

The Impact: How Interpro Has Transformed Armstrong’s Global Communications

Armstrong’s CMO, Nowicki, says it best:

“We’ve seen increased engagement, increase in form submissions, improved search engine optimization, and brand positioning because we serve comprehensive content in multiple languages. And there has been increased engagement with the team at Armstrong China because the content has been localized.”

The numbers speak for themselves:

• 6,000,000 words translated
• 800+ translation projects completed
• 74 eLearning courses localized
• 8+ languages supported across Armstrong’s global website

Resulting in:

• Increased engagement in international markets (especially in China)
• Higher SEO performance due to localized web content.
• Seamless integration with Armstrong’s global marketing team.
• A fully accessible website for global customers, improving engagement and trust.
• The marketing and sales teams can confidently communicate in local languages, enhancing relationships with international clients.
• Employees worldwide benefit from translated eLearning courses, ensuring consistency in training and operational knowledge.

Why Every Manufacturing CMO Needs a Translation Strategy

Leadership has learned that global success requires more than just great products. It requires clear, consistent, and culturally relevant communication.

Choosing a translation partner isn’t just about cost. It’s about choosing a translation team that prioritizes quality, reliability, and strategic alignment – and engineers your translation workflow to make it work for you. Armstrong’s partnership with Interpro has been a game-changer because they provide:

Technical translation expertise
A commitment to brand consistency
Scalable solutions for global growth
True integration with Armstrong’s team

For manufacturing leaders looking to streamline translation, ensure compliance, and strengthen global brand presence, Interpro Translation Solutions is the gold standard.

Ready to elevate your global strategy?

Contact Interpro today to discuss how expert translation can drive your international success.

The post Global Growth for Manufacturers: Marketing & Technical Translation appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Since Interpro’s founding, we have incorporated state-of-the-art translation technology and localization engineers to provide our clients with the most effective all-around solutions that fit their budget and delivery times, without compromising the quality of the final deliverables. Whether it involves updating Translation Memory, utilizing the latest Neural Machine Translation (NMT) engine, or deploying a Large Language Model (LLM) generative AI, this means we help you solve your technical issues in your translation, localization, and interpreting projects.

Our Commitment to Continuous Technology Improvement: When you choose to partner with Interpro, we always stay on the cutting edge of the newest translation technology – so you don’t have to.

Advanced Translation Technology

Interpro’s specialists, methodology, and technology are built to support translating from any application, file type, or platform.

Interpro’s track record working with many different authoring programs, development tools, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Content Management Systems (CMS), programming languages, and other platforms for word processing, graphic design, audio and video production ensures consistently successful outcomes for our clients.

In addition to our team’s experience, Interpro’s processes and people create optimal language solutions you need with every project.

Supporting Any File Type, Platform, Application, or Format

From commercial platforms to proprietary tools you’ve created, our turnkey methodology allows the Interpro team to work with any file type you provide on any operating system like Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS, Android and IBM i OS.

Don’t see your File Type, Platform, Application, or Format listed?

Connect with an expert at Interpro! Chance are our team can help create you a solution.

The post Interpro’s Supported Applications and File Types appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Whatever your target languages or regional dialects, Interpro’s professional linguists can provide accurate, consistent translation, localization and interpreting for your audiences. Our expert foreign language translation services are available for virtually every modern language, with localization for specific vernaculars. We also provide translation services from any of these languages into English.

Subject Matter Experts In Every Language

We hand select our linguists from around the world based on our high standards for subject matter experts. Translators are always native speakers of the target language, residing in the culture where the language is spoken.

Translation and Localization for Your Language and Dialect

Some of the languages we work with are shown below, but we can provide expert services in many more. If you need translation or interpreting for a language that isn’t listed, just give us a call.

The post Interpro’s Supported Languages appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Serving multilingual audiences with accurate and culturally appropriate translation is not only the right thing to do, it’s also good for business. At Interpro, we want to provide you with answers about high-quality translation services because we pride ourselves on quality and professionalism. That includes providing translations that are certified in adherence to International Standards Organization (ISO) standards for Quality Management and Translation Services. As an ISO-certified translation company and an accredited member of The Association of Translation Companies (ATC), our teams follow rigorous steps to guarantee the accuracy and quality of our translations, and the attentiveness of our customer service.

Topics covered in this article:

• What is a certified translation?
• What is considered a certified translation?
• Why would I need a certified translation?
• What are more specific use cases for certified translations?
• What does a certified translator do?
• What is the difference between certified translation and official translation?
• What is the difference between a certified translation and a notarized translation?
• How do I know if my translation service is certified?
• What are the rules for certified translation?
• What are the most important considerations when hiring a certified translation company?
• What other attributes do certified translation companies possess?
• What are some of the risks of using a non-certified translation service?

What is a certified translation?

We cover the basics of “What is a Certified Translation?” but to summarize:

A certified translation is one that has been done by a professional translator who is certified by a recognized translation organization or agency, and is accompanied by a signed statement from the translation agency affirming that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original source language content.

According to the American Translators Association, anyone in the United States can produce a translation. The individual translator can certify their translations, as can an employee of a translation company if they seek certification from a regulating governing body like the ATC. A translator may also certify someone else’s translation as long as they have reviewed it for accuracy and completeness, and it will not be changed after being certified.

What is considered a certified translation?

A certified translation is a translation of a document that is accompanied by a signed statement attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation. This statement is typically provided by a professional translator or a translation agency. The statement affirms that the translation is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge and ability.

Why would I need a certified translation?

Certified translations are often required for official purposes, including legal documents, academic transcripts, immigration forms, and business contracts. In these instances, accuracy and authenticity are paramount. The certification provides assurance that the translation accurately represents the original document.

What are more specific use cases for certified translations?

Certified translations help to avoid misunderstandings or legal complications. A few specific examples follow.

• Legal Documents. Contracts, court orders, affidavits, and patents may need to be translated for legal proceedings or submission to government agencies, or documents that ensure that all parties involved can rely on the accuracy of the translated documents.
• Immigration Purposes. When applying for visas, residency, or citizenship in a country where the official language is different from your native language, you may need to provide proof of accuracy for any translated personal documents, such as birth certificates and marriage certificates.
• Academic Transcripts. If you are applying to educational institutions abroad or seeking recognition of your academic qualifications in another country, you may need certified translations of academic transcripts, diplomas, and other educational documents.
• Business Documents. Companies often require proof of accuracy of business contracts, financial statements, patents, and other corporate documents for international transactions, partnerships, or regulatory compliance.
• Medical Records. In situations where you are seeking medical treatment or insurance coverage in another country, medical records may be necessary.
• Official Government Forms. When filling out official government forms in a language other than your own, you may need proof that translated supporting documents are accurate such as identification cards, tax records, and employment letters may be required.

What does a certified translator do?

A certified translator has been authorized or recognized by a relevant institution or organization to provide translations that are certified. A certified translator translates written content from one language to another while maintaining the accuracy, clarity, and integrity of the original text. They accomplish this by adhering to translation and other industry standards. Another responsibility may be reviewing translated documents to certify them. The certified translator may be a specialist in a certain field, such as law, medicine, finance, or technology. They are responsible for engaging in continuing education to maintain relevant skills. Overall, certified translators play a crucial role in facilitating communication across language barriers.

What is the difference between a certified translation and an official translation?

Official translation usually means the translation needs to be completed by a registered professional translator or professional translation company. When an official translation is required, the translator will write their credentials on the translation and stamp it. A translation that is certified is a step up from official translation. It is also carried out by professional translators, but the translation is then certified. This means the translations are bound together in a pack and stamped just like an official translation but with the addition of a certification letter. This letter contains the details of the translator or translation company, their professional credentials, and a statement of certification.

What is the difference between a certified translation and a notarized translation?

Some end users of certified translations may request or require that “the translation be notarized.” This is actually a misnomer as the translation cannot be notarized. A notary public only legally acknowledges the identity of the individual signing the certification statement. While the terminology is inaccurate, it is helpful to know that this is commonly used by end users and clients.

How do I know if my translation service is certified?

To determine if a translation service is certified, you can consider the following steps.

• Check their credentials and accreditation;
• Read customer reviews and testimonials; and
• Evaluate industry experience by vetting their reputation and specialization.

By following these steps and conducting due diligence, you can determine whether a translation service is certified and capable of providing high-quality, accurate translations.

What are the rules for certified translation?

The rules can vary depending on the country, industry, and specific requirements of the document being translated. However, some general principles and guidelines apply to ensure that translations meet established standards of accuracy, authenticity, and reliability.

• Accuracy. Certified translators must ensure that the translated text accurately reflects the content of the original document. This includes conveying the meaning, tone, and intent of the original text while adhering to the grammatical rules and conventions of the target language.
• Completeness. Documents should include all the information contained in the original document without omitting or altering any content. Translators must translate all text, including headings, footnotes, signatures, and any other relevant information.
• Authentication. In some cases, the translation may require additional authentication to validate the certification statement. This can involve having the translator’s signature notarized by a licensed notary public.
• Quality Assurance. A translation service often has processes in place to review and verify the accuracy and quality of the translations before certification. This may include proofreading, editing, and review by a second translator to ensure consistency and accuracy.

What are the most important considerations when hiring a certified translation company?

Several important considerations can help you choose the right service provider for your needs. Some of the most critical factors to consider include certification and accreditation, expertise and specialization, best-in-class quality assurance processes, turnaround time and flexibility, customer reviews and testimonials, transparent pricing and fees, and customer support and communication skills.

What other attributes do certified translation companies possess?

Certified translation company requirements vary by country, industry, and certification body. Some of the considerations may involve:

• a specified number of years of experience
• an audit on financial stability
• quality management processes
• client references
• supplier references
• appropriate professional indemnity insurance

What are some of the risks of using a non-certified translation service?

Not all translations are created equal, and not every Language Service Provider is a certified translation company.

Using a non-certified service can pose several business risks. These include inaccuracy, legal validity implications, loss of credibility, confidentiality breaches, missed deadlines, lack of accountability or recourse, limited expertise, and poor communication or responsiveness.

If your goal is to receive high-quality translations, we recommend these steps:

1. Understand the basics of choosing a translation company with ISO certifications for translation and quality management. A translation certification demonstrates the company has a reliable translation process. But the quality management certification ensures the company is aiming to continually improve and exceed your expectations every time.
2. Know the difference between localization vs. translation. It makes a difference, and not every translation company is localizing your content for your specific audience’s needs.
3. If you’re ready to start translating, schedule a complimentary localization consultation with our team. When it comes to translation services, each project is a little different. To create the best possible experience, Interpro provides certified translations for a range of services available in any modern language and customizes the translation process to be efficient for you.

Be confident in your translations and contact us with any additional questions about professional, accurate translation services.

Other blogs about translation and localization:

The post The Ultimate Guide to Certified Translation FAQs appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

More and more companies are expanding their global reach and their workforces are becoming more diverse. The need for authentic cultural competency is now a highly coveted organizational value. And this means that the translation of materials in multiple languages is often a business necessity. But not just any translation will do. You need a high-quality, certified translation to ensure professionalism and accuracy.

Topics covered in this article:

• What is a certified translation?
• What counts as a certified translation?
• What are the benefits of certification?
• What are the types of certified translations?
  • Individual Certified Translators
  • Certified Translation Companies
  • Industry-Specific Certified Translations
• Ensuring Quality Translations

What is a Certified Translation?

A certified translation is one that has been done by a professional translator who is certified by a recognized translation organization or agency. This type of translation is accompanied by a signed statement from the translation agency, affirming that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original source language content.

Certified translations are often required for official or legal purposes. Translated immigration applications, academic transcripts, and legal contracts may need to be certified. The certification signifies that the translation is reliable and accurate. Different countries and institutions may have specific requirements for certified translations. It’s important to check with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance.

What Counts as a Certified Translation?

To be considered a certified translation, the document must include the signed statement. Additionally, the translated document may include a stamp or seal from the translator or the translation agency.

What Are the Benefits of Certification?

Bad translations are bad for business. Many of us have been there: one missing accent mark or incorrect word can make the difference between clarity and a cultural misstep. It could be an irreparable mistake in terms of reputation and trust — or even the law.

Certified translations ensure accuracy, reliability, and integrity. They are completed by experienced translators who have a deep understanding of both the source and target languages. Additional benefits include acceptance by regulatory bodies, legal compliance, as well as continual professionalism.

What are the Types of Certified Translations?

Certified translations can come from a certified translator or a certified translation company.

Individual Certified Translators

In this instance, the translator is certified. This typically involves certification from a recognized translation association, such as the American Translators Association.

Certified Translation Companies

A translation company can also be certified. For example, as an Accredited Member of ATC, Interpro provides translations that are certified with ATC’s Certification Stamp. Being an Accredited ATC Member demonstrates that Interpro has passed the ATC’s strict membership vetting process, including audits on financial stability, quality management processes, client and supplier references, and also carries appropriate professional indemnity insurance.

Industry-Specific Certified Translations

In many cases, specific compliance requirements for translations are mandated by industries themselves. Such industries may include educational institutions, governmental bodies, manufacturing, health and medical fields, or legal agencies, for example. Professionals in these industries should work with compliance experts to establish and promote translation standards. They can then work with a certified translation agency employing subject-matter experts in their particular industry.

Ensuring  Quality Translations

If you need certified translations, you probably want the peace of mind that comes with a certified translation stamp. But the ultimate goal is a high-quality translation that your audience will understand and connect with.

Interpro offers world-class translation and interpreting services in any modern language that helps organizations with multilingual audiences. We ensure your business is well-positioned to handle a range of crucial and sensitive translation needs. We are a certified translation company through the Association of Translation Companies (ATC).

To ensure quality translations, we recommend these steps:

1. Learn more about common certified translation FAQs.
2. Understand localization vs. translation. It makes a difference, and not every translation company is localizing your content for your specific audience’s needs.
3. Find a translation company with ISO certifications for translation and quality management. A translation certification demonstrates the company has a reliable translation process. But the quality management certification ensures the company is aiming to continually improve and exceed your expectations every time.
4. If you’re ready to start translating, schedule a complimentary localization consultation with our team. We’ll create a game plan with you to ensure you receive high-quality, localized, certified translations.

As you research different translation options, consider the peace of mind that comes with working with an established, quality-oriented company like Interpro. A company with a quality focus and partnership-oriented approach will benefit your business through improved client relationships and translation success.

The post What is a Certified Translation? Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

In today’s increasingly diverse and inclusive world, ensuring that materials are accessible to everyone has never been more important. That’s where Section 508 steps in, providing guidelines to promote equal access for individuals with disabilities. So, grab your cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the intricate world of translation compliance. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to ensure accessibility in translated content.

Key topics covered in this article:

• Translation Language Requirements for Section 508 vs ADA Compliance
• Section 508 Compliance for Translation and Localization Services
• Reduce Language Barriers with POUR (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust)
• Translation Compliance Best Practices for Common Accessibility Challenges
• Tools and Resources for Ensuring Section 508 Accessibility

Translation Language Requirements for Section 508 vs ADA Compliance

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Section 508 compliance both aim to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination, but neither have specific requirements for providing translated materials for non-English-speaking individuals.

However, the ADA and Section 508 are like our accessibility superheroes, with the goal of ensuring everyone can access information regardless of ability. It’s not just about websites and docs meeting a few requirements; it’s about the bigger goal of ensuring equal opportunity access to important information. Depending on your organization’s industry and audience, there can be other governing bodies or regulations for your organization that require your translated materials to meet ADA or Section 508 requirements.

According to this article on Section 508 vs ADA compliance:

The ADA is a civil rights law ensuring equal access for people with disabilities across various public and private sectors. An ADA compliant translation is used specifically to ensure that an individual can still access information despite a communication disability that affects their ability to comprehend, detect, or apply language and speech. This includes vision, hearing, or speech disabilities.

Section 508 mandates that federal agencies make their web-based and digital information accessible to individuals with disabilities. It also applies to organizations that receive federal funding or are involved in federal contracts.

To Summarize: Accessibility after translation for Section 508 or ADA compliance might not be required directly by these bodies, but may be required for your organization or if your goal is to ensure information access without language barriers for people with disabilities.

We always recommend working with your legal counsel and your compliance team to set a standard for your organization’s language requirements. While the ADA and Section 508 are the cornerstones for accessibility in the United States, there are many more diverse laws and guidelines globally. Language requirements for multilingual content can vary based on your industry, global audience’s location, government requirements, and more.

We also believe that as digital tools such as websites, digital documents, and AI translation technologies continue to develop, these compliance requirements will grow and become more strict to include requirements for organizations with multilingual audiences.

The rest of this article will mostly focus on Section 508 compliance because it has direct requirements for information to be accessible to people with disabilities specifically for websites, online content, and digital documents. Whereas the ADA ensures broader everyday business practices are accessible to the general public, including those with disabilities.

As language professionals, we ensure your materials are accessible even after translation. This guarantees that your translated content meets Section 508 requirements as determined by your organization and legal counsel, ensuring compliance in every language.

Section 508 Compliance for Translation and Localization Services

So, why does Section 508 compliance matter for translated content? Imagine trying to access crucial information in a language you don’t understand and then throwing in a disability on top of that—talk about a tough situation, right?

Did you know that on average, 13.2 million people in the US have at least one disability that Section 508 is meant to assist? When thinking about localizing your digital content, factoring Section 508 compliance into the equation means you could be reaching 20% more of your target audience than you might have missed otherwise.

Therefore, we recommend your localized digital content, website, or mobile applications in other languages meet Section 508 compliance by being accessible to users of all levels of ability.

Reduce Language Barriers with POUR (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust)

Now, let’s talk about the four principles of accessibility, also known as POUR: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Think of it like building a sturdy bridge that connects people with disabilities to vital information.

Here’s what each principle means:

• Perceivable: Make sure all users can perceive the information, regardless of their senses. For example, providing alt text for images ensures that screen readers can convey the information to users who are visually impaired.
• Operable: Ensure that the content is easy to navigate and interact with, especially for those with motor disabilities. This might involve providing keyboard shortcuts or making interactive elements accessible.
• Understandable: Keep the content clear and easy to understand, especially for users with cognitive limitations. This could mean using plain language, avoiding jargon, and providing explanations for complex concepts.
• Robust: Ensure the content remains accessible as technology advances, working well with assistive technologies. Regular testing and updates can help ensure that translated materials remain accessible over time.

Translation Compliance Best Practices for Common Accessibility Challenges

Translating content while keeping it accessible can sometimes feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube – challenging, but totally doable if you know the right moves to make!

An example of a common challenge is providing text alternatives for images and multimedia content. This is super important for individuals who rely on screen readers to access information.

Another common challenge is language and cultural differences, which can make translating content challenging. Recognizing these cultural differences during translation is crucial for creating accessible translations.

Let’s cover some top-notch best practices for ensuring Section 508 compliance in translated materials.

Best Practices for Accessible Translations

1. Clearly define accessibility requirements: Accessibility covers a broad range of topics. It is not enough to say “I need the PDF to be accessible”. Sharing detailed requirements such as “ensure schematic markup is applied after translation” allows a language provider to ensure the requirement is understood, translated, and included in linguistic QA review cycles.
2. Collaborate with accessibility experts: Your compliance and legal counsel should be involved early in the translation process to identify and tackle potential accessibility issues. For example, involve them in the design phase to ensure that content structure and layout are conducive to accessibility.
3. Use accessible file formats: Think-tagged PDFs or HTML formats that support assistive technologies. Ensure that documents are properly structured and include metadata for improved navigation.
4. Keep language clear and simple: Say goodbye to jargon and complicated sentences. Keep it plain and straightforward to make sure everyone can understand. Providing explanations or definitions for specialized terminology can also help improve clarity.
5. Ensure translated web content is screen reader-friendly: Test, test, and test some more to ensure compatibility and proper reading order. Oh, and don’t forget to use descriptive alt text for images! Providing skip navigation links and landmarks can also facilitate navigation for screen reader users.
6. Include subtitles or transcripts: Make sure to include subtitles or transcripts for all those videos you’re translating. It’s like adding subtitles to a foreign movie – essential for those who need it! Be sure to synchronize subtitles properly and format them for easy readability.
7. Choose plain language and localize as necessary: Tailor your content to fit cultural and linguistic preferences while keeping it crystal clear. Consider individuals with cognitive disabilities or different language backgrounds and be mindful of cultural sensitivities and regional language differences. Providing accurate and culturally appropriate translations can improve accessibility for diverse audiences.
8. Verify compatibility with assistive technologies: Make sure your translated content plays nicely with assistive technologies used by individuals with motor impairments. Test, tweak, and test again until everything works like a charm. Providing keyboard shortcuts and ensuring interactive elements are accessible via keyboard navigation can enhance accessibility for users with motor disabilities.

Tools and Resources for Ensuring Section 508 Accessibility

Alright, let’s talk about tools and resources.

Explore a variety of accessibility testing tools and guidelines to identify and tackle accessibility issues like a pro. Follow government checklists as part of the localization process to ensure your digital content ticks all the Section 508 boxes. You can learn more about Section 508 and digital accessibility from the Environmental Protection Agency’s resources at this link.

And don’t forget to brush up on key accessibility guidelines and standards, like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), to ensure your translated materials are top-notch.

In summary, prioritizing Section 508 compliance in translations isn’t just about breaking language barriers—it’s about breaking down barriers to information for everyone. By understanding the importance of Section 508 accessibility, embracing best practices, and staying up to date with emerging technologies, we can ensure everyone has a seat at the table.

Ready to make your translated materials accessible?

At Interpro, we’re here to help translate your materials to meet Section 508 standards. We understand the importance of accessibility and believe in the power of language to connect people.

Next Steps:

1. It’s essential that you work closely with your internal teams to determine what Section 508 standards your translated content needs to meet.
2. Schedule a complimentary localization consultation with our team. We’ll create a game plan with you to ensure that our translation process matches your accessibility requirements in the target language(s).

Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of language or ability, can access important information without barriers.

The post Section 508 and ADA Translation Compliance: A Guide to Accessibility appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Plus, how will your employees uphold the company’s expectations if they can’t understand these documents? Translating your human resources documents can also protect the company from claims that the employee did not understand their rights and responsibilities.

But how do you find credible human resource translation services that you know will translate your HR materials accurately with a reasonable turnaround time?

Don’t worry! This is your Ultimate Guide on how to find a Professional Human Resource Translation Service to translate anything – from employee manuals and handbooks to codes of conduct and company policies.

Step 1: Determine what human resource documents you want to translate.

A professional translation agency can complete the translation process with any file type, format, software or platform available. Whether you’re translating PowerPoints or Word Documents, PDFs, video files, captions, training courses, or employee surveys, the format you work with shouldn’t be a problem for your translation agency.

If you find yourself getting stuck, a great translation service will also provide advice and be a resource you can consult with on the best way possible to tackle your translation projects. They will be able to answer any questions you have during the translation process.

When quoting your project, a translation agency will need your source documents and materials that you want to be translated.

Types of Human Resource Documents that Can be Translated:

Human Resource’s Mandatory Paperwork at the Start of Employment

• Employment contracts. If your industry uses contracts for employment, translating these documents may be a legal requirement.
• Employee manuals and handbooks. Many company policies and codes of conduct are included in the manual. Translating employee manuals can critically help a company’s multilingual employees.
• Insurance documents. Make benefits accessible for all employees by translating employee benefit policies.

Human Resource Training and Safety Materials

• Compliance documents. Certain industries might have compliance documents that employees must be able to read and understand (this includes other languages).
• Workplace safety documents. Material safety data sheets, evacuation routes, and other safety documents should be translated to ensure safety is thoroughly understood.
• Training programs and videos. Translation is not just for paperwork! Don’t forget to provide access to any multimedia like videos, slide decks, and audio recordings.
• Performance review materials. Help them get the maximum understanding of feedback from their performance review and translate their copy.

Day-to-Day Tools for Human Resources

• Tip sheets and planning tools. Any resources that make it easier for employees to perform their job duties should be available to everyone.
• Guides for managers and employees. Employee development materials and guides should be translated for both parties.

Corporate Communications (Sometimes for Human Resources or Internal Marketing Department)

• Corporate websites. From the website content to the user interface, websites should be translated for all employees (as well as any markets you do business in!).
• Company-wide emails or memos. Anytime communications are sent to employees, these should be translated for all to understand.

Again, your translation agency should be able to handle any file type or format that you work in.

Step 2: Five questions to ask a potential translation agency.

When selecting a translation agency service to translate your human resources documents, there are a few crucial questions you should understand and ask your potential translation agency. You should feel more confident in moving forward if your translation agency can answer these questions.  Plus, you can always ask for a sample translation!

Do you have ISO Certifications?

You’re looking for a company that will deliver services in accordance with ISO Certifications 9001 (Quality) and 17100 (Translation). Learn more about why you want an ISO-Certified Company here.

Do you use machine translation?

Ideally, your translations will be completed by human translators, but some companies use machine translation, which is notorious for making errors and bad translations. You’ll want to do the following:

• Ask more questions to ensure they have proofreading and revision processes to catch any errors.
• Ensure that pricing reflects that Machine Translation is being used, and not a human translator.

Do you include proofreading and revision in your translation process? What is your translation, revision, and proofreading process?

Not only should your translation agency include proofreading and revision as part of their translation workflow, but they should also:

• Ensure that the translator and revisor are two separate people. Just as you shouldn’t proofread your own work in English, your translator and proofreader should be two separate people.
• Look for how they will resolve any errors you find in the final translation. The translation agency should have a policy to resolve any errors that occurred during the translation process quickly.

Are your translators Subject Matter Experts in human resources, and are they located in the country where the target language is spoken?

Your translation agency should try to pair your translation project with:

• the language and
• the topic being translated. If you’re translating complicated medical instructions or a binding legal contract, you want to ensure that the crucial message is translated, not just word-for-word. And by ensuring the translator is located in the target country where the language is spoken, you’ll get a Subject Matter Expert in the language (resulting in the most accurate translations).

What is the turnaround time for the average translation project?

Project turnaround times depend on the number of words you’re translating, the number of languages, if it’s simple document translation or if you need voice-over for videos. But your translation agency should be able to let you know if your project will take days or weeks.

Step 3: The translation agency should provide a project quote and Project Manager.

Once you receive and approve a quote, it’s time to start the project! Good translation agencies will provide a dedicated Project Manager.

Ultimately, you’ll save time and money using a good translation company that provides a dedicated Project Manager for your translation projects. Your Project Manager takes on all aspects of translating a document once you provide them the finalized version in English.

Your Project Manager will be your single contact for all your language needs. They will organize your language team, communicate project updates, and ensure your project is delivered on time. Here is an example of what a translation team could look like for a simple document that needs translated into two languages:

As you can see a Project Manager is critical to keeping your work load at a minimum and getting the most for your investment when working with a translation agency.

The translation agency will then match your translation project with a subject matter expert (SME) who understands the content in your target language.

An SME will examine the content in English and localize the content to the target language. This is an example of an English to French document translation for a company that repeatedly used the phrase “as easy as pie” in their English onboarding materials.

Or another example of an SME…

• You’re translating human resource benefits plans, employee manuals, and employee contracts from English into Spanish
• A good translation agency will then provide you with a translation team that will include a professional translator who is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) of translation documents from English to Spanish.
• Depending on the complexity of the material being translated, your Spanish translator may also be an SME in legal jargon. This helps ensure any legally binding agreements are localized to the target language and fully understood.

Step 4: Human Resources receives the final translated documents.

The translation agency will deliver the final translation, exactly as you sent it, just in a new language! The goal is for the person reading the translated material to never know that the content was translated – just that it was written for them, in their native language.

English to Spanish Document Translation Example

It’s crucial to ensure that all of your human resources documents, materials, and communications are translated accurately and with a reasonable turnaround time.

A Warning about Machine Translation

Companies that use Machine Translation (also known as MT) can be more affordable but are often more inaccurate. They are incapable of taking tone and circumstance into consideration, which can lead to potentially damaging miscommunications. Protect both employees and your company by partnering with an expert human resources translation services firm.

Have more questions about translating for human resources that we didn’t cover? Let us know! Contact us today!

Get a Professional Translation Service for Your Human Resource Translation Materials

HR professionals can find a partner in Interpro Translation Solutions. No matter the number of items that need to be translated, the number of languages, or the timeline, Interpro has an expert team to meet your translation needs. Our proven expertise in human resources translation services quickly delivers accurate information to support your employees.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Translation for Human Resources: Tips and Best Practices appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Website localization is the key to increasing sales for any global industry, such as e-commerce, manufacturing, finance, travel, or tourism. With nearly 5 billion internet users worldwide, you will miss out if you don’t adapt your content correctly. Providing your non-English-speaking audiences with an exceptional website experience shows your brand’s commitment to serving all your markets (and increases global sales).

Topics covered in this article:

• What is Website Localization?
• Website Localization vs Translation
• Why is Website Localization Important
• How to Localize a Website: 3 Steps to Prepare for a Global Website
• Localizing User Experience
• The Website Localization Process
• Website Localization Best Practices
• Website Localization Examples
• Mobile App Localization
• Web Proxy Translation
• AI Translation for Websites

What Is Website Localization?

Website localization is adapting your web content to be culturally relevant. It takes website translation a step further by considering the specific market’s culture in addition to the market’s language.

Localizing your website would consider adjusting:

• Verbiage, tone, and language nuances to meet the culture and preferences of the target language
• Units of measurement
• Currency and payment systems
• Phone numbers
• Banners, graphics, icons
• Navigation menus, website forms, and landing pages
• Displayed product content descriptions
• Video and audio content
• PDFs and eBooks
• eLearning courses

Website Localization vs Translation

Website localization adapts and modifies the source document to the local cultures or regions you’re aiming to target. Website translation is the practice of using the same words and the same content, only transcribed into another language. Translation is only one of the several elements of the localization process.

Learn more about translation vs localization and how to adapt your English files for the localization process.

Why is Website Localization Important?

Gain a Competitive Edge with Site Localization

Translating a website isn’t enough. Nothing turns away potential customers like making them feel your site is unprofessional with grammatical errors, mistranslated words, and incorrect cultural references. Website localization creates a culturally authentic experience.

To expand your business globally and succeed internationally, you must invest in accurate and professional website localization.

It tailors your site to the culture and language of your target market, enhancing user experience and engagement. Localizing your web and mobile apps makes your content more accessible and relevant, helping you stand out in the global market. By leveraging website localization services and following best practices, you can build a strong international presence and attract a diverse customer base, ultimately ensuring you stay competitive in the marketplace.

Build Trust with New Markets Through User Experience

Local markets expect a website experience tailored to native speakers. Studies show that 55% of global consumers would only buy from websites written in their language. A whopping 87% of them would never buy from an English-only website! If this is how consumers feel about language, imagine how much trust and goodwill you can build by accurately localizing your website.

Take the financial industry, for example. Banking in Brazil is challenging, and credit is notoriously tricky to obtain. The message will not be effective if you are mentioning financial staples that are not common to the target audience. Website localization can consider the challenges of each market and deliver an experience that matches your expertise.

When your site speaks the language and reflects the cultural nuances of your target market, it shows that you understand and respect their unique needs and preferences. This cultural sensitivity fosters a sense of trust and connection, making potential customers more likely to engage with your brand. By localizing your website and content, you demonstrate commitment and authenticity, which are essential for establishing a strong, trustworthy presence in new markets.

Increase Your Bottom Line by Driving Revenue and Growth

Adapting your user interfaces and web content to your specific market’s language allows increased access and increased sales. Ultimate good sales and marketers know that building trust in your audience’s language will increase their loyalty and repeat business. Maximizing your search results will bring more potential consumers to your site and increase sales. If sales are your focus, you should be committing to accurate website localization.

How to Localize a Website: 3 Steps to Prepare for a Global Website

The best way to localize a website is to prepare with research and then use a professional translation company.

1. Identify Demand

To successfully localize your website or product, start by identifying the demand for your offerings in new markets. This involves a multi-faceted approach:

Survey: Conduct surveys to gauge interest and gather insights from potential customers in your target markets. Surveys can provide valuable data on consumer preferences, expectations, and pain points.

Internal Discussions: Engage with internal teams like marketing, sales, and customer support. These teams often have firsthand knowledge of customer interactions and feedback, which can reveal demand patterns and regional needs.

2. Market Research & Keyword Research

Effective localization requires thorough market and keyword research to ensure your product or service resonates with the new audience. Here’s a detailed approach:

• Languages and Dialects: Identify the languages and dialects spoken in your target markets. Consider not only the primary language but also regional dialects and variations that could affect localization.
• Regional and Cultural Nuances: Research cultural nuances and regional preferences. For instance, color meanings, imagery, and even humor can vary significantly across cultures and can impact how your content is received.
• Product Benefits: Assess how your product or service benefits the new audience. Tailor your messaging to address specific needs or desires unique to that market. For example, a fitness app might emphasize different features based on regional health trends.
• Modifications: Determine if you need to adjust your product, offering, price point, messaging, or brand to better fit local expectations. This might include tweaking features to align with local preferences or adjusting pricing strategies to match local purchasing power.
• Keyword Terms and Phrases: Perform keyword research to identify terms and phrases your new audience is searching for. Just as British and American English use different terms (“vacations in Orlando” vs. “holidays in Orlando”), other languages also have regional variations. For example, in Spanish, “apartamento” might be used in Spain while “departamento” is common in Latin America. Understanding these differences ensures your SEO strategy aligns with local search behaviors.

A Note About SEO Localization

If you work in Marketing, you know that search engine optimization (SEO) is a huge component of driving web traffic (and sales). If you don’t work in Marketing, SEO is the process of using keywords and phrases related to your product in your web content. This helps people find the services and products they are looking for on your site.

However, SEO keywords and phrases may not translate appropriately if exchanged word-for-word. Using human translators to localize your content will naturally help improve SEO in other countries.

Some research is required to determine the best keywords and phrases to use in different markets. But the extra work will pay dividends when your global customers can quickly locate your site as an expert source.

3. Create Your Localization Team

Building a strong localization team is crucial for a successful localization strategy. Y

Your internal team should include:

• Internal Stakeholders: Identify who on your team will be responsible for communicating the company’s needs with the translation agency and others who should be involved in the process.
• Content Reviewers: Have team members that are fluent in the target language review sample translations or the final translation product to ensure quality meets your standards.

Your external team should be a localization agency that has the following:

• Localization Project Manager: Oversees the localization process, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met.
• Linguists and Translators: Experts fluent in the target language, with knowledge of regional dialects and industry-specific terminology.
• Multilingual DTP Specialists: Adapts images and document formatting for different languages and cultural preferences.
• Localization Engineers: Handle the technical aspects of website localization, such as adjusting code and ensuring compatibility with different languages and platforms.

Localizing User Experience

Localizing the user experience is a comprehensive process that goes beyond mere translation of text. It’s about creating a seamless and intuitive experience for users in different regions, ensuring that every aspect of your site or application resonates with local audiences. To achieve this, you need to focus on several key areas:

• User Interface (UI): Adapt UI elements to accommodate different languages and cultural preferences. This includes adjusting layouts to handle varying text lengths and formats.
• Content Relevance: Ensure that all content, including images, videos, and graphics, is culturally relevant and resonates with the local audience. For example, imagery that works in one culture might be inappropriate or confusing in another.
• Navigation and Functionality: Test and adjust navigation and functionality to ensure they are intuitive for users in different regions. This includes checking that all interactive elements are easily accessible and user-friendly.

The Website Localization Process

If you’re ready to take on the website translation and localization process, we highly recommend consulting with a professional translation company. There are many things that can go wrong in the process, and website translation is rarely a one-and-done project. Websites are often evolving, and you need a translation partner with an agile translation process that can keep up with translating new content as well as updating existing web pages.

We cover how we recommend choosing a translation company and the entire process from understanding industry terminology to interviewing potential agencies and the entire process.

But the basic steps of what to expect from a website translation process is:

• Localization Strategy – ensure your web team and your translation agency are a good match
• Delivering File Formats – provide the translation agency website files, exports, or access to cloud-based content. Files are engineered and prepared for localization and scope is analyzed. This ensures an accurate translation cost and delivery schedule.
• Kickoff Call – meet the rest of your team. Depending on the size of the site and the number of languages, you might have multiple project managers, engineers, or a multilingual DTP specialist helping localize your site.
• Service Match and Translation-Revision-Proofreading (TRP) – this is where professional linguists translate, revise and proofread all content
• Final Quality Assurance (QA) – Translated language files are uploaded to a staging site for QA. The website is QAd and tested page by page with the source language site.
• Delivery – The final website is delivered.
• Personalizing the Translation Process – This process will be adjusted further for custom sites with more detailed content such as eLearning courses that need to be localized, SaaS translation, or extensive accessibility requirements.

Website Localization Best Practices

You should have a clear understanding of website localization and the steps your translation agency will guide you through. But what are the best practices of going global?

To ensure the success of your website localization efforts, here are our extra guidelines that will help you avoid common pitfalls and set your project up for success.

Using the Same Playbook For Different Countries: While it might be tempting to apply the same strategies across different markets, each country has unique cultural nuances. Tailoring your approach to fit the local context will show respect for your new audience and ensure better engagement.

Assuming the Same Percentage of Early Adopters: Market dynamics vary greatly. Just because a strategy worked with early adopters in one region doesn’t mean it will elsewhere. Researching and understanding the specific market segment you’re targeting will yield better results.

Underestimating the Importance of Brand: In Japan, for example, brand reputation carries significant weight. Investing in building and maintaining a strong brand presence is essential for gaining trust and loyalty from Japanese consumers.

Hiring Based on English Proficiency Instead of Talent: While English proficiency is valuable, hiring individuals who understand the local market and have relevant skills will benefit your localization efforts more. Their insights and expertise can drive more authentic and effective localization.

Neglecting to Build Trusted Local Partnerships: Establishing partnerships with local businesses and influencers can greatly enhance your credibility and reach within a new market. These relationships can provide valuable local insights and support.

Under-Funding Local Teams and Efforts: Adequate investment in your local team is crucial. They are your on-the-ground experts who understand the market’s needs and can adapt strategies effectively. Ensuring they have the resources they need will drive better results.

Not Showing Commitment to the Market: Demonstrating a long-term commitment to a new market builds trust and confidence among local consumers. Quick, short-term efforts might not resonate as well as sustained and dedicated involvement.

Forgetting to Allocate Time for Quality Hires: Hiring the right talent takes time. Plan for extended timelines to find and onboard individuals who align with your company’s values and understand the local market dynamics.

Underinvesting in Live Events and Networking: Face-to-face interactions are invaluable for building relationships and trust. Investing in local events and networking opportunities can provide a deeper connection with your audience and valuable market insights.

Not Adopting a Long-Term Mindset: Quick returns are tempting, but real success in a new market requires patience and a long-term strategy. Building a strong presence and fostering loyalty takes time and consistent effort.

Relying Solely on AI Translation: While AI tools are advancing, they cannot yet replace the nuanced understanding of human translators. Human expertise ensures that translations are culturally relevant and accurate, providing a better user experience.

By embracing these best practices, you can navigate the complexities of website localization with greater ease and effectiveness. Remember, successful localization is about more than just translating content; it’s about creating an authentic, engaging experience for your new audience.We’ve warned about solely using AI-driven translations. The same warnings apply to website localization.

Website Localization Examples

WordPress Localization & Content Localization Services

One example of a website that Interpro translated and localized into 6 different languages.

eCommerce Localization Example

For example, Interpro localized Sticker Mule’s eCommerce website. Let’s look at how an eCommerce website would localize its site to increase sales with Japanese-speaking users.

User interfaces and web content can be translated into Japanese, but a translation agency with website localization services will also consider other adaptations. A website localization strategy can include:

• Incorporating Japanese phrases and mannerisms into your site content and downloadable resources;
• Providing Japanese captions and voiceover audio to your video content (or even recording new videos with the Japanese versions);
• Using images that are culturally sensitive and relevant;
• Setting up date and time formats and units of measurement as preferred in Japan;
• Listing prices in Japanese yen;
• Adapting sales to align with local and cultural holidays as appropriate;
• Ensuring shipping options to Japan;
• Employing Japanese-speaking customer service and local phone numbers; and
• Adhering to Japanese laws and customs when developing the website and user interactions.

Localizing the website will provide an authentic user experience. Your audience should never know the website was translated from English. This will make your customers feel valued and make your company look professional globally.

Mobile App Localization

When choosing a website localization agency, it’s crucial to consider whether you also need mobile app localization and or web app localization. Ensuring your translation company offers both alongside localizing your website offers a consistent user experience across all digital platforms.

Mobile app localization often involves unique challenges, such as adapting interfaces for different screen sizes and optimizing app functionality in various languages. A team experienced in both website and mobile app localization can provide a cohesive strategy that integrates seamlessly across your web and mobile platforms.

By working with a single agency that offers both services, you streamline communication, maintain consistency in branding and messaging, and benefit from their holistic understanding of your localization needs. This comprehensive approach helps deliver a unified user experience, boosts engagement, and maximizes your global reach, ultimately supporting your business’s growth in international markets.

Web Proxy Translation

It should be noted that even experts might use some form of technology to assist with expediting the translation process. Interpro can employ Web Proxy translation services in this way. This may be a fit depending on the volume of anticipated website updates required. It is not the right fit for all situations; Interpro can discuss the pros and cons together with you if Web Proxy solution be of interest.

AI Translation for Websites

Additional caution when looking for a website localization service: beware of any website localization services that offer “instant” or “automatic” localization. Localization cannot be done professionally by artificial intelligence and, therefore, is not something that can be automated or instant.

Working with an experienced translation agency specializing in localization and working with human translators is the only way to ensure a natural, authentic human experience.

Interpro has teams of experts who can translate your copy and localize your messaging, so your audience can identify with it. Any cultural language nuances can be incorporated into the language and culture of your choice.

Ready to localize your website?

You should be ready to begin localizing your site and choosing a translation partner to help you go global.

As you embark on your localization journey, remember that success lies in thorough research, strategic planning, and partnering with experienced localization experts. Embrace the process, and watch your business thrive on the global stage.

The post Website Localization: The Key to International Success and Growth appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Given the interconnected globalized world in which we live in, having surveys available in the language of your respondents increases the overall reach as well as accuracy of responses. In this blog we will explore survey translation including:

• an explanation of what it is
• types of surveys
• language equity
• translation process

Survey translation is the process of translating a survey’s questions and answers into the target languages spoken throughout a particular area of study. Surveys are an invaluable tool for researchers and businesses, assisting them in collecting critical information from participants, clients, and other stakeholders. Outside of medical research and academia, however, brands often rely on surveys to help them understand their clients, create change, and drive business.

Clients like knowing that companies value their feedback. In fact, based on a 2019 Microsoft survey of more than 5,000 consumers across Brazil, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, 89% of consumers said that they want companies to ask for their input.

The more languages your survey is translated into, the more people can participate at a much more engaged level, providing more accurate responses with a wider range of data that can be collected. A larger data sample results in an increased level of knowledge which, in turn, leads to a much more successful outcome for your organization.

There are many different kinds of external and internal surveys. For businesses looking outward, surveys could include customer satisfaction, product and performance, market research, as well as demographic surveys. For businesses looking inward, employee satisfaction and exit surveys are common data-collecting tools.

Surveys, which are cost-effective and efficient, can help your business grow. In fact, 80% of companies that see year-over-year growth deploy customer surveys to collect customer experience data, according to Stamford, Connecticut-based research firm Gartner.

Types of Surveys

While there are various types of surveys, there are also different ways of administering them. Surveys can certainly be done on paper, but the Internet, of course, provides more efficient options.

The following are examples of surveys that can be done online, which includes email:

Interviews: One-on-one interviews can be done online in various ways. For example, if a customer browses a specific product on your website, you can follow up with a short email questionnaire inquiring about their interest in the item, or why they did or didn’t buy it. Having this short questionnaire in multiple languages can increase the volume of feedback you receive.

Focus Groups: Marketers can target certain segments of their audience – for instance, women over 50, Black men, or other demographics – by sending an email survey to that group and collecting their specific data. Depending on the target audience, questions and answers may need to be translated.

Open-Ended Questionnaires: This approach demands a bit more from your customer, but it can also yield more substantive results. Asking questions that cannot simply be answered with a yes, no, or a click can offer a deeper dive into your customers’ thinking and feeling about your brand and product. Asking them to type out their own answers also means potentially collecting responses in multiple languages. You would not only need to translate your questions, but also all of the answers in order for the data to be genuinely useful.

Web-Based Surveys: Web-based surveys are increasingly common these days and there are well-known platforms that can not only administer your survey, but also translate it into multiple languages. Services such as Qualtrics and SurveyMonkey can help you create the survey, collect the data, and provide the translations. However, since many web-based platforms use machine translation applications, the accuracy and locale-specific sensitivities may be lacking, so it’s advisable to do your research in advance.

Text: A convenient way to collect information from customers is through a quick text message. SMS surveys are an easy and interactive way for customers to review their experiences. You can send surveys via SMS using any number of survey platforms, but again, you should carefully look into how your survey translations are produced or rely on a professional service to handle it for you.

Language Equity

Whether you’re trying to expand into new markets or manage an international workforce, having a survey or content available in the specific languages of your audience demonstrates good faith and value, even if they speak and read English.

If your focus is on an American audience, survey translation could still be a valuable tool. Considering how the demographics of this country are shifting – 67.3 million residents in the United States now speak a language other than English at home – so inclusivity is crucial to any business’ success going forward.

The Translation Process

What specific questions to ask, how you order them, and how many you include in a survey are critical to its success. You want feedback, but you don’t want to ask your customers or employees to do too much work. Keep in mind that 60% of people say they won’t take a survey that takes longer than 10 minutes, according to a study by SurveyMonkey.

The same amount of care and precision that goes into crafting survey questions should go into translating them.

Given cultural differences need to be considered when translating survey content, word-for-word translations won’t typically be adequate. If survey questions are unclear to the reader, their answers will likely be the same or they won’t be answered at all.

Now, here’s where you’ll see the difference between a web-based program and a professional service – after the source-language survey is created, a translator at a professional translation service will recreate the questions in the preferred target language. Not only will that translator be a native speaker of the target language, but they will most likely be located in the target geography, ensuring that the linguist is sensitive to cultural nuances, history, and colloquialisms.

After several rounds of review and proofreading, the translation team will then QA the translated survey by comparing it side-by-side with the source language survey. Each question is checked for accuracy and intent and then delivered to the client. If your survey includes open-ended questions, a professional translation service can assist you with interpreting the results.

In Conclusion

Whether you’re trying to solicit feedback from an international customer base, or you need to poll a globally-positioned workforce, survey translation can be a viable tool enabling you to obtain exactly the information you want.

By working with a professional translation service, you can be confident that your survey questions and answers will be accurate and the translation process seamless. Extend your reach by showing good faith, cultural sensitivity, and language equity to your customers and employees. This, in turn, will contribute to the robust growth of your business and pay significant dividends for a long time to come.

The post Survey Translation: Vital for Collecting Data and Building Success appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.