Why Is Translation So Expensive?

July 27th, 2008 Amir Posted in Business |

Answer: does it really matter how much you’ve paid your content author to write the original post? You’re considering translation because you can earn more from it, so the questions you need to ask yourself are:

• Am I going to earn from my translated blog more than it costs?
• Can I get just as good translation for less than that?

If you can get positive return on investment (ROI) from the translated blog, by running ads, doing product sales and expanding your professional network, than translation is a good idea for you. It means, you’re going to earn more without working more.

Your work is not only writing the contents. It’s building a successful blog, with loyal readers. So, when you compare the per word cost of writing a post with the cost of translation, you’re comparing apples to oranges.

A good translation is written by someone who fully understands your posts. Not just the words, but the meaning behind them and what you’re trying to convey. Then, it needs to convey that meaning to people from another culture, speaking a different language and thinking differently.

And, it needs to be 100% trustworthy. You’re going to publish contents, under your name, in a language you can’t read. Would you prefer doing this with an experienced professional translator, who’s doing it for a living, or by a bi-lingual secretary who can answer the phone and take messages?

A Madison Avenue PR firm taking free translation

I recently had a chat with a guy from a high-rise PR firm who does public relations work for customers in the US and in Europe. Basically, they sell words - ads, press releases, sales letters and other critical communication.

The manager told me that they don’t just write. They spend hours researching and studying their clients and their prospective customers. Then, they hand craft a unique message and spend days optimizing it. They’re experts in their fields and ask an appropriate fee (after all, they do need to put their kids through Harvard, right?).

Then, they deliver to their clients. In English.

I asked what happens with their European clients. He told me that usually, they have someone who can translate - usually the front desk receptionist or the CEO’s secretary. He admitted that some times it comes out a bit strange and they get giggling feedback down the road.

What are they thinking of?

People pay them thousands of dollars to come up with a marketing message and they trust it with the receptionist?

No wonder they’re doing much better in the US than in Europe. You can do this thing just once. Next time, you’ll need to look for a different client.

Back to blog translation

So, if you’re running a successful blog and want to expand to other languages, do it right. Instead of risking your reputation and brand name, get trusty professional translation, which you can count on with your eyes closed. Give it a try and see if it’s working out for you. If it works out, you could multiply your income and become a brand name in new and exciting markets.