How to Market yourself as a Translator
How to market yourself as an outstanding translator means all the actions you take in order to better sell your services as a translator. First of all you must be an excellent translator or at least a good one. If you have something good to sell, it will sell, even if there are cases when bad merchandise also sells. As a first condition, when you market yourself, don't be deceiving as your client will see that sooner or later.A main mirror of your expertise and experience is your CV. This is the first market tool most clients ask. There are standard ones but you can adapt yours so that it presents your unique work experience and education. Every translator is unique. Point out everything that is relevant for translation jobs and computer skills. Then, when writing your cover letter, a market tool that accompanies the CV, it must not be the same text for every client or job you are applying. It is a big mistake most translators do. Depending on what your potential client needs from you, the letter must contain details and evidence about your experience in that specific field. If you don't have any reference letters, try to get some as they are quite often needed. They point out your good services and that counts for clients to trust you.You have to think at any potential client who would want your services as a translator: private people, agencies, companies, publishers, and even friends. Both local and international possibilities are to be taken into account. For local marketing, business cards, advertising in papers or other media are very useful. There was a time when these were the only means for marketing.But now, Internet is the most used marketing tool. On-line job sites such as Proz.com, Translation directory.com and TranslatorsCafe.com offer not only job opportunities, but also the advantage of an individual web page that can be posted as a profile. There are also contests or other ways of presenting your skills. Simple words are not a proof. Translators are visited by agencies and companies to check their skills and expertise. But don't forget that not only experience and qualification count, but also quality. Prove your quality work by accepting tests from clients if they ask you to.Another good means for marketing is to make your own site or blog where you can present yourself as a translator. Give as many details as you can about your skills. Some translation samples or a list of your most important and relevant projects or jobs are very useful. Feedback from clients satisfied with your work will make you gain your potential clients' trust.Nonetheless important in marketing yourself as an outstanding translator is to gain clients' trust. Meet the deadline, show your competence and look at each project or job with maximum seriousness. This attitude toward your work will make clients appeal again to your services. Respect the client and you will be respected and clients will appreciate your efforts and good work.
