US: +1 877 774 8914 Live Help en-GB Rs INR
Sign In
Translate Now

TRANSLATORS' TIPS

Have a tip to share? Share with us

TRANSLATORS TIPS
Sort By

  • James p

    Be bold and daring when the opportunity allows and your profits should reflect that approach

    1 day(s) ago

  • Tony

    If you're not clear on client expectations, double check - don't assume, as you could end up wasting a lot of time!

    4 day(s) ago

  • Trisha

    I use a brief, regular newsletter as a marketing tactic. Even if recipients don't read it every time, it keeps my name fresh in their minds

    15 day(s) ago

  • Jesus

    Don't put off dealing with your tax return until the last minute. Allow plenty of time and it will be much less stressful - take it from an experienced freelancer!

    20 day(s) ago

  • Ellice

    I recommend playing around with your working hours every so often to find out what works best for you. Some weeks I choose to work a few evenings and then have an extra day off before or after the weekend. I love that working freelance provides that kind of freedom!

    26 day(s) ago

  • Jonathan peters

    Don't push yourself to translate when you're overly tired, as that's when mistakes can creep in. Sometimes a brief catnap can make a big difference to your energy levels and your attention span, even when you have a deadline looming!

    34 day(s) ago

  • Laila

    Try not to take your work on holiday with you if you can help it, but remember that sometimes working freelance means having to work at inconvenient times

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Alicia

    Start planning your holiday cover a long time before you head away so that you can deal with any last minute work that arises without it becoming an issue and spoiling your break

    48 day(s) ago

  • Ellis

    Think laterally about ways you can be a better translator. Effective time management can make a big difference

    55 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Always encrypt anything that holds your data or that of your clients, from your laptop to your external backup drive

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If you use a hard drive to back up your data, keep it well away from the computer that holds your original data

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Test your backup solution regularly - if you can't restore your data from it, there's no point in having it!

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make sure that you have a backup solution in place in case something happens to make your computer inaccessible

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use free programs to make your marketing emails look professional and stand out from the crowd

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Build up your followers on your social media accounts to have access to more potential customers

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Update your website regularly to make sure it reflects your latest services, skills and prices

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Produce insightful content and share it on your social media channels to build your reputation

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Suggest sample social media posts for your customers and ask them to share them if they're happy with your service

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Think about how you reward your loyal customers and be creative to retain their business

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Writing standard email responses that you can then adapt and personalize can save you time in the long-run

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't be afraid to upsell your services - after all, how will your clients know what else you do unless you tell them?

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be more positive when you answer the phone, sign off emails, etc. and see where it gets you

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Try numerous CAT tools before deciding which ones are right for you - some are bettter than others

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make software your friend - accountancy software and marketing apps exist for a reason!

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Budget properly for your IT equipment - this is not an area you want to cut back on!

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use the right business management tools to help you run and effective freelance operation

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Run regular virus scans to ensure you're protecting your own and your clients' data sufficiently

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use regular offers to deliver bonuses to your clients - just be sure to do your sums first!

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Over-delivering is a great way to keep your clients happy and your reputation glowing

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't be afraid to ask satisfied clients for endorsements that you can publish on your website and social media profiles

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    In the early days of your career, translate voluntarily for charities in exchange for testimonials

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Tackle tricky tasks when you feel most energized and you'll complete them faster - and probably to a higher standard

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Learn a new shortcut every day to improve the efficiency of your working processes

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use a social media scheduling service to post updates without the chance of distraction

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make sure you have uninterrupted time while focusing on complex tasks in order to make the most of your time

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Keep up to date with modern technology and use relevant apps to freelance efficiently

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Transcribing a video before you translate it can make the task much easier, but isn't an essential part of the process

    68 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Always remember to time stamp a video transcription before you translate it - otherwise you'll have to go back and do it later!

    68 day(s) ago

  • Jenny jones

    Add one extra task per day to your To Do List and see how quickly you become much more productive each week!

    62 day(s) ago

  • Zain

    Don't put off that job you're not keen on doing... if you leave it to the last minute, you risk disappointing the client if something else comes up that you have to deal with!

    70 day(s) ago

  • Mel

    Try to take a break from the screen for lunch, even if it's only for 10 minutes. It can make a big difference to your mood and your productivity levels.

    78 day(s) ago

  • Alice

    Invest time in following up with previous clients before you try to attract new ones, as it's quicker to translate for those whose house style you're already familiar with

    85 day(s) ago

  • Chris

    Always factor in a bit of time for the unexpected - that way you'll be able to manage your workload, no matter what comes up

    92 day(s) ago

  • Kris

    Beat the New Year blues by tackling work projects head on - ticking work off your To Do List is much better than putting projects off and procrastinating!

    99 day(s) ago

  • Sasha

    Never over promise your clients - failing to deliver is the fastest way to sour a professional relationship!

    106 day(s) ago

  • Joshua j

    Take advantage of the Christmas holidays to tick off all those tasks you don't have time for throughout the rest of the year!

    133 day(s) ago

  • Frank

    Clear the clutter off your desk - a tidy workstation sets the scene for a productive day!

    139 day(s) ago

  • Karen

    Keep up to date with the languages you speak as they evolve - reviewing the latest dictionary additions is a great way to do this

    146 day(s) ago

  • Andras

    Feeling tired? Our circadian rhythms mean that we feel sleepy at certain times of day. Understand your body clock and you can plan your work accordingly, so that your clients always get you at your best!

    160 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Never over commit - you'll end up stressed out and potentially with disappointed clients

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Over deliver whenever you can and your clients will keep coming back for more

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't be afraid to say 'no' to a client - but do be ready to offer them an alternative solution

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Go 'above and beyond' for clients at times, but ensure they don't expect you to work evenings/weekends as standard!

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be clear with clients on what they can expect from you - set boundaries so that clients know where they stand

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Always answer the phone with a smile - the caller will hear it in your voice

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Grow your customer service skills to enhance your customer loyalty

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use amazing customer service to set yourself apart from the competition

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Dedicate time to thinking about your customer service skills and how to improve them

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Set cash aside for your future rather than relying on any form of government benefits for freelancers

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Put a little income aside each month to cover any periods of sickness or holiday leave

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Avoid inadvertent gender bias when translating gender-neutral phrases, professions and so forth

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Never assume you know what a word means - if you're not entirely sure, look it up! 

    140 day(s) ago

  • Joe

    Never assume your skills are the best they can be - there's always scope to learn more!

    181 day(s) ago

  • Karen james

    Remember that freelancers need regular breaks and time to de-stress. Don't chase every available dollar at the expense of your sanity!

    188 day(s) ago

  • Esme

    Absorb new language whenever you can – and in whatever format you can!

    195 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make sure your employer knows you are bilingual - you never know what it could result in

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Cram up on current affairs before networking events so that you have plenty of topics of conversation ready

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Admitting that you don't know anyone at a networking event can open the door for introductions

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Attend business breakfasts with speakers if you're shy about networking - then you'll have something relevant to talk about

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If you're not confident at networking, just pretend to be - nobody will ever know the difference!

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Keep up to date with dictionary additions and orthographical reforms to stay at the top of your game

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Offering premium translation packages can help to attract higher paying clients

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Take advantage of the LinkedIn premium free trial to seek out higher paying translation clients

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Why not learn a language that commands a higher income, to supplement your existing translation offering?

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Offer specialist services at premium rates in order to attract higher paying clients

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Seek out larger corporate clients - they usually have more money than small local businesses

    140 day(s) ago

  • Hans

    Avoid distractions. Answer phone calls and emails in batches rather than as they come in. This will ensure you use your time more efficiently and don’t lose your focus mid-task!

    203 day(s) ago

  • Jesus cavalo

    Invest in a comfortable, ergonomically sound chair that will keep you properly aligned throughout the day - it can make a huge difference

    209 day(s) ago

  • Andrew t

    If you have a time consuming job, consider getting a cleaner or someone to do your ironing – as long as you make more money per hour than you pay them, everybody wins

    215 day(s) ago

  • Bertie

    If you have small children, reliable childcare is a must – you need to focus on your work in order that your clients get the best from you. That way, your children will get the best from you too!

    223 day(s) ago

  • John

    Keep your evenings and/or weekends free – don’t let freelancing take over your life!

    230 day(s) ago

  • Clara

    Everyone makes mistakes when freelancing - it's how you correct them and learn from the that can set you apart from the competition!

    237 day(s) ago

  • Ted

    Seek guidance from those who've been freelancing successfully for a while in order to learn from the pros, but don't be afraid to rely on your own instincts either!

    243 day(s) ago

  • Jared

    Try and have regular breaks for drinks and meals. It's tempting to graze during the day, but avoid this as much as you can if you don't want to pile on the pounds while freelancing!

    251 day(s) ago

  • Joany

    Find the right routine that works for YOU. That's the whole point of working freelance. It doesn't matter if your working patterns confirm to the 'norm' or working 9-5 - shape your freelance translating routine to suit your personal requirements :-)

    257 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If a client isn't answering your emails, find another way to reach out to him/her - social media can often help

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be careful when agreeing to work to short deadlines - clients may come to expect it of you!

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use online payment demand templates to deal professionally with clients who don't pay their bills

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Never underestimate the power of social media when it comes to networking for new clients

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Trust your instincts - use them to mitigate your risks as a freelancer

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't just grab any work you can - hang on for the decent jobs and avoid the low-hanging fruit

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't delay sending out your invoices - every day late you send them is a day later you get paid!

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't set your rates too low - it's easier to start high than to start low and then increase them substantially

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Keep a list of filing dates for tax returns and other paperwork, to avoid missing deadlines and getting fines

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Keep a reward in mind when completing your tax return in order to motivate yourself

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use invoicing software to flag up those clients whose bills are overdue for payment

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    File your receipts systematically throughout the year to avoid a hateful annual sort-out

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use separate bank accounts to keep your personal finances and your business finances separate

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Ensure that you know when to translate literally and when to be more creative!

    140 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Consider (carefully!) ditching your lowest-paying client in favour of a new, higher-paying one

    140 day(s) ago