The Pros and Cons of Translating for Free Websites vs. Hiring a Translation Agency

Author: Juan Arroyave at Skytop Digital Services 12/05/23

In today’s interconnected world, the need for translation services is greater than ever before. Whether you’re a business seeking to expand into new markets or an individual looking to communicate with people from different cultures, the question of how to approach translation arises. One option is to utilize free websites that offer automated translation tools, while the other is to hire a translation agency. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of each approach to help you make an informed decision.

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Translating for Free Websites

Free translation websites have gained popularity due to their accessibility, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. There are multiple apps and plug-ins to translate your website content for free. They can quickly solve your website content in various languages, including English and Spanish. Shopify, for example, has free internal translation software and an option to have a separate website for each language. In the case of WordPress or other CMS, you have to download a plug-in that will allow your customers to see your website in multiple languages.?

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Even though the free translation may be acceptable, it must be more accurate, as translations must be tailored to your industry and target audience. A meat shop client hired @skytopdigitalservices to design a shop. Their audience is mainly Hispanic, and the meat cuts are different in English and Spanish; some don’t even have a translation. The free plug-ins didn’t work for this reason, and we had to translate manually.?

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Here are some of the pros and cons associated with this option:

Pros:

1. Cost-effective: Free translation websites allow users to access translation services without incurring any financial expenses.
2. Convenience: These platforms are readily available online, allowing users to translate text instantly and conveniently. You can also download plug-ins into your WordPress or other platforms.?
3. Speed: With automated translation tools, the process is often faster compared to hiring an agency or professional translator.
4. Basic Communication: For simple translations or quick reference, free translation websites or plug-ins can provide a general understanding of the text.

Cons:

1. Accuracy: Automated translations often lack precision, resulting in incorrect grammar, syntax, and cultural nuances. This can lead to misunderstandings, misrepresentations, and potential damage to your personal or professional reputation. Translations are general and not industry or target-audience-based.
2. Lack of Contextual Understanding: Free websites cannot accurately interpret the contextual meaning behind words or phrases, leading to potential misinterpretation.
3. Limited Language Support: While popular languages are usually supported, less common or specialized languages may not be available on free translation websites.
4. Security and Privacy: When using free websites, there may be concerns regarding data privacy and security, as some platforms may store or analyze translated content. Some agencies sign NDAs, which can give you peace of mind.?

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Hiring a Translation Agency

Alternatively, you have the option of hiring a professional translation agency. It is essential to hire the right translation agency. Generally, there are certified translators, but ideally, you should not look for that; you should look for a translation agency that can speak your language and your target audience’s language.

When you translate English to Spanish in the corporate world, you face many language challenges. You can say a word in multiple ways based on RAE (Real Academia Espa?ola), but people from different countries may not understand that word. Instead, it would help if you used another word, even a slang. Some companies use Univision Spanish (this is known as USA Spanish, one that can be understood by most Hispanics).?

Let’s explore the pros and cons associated with this approach:

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Pros:

1. Expertise and Quality: Professional translation agencies employ experienced linguists who possess in-depth knowledge of the target language, culture, and subject matter expertise. This ensures accurate translations that convey the intended message effectively.
2. Cultural Adaptation: Translation agencies understand the importance of cultural nuances and adapt the content accordingly, avoiding potential misunderstandings or offense.
3. Project Management: Agencies provide project management support, ensuring efficient communication, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality translations.
4. Specialized Services: Some agencies offer additional services, such as localization, transcreation, and proofreading, to ensure the final translated content is of the highest standard.

Cons:

1. Cost: Hiring a professional translation agency can be more expensive compared to using free websites. The cost will vary depending on the complexity, volume, and language pair involved.
2. Time: Professional translation services may require more time, especially for larger projects or languages with limited resources.

While free translation websites offer convenience and cost savings, they often lack accuracy and contextual understanding. Hiring a professional translation agency provides expertise, quality, and cultural adaptation at a higher cost. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs, budget, and the importance of accurate and culturally sensitive translations.?

It is important to assess the nature of your translation requirements and prioritize the quality and accuracy of the final output. Investing in a professional translation agency is usually the preferred choice for important documents, business communications, or material requiring cultural adaptation. However, for casual conversations, quick reference, or basic understanding, free websites can be a helpful tool.

Accurate and effective communication is crucial, and choosing the right translation method is essential to achieve your desired outcomes.

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