How to Find the Right DTP Translation Services Partner for Your Projects

In today’s rapidly evolving world, businesses and organisations increasingly expand their reach beyond their borders. As a result, the demand for solutions to cut across the language and cultural constraints has grown rapidly (more than ever!) But the demand for solutions became more than just the language, with the understanding that, if the behaviour is cultural, not only the content is important: The way you present it, its design, and the way it looks and feels, is key. And this is where DTP translation services become all the more relevant. 

You may be wondering what design has to do with language. Let’s break it down.

DTP Translation Services Are the Way to a Holistic Experience

According to a survey conducted by CSA Research, 75% of global consumers prefer to buy products in their native language and 60% rarely or never buy from websites that are not in their language. Moreover, 52.4% of respondents in the same survey reported that the design and layout of a website are very influential when making a purchasing decision. 

These findings highlight the importance of not only accurately translating content, but also considering cultural nuances and visual elements when creating translated materials. And taking it a step further, we dare to point out a second observation: Consumers are becoming more and more demanding and detail-oriented; they’re no longer looking for something to fulfil its overall function simply, but to go beyond it. 

They want to trust companies that care about them and to navigate international websites that provide a holistic and positive experience. They wish to receive messages that feel, read, and look like they were made for them.

#OptimationalTip: In such a globalised world, copy and paste just doesn’t cut it. Keep this in mind when translating content that relies on visual elements. If, for example, the language expands or contracts, you should arrange graphics and images accordingly. Nobody likes to see stuffy content or pixelated photos. Right?

Learn about the essentials of multilingual DTP services and get familiar with their benefits.

Finding the Right Partner: Where to Put Your Focus

Finding a professional typesetter is a challenge, but one who is also proficient in several languages moves up the ladder of difficulty. Luckily, translation agencies providing services for global companies have a team up to the challenge.

So, we could say that should be your first filter: Find a translation and localisation partner that has DTP services available. But you’ll have to narrow your search more and focus on the following aspects:

#1 Experience

Assessing the expertise of a DTP translation service provider is critical when choosing who to team up with. Here are some factors to bear in mind when assessing the experience:

• Industry: Look for a provider that knows the ins and outs of your industry. This can ensure an understanding of industry-specific terminology and standards for an accurate translation.
• Languages: Ensure that your next partner has expertise in the specific source and target languages you need. Even more, they should work with native speakers to achieve cultural appropriateness.
• Design: As we said, a multilingual DTP service is a combination of linguistic with design efforts. Therefore, your next mate should master the principles of design: From layout, use of colours, formatting, etc.
• Specialisations: Some projects are more complex than others and demand experience and specific specialisation in certain areas, such as legal or medical translation. Make sure the provider you pick is up to the task.
• References: Check for testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of their experience working with the translation agency. You can also look for online reviews and ratings on sites such as Trustpilot or Google.

#2 Technology and Tools

Another important aspect, that also relates to expertise, is the use of the appropriate tools for each task comprised in the typesetting process. Here are some technologies and resources that translation agencies typically use:

• Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools: These are software applications that help in managing the translation process. They can store previously translated content in a memory database, allowing translators to reuse certain information to keep consistency. Some examples are MemoQ and Wordfast.

Learn more about the benefits of CAT tools for global companies with our webinar.

• Desktop publishing (DTP) software: DTP software is used to create and format visual content, such as brochures, manuals, and presentations. Commonly used DTP software includes Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Publisher.
• Terminology management resources: They’re resources for the creation and management of a centralized database of terms and definitions for a specific project or organization: All with the aim of maintaining consistency and accuracy of translations. Some examples are SDL MultiTerm and Wordbee Term.
• Design and layout tools: DTP translation services require the ability to work with visual content, including images, charts, and diagrams. Hence, know-how in design and layout tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, etc. is a must.
• QA control tools: Your partner should possess a robust quality process in place, one that leverages the best technology available, such as Xbench and Verifika. Ideally, they should have multiple layers of QA, such as editing, peer reviews, or proofreading after the translation. And then, repeat the QA after the design stage.

#OptimationalTip: Maybe you’ve heard about TMS for managing translation projects and CAT tools to actually perform the linguist exchange. But are you aware of why you shouldn’t use separate TMS and CAT tools?

#3 Project Management

Let’s say you’re aiming for an international website. A site, that attracts leads from multiple countries, or a global eCommerce site, where people can buy from different regions. This is no easy task, but one of the keys to getting it right is to have an orderly process to follow. And that when you submit your content for translation, your partner should implement an efficient workflow as well.

Here are some factors to consider when analysing a provider project management:

1. Methodology: Look for a provider that follows a structured project management methodology (it could be within a framework such as Agile or Waterfall.) This can ensure that the project will be on track from start to finish, with clear objectives and milestones.
2. Project Manager (PM): The translation agency should assign a dedicated PM for your projects. That professional should have an in-depth understanding of the translation process and enough experience to oversee the entire process. This way, the PM would detect any possible failure on time to make adjustments.
3. Project Planning: Check the provider has a detailed plan in place, which includes timelines, milestones, and deliverables (including the DTP stage and subsequent proofreading.) The plan should consider any potential issues or delays that may arise, and include contingency plans to mitigate any risks.
4. Communication: Verify that your DTP translation service partner has clear communication channels to keep you updated on every relevant aspect. The agency’s PM should act as your main point of contact to provide regular updates on project milestones, issues, and changes.

#OptimationalTip: All aspects are critical when professionals with varied inputs are working on the same project, as is the case for DTP. For this, the approach has to include review and feedback between linguists and designers.

#4 Pricing and Delivery

Last, but definitely not least, let’s talk about doing business: DTP translation rates and project timing. The following are some key considerations:

Delivery

• Turnaround time: Make sure that your new partner can deliver the translated content within the required timeline. This can vary depending on the project complexity and the amount of content, but the process should be completed at the agreed time—including the QA check.
• File formats: DTP translation services must also match the content formats you need. So, check beforehand if you require PDF, HTML, or another type and if that’s feasible for your partner.
• Delivery method: Determine how the provider will deliver the translated content, such as via email, or a cloud-based platform. The method you opt for should be secure and convenient for you.

Pricing

• Pricing structure: DTP translation rates should be transparent, with clear pricing for each project stage. Additionally, your partner should be able to provide you with an accurate quote for each project upfront.
• Additional fees: Check whether there are any additional fees, such as rush fees or minimum ones. Ensure that you understand the fee structure before agreeing to the project; this way, you don’t run into unforeseen expenses along the way.
• Payment terms: Agree with your language provider what’s the best payment schedule, their accepted methods, and whether they require a deposit in advance. Make sure the conditions are within the reach of your hand and fit within your budget.

#OptimationalTip: Many aspects can be negotiable within a fair deal. For example, you can ask if there are volume discounts for large amounts of content or in case of submitting lengthy projects regularly. Moreover, you can negotiate payment methods and timelines.

Choosing the Right DTP Translation Services Is Forging a Strategic Alliance for Business Growth

Making sure that your content is accurately translated and presented in a culturally appropriate way for the target audience should be at the top of your priority list. If you still wonder why, it’s because this is a booster for building brand credibility and increased sales and revenue. 

By selecting a language provider that works with professional typesetters and native linguists and leverages the necessary technology, you are making a big step towards your business’s global success. And if they have sharp QA and project management processes, you’ll be sure to see that translation ROI just in time, with high-quality outcomes.

Now you know. Choose smartly to benefit from the significant impact this choice can have on all your international initiatives.
At Optimational, we work hand-in-hand with the most qualified professionals to deliver all-around results. Contact us today to help you fulfil your company’s goals.