Translation services are crucial for businesses aiming to reach a global audience. People prefer content in their native language, and accurate translation helps build trust and credibility. According to recent industry data, 78,645 businesses in the U.S. translation services industry have grown at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2019 to 2024.

This article will help you decide between AI translation software and translation agencies by comparing their benefits, drawbacks, and suitability for your business needs.

Why Your Business Needs Translation Services

There are several reasons why your business will need translation services:

  • People prefer documents, legal agreements, websites, employment contracts, marketing materials, emails, and courses in their native language.
  • People relate better with services offered to them in their culture.
  • It helps in gaining more profit in the global economy.
  • It aids in market analysis.
  • It spreads information without language barriers.
  • It expands your audience base.
  • It increases sales and much more.

Why Choosing the Right Translation Solution Matters

If your goal as a CEO or SME owner is to establish a strong presence in global markets, adapting your content from one language (source language) to another (target language) is essential.

  • Source Language: The original language in which the content is written.
  • Target Language(s): The languages you want the content translated into.

Accurate and culturally sensitive translations are crucial. When translating marketing materials, essential documents, or contracts, accurate translations help build trust and credibility with clients, stakeholders, and partners across diverse global markets.

Real-World Example: Rosenbauer

Let’s look at a real-world example to show the impact of choosing the correct translation solution.

Rosenbauer, an international company and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fire-service vehicles and firefighting equipment, used TextUnited to streamline their translation process.

Rosenbauer's website
Rosenbauer’s website

With TextUnited, Rosenbauer:

  • Reduced time-to-market with simultaneous quality assurance.
  • Involved various partners or subsidiaries in their process.
  • Reduced repetitive tasks.
  • Achieved a transparent workflow and gained security.
  • Saved translation costs.

Click here for a free trial and book a demo with the support team at TextUnited!

Understanding Your Options: AI Translation Software vs. Translation Agencies

You want to achieve your business goals of reaching a global market and increasing sales. However, with many tools and agencies available, choosing the most suitable option can be challenging. In this section, we’ll compare AI translation software and translation agencies to help you make an informed decision.

AI Translation Software

Modern AI systems use extensive neural networks and data to produce superior translation results. These technologies enable advanced natural language processing (NLP) techniques to understand input content better.

AI Translation Software, like TextUnited, combines various AI components, data, and tools to perform essential business functions intelligently and efficiently. This includes:

  • Machine translation engines (e.g., Google Translate, Microsoft Translate, DeepL).
  • Specialized smaller language models for specific linguistic functions.
  • Traditional IT systems for file and content pre- and post-processing, orchestration, integration, API capabilities, and user interfaces.

AI translation software offers new ways for businesses to organize, scale translations, and control their data. It is compatible with modern technologies, making it easy to integrate with existing systems for a smooth transition.

Translation Agencies

Translation agencies provide various language services, focusing primarily on translating written content from one language to another. They typically consist of expert translators with expertise in specific subject areas or languages, offering document translation services for marketing materials, legal documents, medical records, and more.

Additionally, translation agencies offer:

  • Localization
  • Subtitling
  • Voice-over
  • Language consulting
  • Interpretation services

These agencies include TransPerfect, Lionbridge, RWS, Gengo and more.

How Translation Agencies Work

Initial Consultation and Project Assessment

The process begins with the client discussing their translation needs with the agency. This includes the documents to be translated, specific target languages, and other requirements. The agency then assesses the project scope and provides an estimate of the cost and timeline.

Project Planning and Team Assignment

A project manager is assigned to oversee the entire project and serve as the main point of contact between the client and the translation team. The manager selects a team of professional translators, proofreaders, and editors based on the project’s subject matter and language requirements.

Translation Process

The translators begin translating the documents, focusing on accuracy, maintaining the original content’s context, and ensuring cultural appropriateness. They use Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, including translation memory and terminology databases, to ensure consistent use of terminology.

Editing and Proofreading

Once the initial translation is complete, an editor reviews the translated content for grammar, style, and accuracy. A proofreader then performs a final check to catch any remaining errors and polish the translation for delivery to the client.

Quality Assurance

The agency conducts quality assurance checks to ensure the translation meets high standards. Senior linguists or Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) may perform additional reviews. The client receives a draft version for review and feedback. Any requested changes or revisions are incorporated before finalizing the translation.

Formatting and Desktop Publishing

For complex document layouts, such as brochures, websites, or manuals, the translated content must match the original design. The Desktop Publishing (DTP) team ensures the translated content is correctly formatted and visually appealing while maintaining the original document’s design.

Delivery and Client Approval

The completed and formatted translation is delivered to the client within the agreed timeline. The project manager ensures all client specifications have been met. The client reviews and approves the final translation, with any additional revisions addressed by the agency.

Post-Project Support

The agency seeks feedback from the client to ensure satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Many agencies offer ongoing support for future translation needs and use tools like TextUnited to provide translation memories and terminology databases for their clients’ projects.

When Translation Agencies Are Worth the Investment

Let’s discuss why you may want to go for translation agencies. For one, machine translation can miss the meaning of cultural references and idioms, while human translators can understand these details. For example, technical manuals, marketing campaigns, and legal documents often require industry-specific terms and in-depth understanding, which, in most cases, can only be provided by human translators.

Advantages of Translation Agencies

Translation agencies are known to be reliable and maintain high standards. They usually have strict quality assurance processes that may include multiple rounds of editing and proofreading. This ensures that the final product is error-free. The best agencies usually follow industry standards and certifications, such as:

  • ISO 9001: For managing quality.
  • ISO 17100: For translation services.

Downsides of Translation Agencies

However, like other solutions, there are downsides to using translation agencies:

  • Higher Costs: Thorough quality checks and professional translators can be expensive, especially for large-scale projects.
  • Longer Timelines: The process of translating, editing, and proofreading by multiple linguists can be time-consuming, which may not be ideal for projects with tight deadlines.
  • Dependency on Availability: The process depends on the availability and expertise of human translators. If expert human translators are not immediately available, the translation process can be delayed.
  • Lack of Transparency: Some agencies may use machine translation but present it as human-only translation, compromising the quality of the work. This lack of transparency can be problematic, especially if poor machine translation solutions require a lot of post-editing, adding to the overall cost and time.

Why AI Translation Software Might Be Your Best Bet

AI Translation Software, like TextUnited, offers real-time translations in multiple languages, making it an excellent choice for businesses needing speed and efficiency.

Advantages of AI Translation Software:

  • Speed: Quickly localize content for global audiences, including social media posts, product documentation, and customer service chatbots.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: AI translation software can be more affordable than traditional translation services, especially for large volumes of text.
  • Scalability: Easily scale translations to meet growing business needs.

Addressing Accuracy Concerns:

  • Human Post-Editing: Platforms like TextUnited combine AI speed with professional human translators for post-editing and proofreading, ensuring high-quality translations.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Expert translators ensure translations are culturally appropriate.

Challenges of AI Translation Software:

  • Complex Language Structures: AI may struggle with complex language structures, requiring human intervention.
  • Constant Updates: AI translation software needs regular updates to maintain accuracy and effectiveness.

TextUnited helps address these challenges by offering a comprehensive package that includes both AI-powered translations and professional human editing.

Making Your Final Decision: AI Translation Software or Translation Agencies?

We’ve discussed both AI translation software and translation agencies. Your decision should be based on your business needs, considering factors like cost, speed, deadlines, and the nature of the content.

Quick Recap:

  • AI Translation Software: Ideal for fast, affordable translations, especially for large volumes of text. Advanced AI models can provide high-quality translations with less need for post-editing.
  • Translation Agencies: Best for complex projects requiring cultural sensitivity and accuracy. They offer rigorous quality assurance but can be more expensive and time-consuming.

Best of Both Worlds

Combine AI translations with professional human post-editing using a platform like TextUnited for optimal results.

To get started, sign up and request a demo with TextUnited. Good luck on your journey to making your business global!

Common Questions Answered (FAQs)

Translation agency fees can vary widely, typically ranging from $0.10 to $0.30 per word, depending on the language pair, complexity, and turnaround time.

Localization project management involves coordinating the translation and adaptation of content to suit specific cultural and linguistic contexts, ensuring it resonates with the target audience.

Additional Resources for Your Translation Needs

Here are a list of resources that you may find helpful: