A recent report shows the growing need for translation services, predicting that the worldwide demand will rise at a CAGR of 2.5% and reach a market size of US$54.1 billion by the end of 2034. Whoa! That’s a lot. With these rising demands, finding cheap translation services has become more crucial than ever.

As of last year, 2023, professional translations typically ranged from US$0.09 to $0.25 per source word. Getting a 10,000-word document translated by professional translators could vary from about $900 to $2,500. These prices are expected to increase slightly due to market adjustments and inflation.

So, discussing affordable and fast translation services is crucial! In this post, you’ll find out why affordable translation services are essential, how much translation services cost, the benefits of fast translation services, a step-by-step guide on how to use a trusted, cheap, fast translation service, and much more!

 

Why Cheap Translation Services are Important

Your goal is to expand your business because you have realized that the ability to communicate across different languages is more important now than ever. But you’re faced with a huge barrier: the cost of translation services. Now, you have to go on a journey looking for affordable translation services. You will find that many other business founders share similar challenges as they all seek affordable translation services. So, let’s look at some reasons why having access to cheap translation services is very important.

 

Making Cheap Translation Services Available to Everyone

For small businesses and freelancers who operate on tight budgets, high translation costs can be a big barrier. For example, if you run a small bakery and want to attract more customers by having your website in multiple languages, high translation costs can prevent you from doing this. Access to cheap translation services will give these smaller entities the opportunity to successfully communicate with a global audience and access new markets without worrying excessively about prohibitive costs.

 

Connecting with the World through Cheap Translation Services

Affordable translation services make it easier for businesses to interact with international clients, markets, and partners. This means that more companies can engage in global trade, collaborate with international partners, and reach out to customers in various linguistic regions. For instance, if you have an online store selling handmade crafts, affordable translation services can help you translate your product descriptions into multiple languages and attract customers from around the globe. This will increase your sales and brand recognition, helping your business thrive in the international market.

 

Saving Money for Frequent Needs with Cheap Translation Services

If you run a tech startup that regularly releases new software updates, you likely need to translate user manuals and support documents frequently. With cheap translation services, you can keep your materials up-to-date in multiple languages without draining your budget. In general, businesses that often require the translation of various documents, such as marketing materials, user manuals, website content, and legal contracts, can find that high translation costs quickly add up and impact their bottom line. Affordable services allow companies to manage their budgets better and still meet their translation needs without compromising other critical areas of their operations.

 

Cheap Translation Services with Quality

When we say cheap translation services, it doesn’t equate to lower quality translations. There are affordable translation providers like TextUnited that maintain high standards of accuracy and professionalism. They leverage advanced technologies like machine translation with human post-editing to deliver high-quality translations at a lower cost. Additionally, they provide access to experienced translators who specialize in various fields to ensure that the translations are not only accurate but also contextually appropriate. For instance, if you need a legal document translated but are concerned about cost, affordable translation services with certified translators can provide accurate and reliable translations without breaking the bank.

 

How Much Do Cheap Translation Services Cost?

For you to properly budget and plan, it’s crucial to understand the cost of translation services. Translation costs vary based on several factors, such as the complexity of the content, the language pair, and the pricing method. The most common pricing methods are per word, per page, and hourly rates. On average, translation rates per word in 2024 range from $0.09 to $0.25. For example, translating a 10,000-word document could cost anywhere from $900 to $2,500. Some providers also charge per page, typically around $100 per page, which is useful for documents where an electronic word count is not feasible, such as scanned PDFs.

When it comes to translating PDF files, additional steps are often required. Traditionally, this involves manual work (often referred to as DTP tasks) to convert a PDF file into an editable and translatable Word file. Such services can cost between $2 to $5 per page if done manually. While the quality of automatic conversion often does not match that of human conversion, it is good enough for many business use cases. However, manual conversion not only increases the cost but also requires a lot of time, which can delay the entire translation process.

Several factors influence these costs. The complexity and technical nature of the content, such as legal or medical documents, usually require specialized translators, leading to higher rates. Common language pairs like English to Spanish are more affordable due to the higher availability of translators, while less common pairs like Russian to Japanese are more expensive. The volume of content and the urgency of the project can also impact pricing. Rush jobs often carry a premium, sometimes 25% to 50% above standard rates, to account for the expedited work required.

Understanding these factors will help you find the right balance between cost and quality. This way, you can meet your translation needs with cheap translation services without breaking the bank.

 

Benefits of Fast and Cheap Translation Services

Let’s look at some key benefits of opting for fast and cheap translation services:

Saving Valuable Time

You have a last-minute opportunity to pitch your product to an international client, and you need your presentation translated within 24 hours. Fast translation services can make this possible for you, helping you seize the opportunity without dealing with any language barriers. So, this is one of the most apparent benefits of fast translation services: it enables you to save time and get the job done promptly. With such a quick turnaround, you can focus on other aspects of your business without worrying about communication delays.

 

Gaining a Competitive Edge

If you’re a tech company, for instance, that frequently updates its software with fast translation services, you can make sure your international customers receive updates in their native language as soon as they are released. This way, your customers will be satisfied, making them loyal to your product and giving you a competitive edge. As in a competitive market, responding quickly to opportunities can give you an edge over your competitors, so this responsiveness can set you apart from competitors who may take longer to deliver translated materials.

 

Handling Urgent Situations Promptly

If you are dealing with an urgent legal matter that requires the immediate translation of documents, fast translation services can ensure you have the necessary translations to proceed without delay. There are times when the translations are needed urgently, like in legal, medical or emergencies, and fast translation services can provide this quick turnaround required in such critical scenarios and ensure that important information is communicated as fast as possible while maintaining accuracy.

 

Improving Operational Productivity

If you run an e-commerce business and need to update the product descriptions in multiple languages, fast translation services can help keep your website current and relevant. Fast translation services often go hand in hand with cheap translation services, making it easier for businesses to manage their budget while still getting high-quality translations. When you have an increase in productivity, it means that you can get accurate translations without having to sacrifice quality. This also means a better user experience and an increase in sales.

 

Steps to Use TextUnited’s “Translate File Fast” Service

So far, we have talked about this fast translation service; now it’s time to try one of the online reputable fast translation services – TextUnited’s “Translate File Fast” service. TextUnited can provide you with quick and easy translations for your documents. If you need a small document translated quickly or are looking for more advanced features for larger projects, TextUnited offers a user-friendly solution.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the “Translate File Fast” service:

Step 1: Access the “Translate File Fast” Service

First, visit the TextUnited website. In the home page at the top menu, click on the “TRANSLATE A FILE FAST” button to get started:

Showing the cheap translation service offered by TextUnited - the "Translate File Fast" tool
Showing the “Translate File Fast” tool on TextUnited’s website

This will take you to the translator window:

Showing the "Translate File Fast" window - cheap translation service
Showing the “Translate File Fast” window

 

Step 2: Upload Your Document

Next, you’ll need to upload the document you want to translate. Click the “Upload File” button and select the file from your computer. TextUnited supports various file formats, so you can easily upload documents in formats like Word, PDF, Excel, and more. Click the button in the centre labelled “Select Files to Upload”:

Showing the button to upload file(s) - cheap translation service
Showing the button to upload file(s)

Wait for the document to be uploaded; it usually takes split seconds. Click “Next”:

Waiting for the file(s) to finish uploading - cheap translation service
Waiting for the file(s) to finish uploading

 

Step 3: Select Source and Target Languages

After uploading your document, you’ll need to choose the source language (the language in which your document is currently) and the target language (the language into which you want your document translated). TextUnited offers a wide range of language pairs to choose from.

Selecting the source and target languages - cheap translation service
Selecting the source and target languages

Once you select your target language(s), click the “Next” button:

Showing the "Next" button after selecting the source and target language(s) - Cheap translation service
Showing the “Next” button after selecting the source and target language(s)

 

Step 4: Review and Confirm

Once you’ve selected your languages, from the options displayed on your screen, depending on your needs, choose from the Instant automatic translation, which is free; the Rapid Human post-editing, which costs €32.53; or ISO 17100 Human translation with revision, which costs €76.44:

Choosing the option to translate - Cheap translation service
Choosing the option to translate

Assuming you chose the free option, this will require you to register and create an account by entering your email address, and it will also show you details of your order:

Creating an account on TextUnited - cheap translation service
Creating an account on TextUnited

 

Step 5: Download Your Translated Document

After the translation is complete, you’ll receive a notification. You can then download the translated document directly from your TextUnited account. The translated file will be in the same format as the original, making it easy to use immediately.

For Larger Projects and Advanced Features

If you have larger documents or ongoing translation needs, consider subscribing to TextUnited for more advanced capabilities. Subscribing gives you access to additional features, such as:

  • Higher Word Limits: Translate larger documents without restrictions.
  • Advanced Translation Tools: Utilize features like translation memory, glossaries, and collaborative tools.
  • Project Management: Manage multiple projects and track progress in real-time.
  • Expert Translators: Access a network of professional translators for specialized content.

TextUnited offers affordable subscription plans tailored to different needs, ensuring that you can find a plan that fits your budget and requirements.

 

The Value of Cheap Certified Translation Services

People look out for certified translation services because they want quality and because they offer several benefits. They are usually thought of as costly, but finding affordable options can provide significant value without compromising quality. So, let’s look at some benefits that make them an attractive choice for individuals and businesses.

Reliability and Accuracy

When it comes to official documents like legal contracts, immigration papers and academic transcripts, certified translations are needed in such cases because the translations have to be accurate and reliable to be accepted by those authorities. For example, let’s say you’re applying for a visa and need your birth certificate translated; using an affordable certified translation service ensures that your document meets the required standards, helping you avoid potential delays or rejections.

 

Cost-Effectiveness

As much as certified translations are essential, you don’t have to break the bank. Affordable certified translation services can provide the same level of quality as more expensive options, making them a cost-effective solution. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses and individuals needing certified translations but with limited budgets. For example, if you are a small business owner needing to translate a contract into multiple languages for international clients, using an affordable certified translation service can help you meet legal requirements without incurring high costs, which would allow you to allocate your budget to other essential areas of your business.

 

Trust and Credibility

When you use a certified translation service, it adds a layer of credibility to your documents. Authorities and institutions are more likely to trust and accept translations from accredited providers. So, affordable certified translation services can help you maintain this credibility while managing costs. So, for instance, if you’re a student applying to universities abroad, having your academic transcripts translated by an affordable certified translation service can ensure that your application is taken seriously by admissions committees, increasing your chances of acceptance.

 

Comparing Online Document Translation Services

As mentioned earlier in the introduction, we have a growing demand for translation services; this number of online providers offers a range of options to meet different needs and budgets. Comparing these services can help you find the best fit for your requirements.

Cost Comparison

When comparing online document translation services, one of the primary factors to consider is cost because prices vary significantly between providers, so you need to compare rates to find an affordable option that fits your budget. For instance, if you need to translate a 5,000-word document, compare the per-word rates of different providers. Some may charge as low as $0.09 per word, while others might charge up to $0.35 per word. So, understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision.

 

Speed and Turnaround Time

If you have an urgent business proposal that needs translation within 24 hours, look for providers that offer fast turnaround times and can meet your deadline without compromising quality. Another critical factor is the speed and turnaround time of the service. Some providers specialize in fast translations, which can be crucial if you have tight deadlines. Compare the estimated delivery times and check if they offer expedited services if needed.

 

Quality and Accuracy

If you need a technical manual translated, choose a provider with expertise in technical translations and a track record of delivering accurate and high-quality work. Quality and accuracy are paramount in translation services. Look for providers with positive reviews and testimonials that attest to their reliability. Check if the service employs native speakers and certified translators, as this can significantly impact the accuracy and quality of the translation.

 

Additional Features and Services

If you are translating a website, look for a provider that offers multilingual SEO and can help you optimize your site for different languages, enhancing your online presence and reach. Some online document translation services offer additional features, such as desktop publishing, multilingual SEO, and machine translation post-editing. Consider whether these extra services add value to your project and compare the offerings of different providers.

 

Customer Support

If you encounter issues or need clarifications, having access to a dedicated support team can make a significant difference in resolving problems quickly and efficiently. Reliable customer support is another essential aspect to consider. A provider with responsive and helpful customer service can address any questions or concerns you might have during the translation process, ensuring a smooth experience.

 

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right translation service can significantly impact your global communication efforts. With options like TextUnited’s “Translate File Fast” service, you can get reliable translations quickly and without breaking the bank. And if you have larger projects or ongoing needs, their affordable subscription plans offer advanced features to make the process even smoother. Start your free trial here.