If you want to join the ranks of thousands of successful freelance translators in the marketplace it is important to know what works and what doesn’t. If you want to save yourself time and money, start by learning the lessons of these 5 mistakes:
1. SCATTERING YOUR ENERGY
Know what you do best: Many freelance translators try to be all things to all people. Select an area of specialization so you can focus your time and energy effectively.
2. ADVERTISING TO EVERYONE
Select your customer: For the freelance translator, the shotgun advertising approach is time consuming, expensive and ineffective. Match your skills to the marketplace, which industry are your technical translations best suited; engineering or construction?
3. TAKING SUCCESS FOR GRANTED
If you are serious about your success, plan for it. Define the direction you want to take as a freelance translator. Outline what tools you need to get your business there and create an estimate of how much time you need to get the job done.
4. INCONSISTENT MARKETING
It is better to post one article on your blog everyday about your experiences as a freelance translator instead of a banner campaign that you can only afford to run for a week. Your blog readers will be exposed to your marketing message each time they visit, and they will visit because they want to share their views with your audience. Once your banner campaign is completed, your blog will still be going strong.
5. IGNORING THE CUSTOMER
Many freelance translators focus all of their attention on getting the client and completing the project. But once they deliver the project and collect their fee, they forget the customer exists. The best customer service continues after the sale is made, with a thank you note for the work, periodic contacts to keep your business in your customers’ mind and give you the opportunity to ask for a referral as well. |
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