Do you need your marketing material translated into Swedish? Does it need to be localized for the Swedish culture? Does it need to sound like it was written by a Swedish copywriter?

Then I would like to invite you to check out my services and how I can help with these needs. I’m your go-to provider for Swedish software localization and transcreation of digital marketing copy. Here are some key benefits I can provide, based on my experience and background.

1. I know both the Swedish and American markets and can adapt your text to really speak to customers.

My feature: I’m a Swedish speaking translator with a robust international background. Not only have I lived in both my working languages’ countries (Sweden and U.S.), but I also have an educational background in international marketing and business communication.

Your benefit: This cultural know-how gives me extra insight into crafting copy that works for both countries’ business landscapes. Ultimately, I’m able to adapt your marketing message to really speak to customers by considering cultural differences and sharpening the tone/style for your target audience.

2. I am certified in English-Swedish translation by the American Translators Association, and I also have a proven track record in digital marketing and e-commerce companies.

My feature: Besides earning top industry credentials in English-Swedish translation, I’m also a recognized marketing consultant and have deep experience in transforming online copy for Swedish markets.

Your benefit: With my rich marketing background, I’ve helped hundreds of companies find their brand voice on the Swedish-speaking market. I guarantee top-quality translations informed by marketing best practices, which is especially useful for digital marketing and e-commerce companies. My credentials give me the unique skills to handle your most challenging online localization needs.

3. To keep up with increasingly digital markets, I’ve specialized in iSEO and SaaS localization to help you reach Swedish users online.

My feature: Through my extensive experience in software localization and Search Engine Optimization, I’ve become a go-to resource for SaaS localization among even the most ambitious software companies.

Your benefits: By localizing software interfaces, help files, user manuals, web sites and menus, I can prepare a pristine interface for you to grow and engage your Swedish user base. In addition, your products/services won’t be hidden from the Swedish online searcher. Through intensive iSEO research, I find the ideal keywords and analyze search behavior so that your company can get on page 1 of Google rankings in Swedish, both for websites, PPC-campaigns and blog posts/articles.

Read more about sample projects and my experience in software localization here.

4. I’ve been a Swedish translator for 17 years, abide by high professional standards and I am ISO Certified.

My feature: For 17 years, I’ve been helping companies successfully localize their services/products for the Swedish market. For all projects, I continue to strive for perfection and craft a text that does not read like a translation. I only accept assignments where I can provide high-quality translations.

Your benefit: My robust experience lets me stay nimble to complete quick turnarounds and resolve any linguistic and/or marketing challenges in the text – all with a quality guarantee. In addition to striving for quality, I consider my clients my most important assets. For this reason, I treat you with the friendly, respectful and professional service that you deserve. The end result is “happy, repeat customers.”

If you’re interested in reading more reviews from my clients, visit my Testimonials page.

5. I guarantee client confidentiality and non-disclosure (via Non-Disclosure Agreements) and I follow best practices for security and privacy.

My feature: I ensure confidentiality by signing Non-Disclosure Agreements and running my business according to best practices.

Your benefit: I safeguard your source materials through secure technology, so you don’t have to worry about information leaks. Ultimately, I never share any of your materials with third parties, unless you’ve specifically requested so.

6. Continuous education is a part of my translator DNA. I’m constantly educating myself in writing, research skills, subject matter expertise, as well as software, translation and localization tools.

My feature: I never stop deepening my knowledge in translation and relevant areas. In addition to staying on top of new technologies, I’ve completed certificates in copywriting, content marketing and international SEO. 

Your benefit: I’m constantly adapting to changes in the localization industry, so your projects are supported by top skills and technologies. Not only do I seek out professional associations and certificates, but I get trained on the latest software, translation and localization tools. For example, I make use of translation memories and quality assurance software in order to maintain consistency between documents and projects. To get a sense of my skills firsthand, check out my portfolio. I’m proud of joining forces with companies worldwide to successfully reach the Swedish market. Contact me to discuss your Swedish translation needs.

Check also:

• 4 Types of Quality Assurance for Translators
• The Role of Translators in the Software Localization Process
• How to Spot a Great Transcreator
• How to Spot a Subpar Translator?

What goes into pricing a Swedish translation? This article covers how to determine the price of professional translations.

You’d think finding a translator would be easy. You head over to Google and type something like “English to Swedish translator.” Then, you’d pick somebody whose site landed in the top three. But you’ll quickly find it’s not that simple.  Finding a competent, professional translator that meets your needs feels more like wading through the aisles at a health food store. However, instead of buzz words like “organic” and “fat-free,” you’re wading through pages littered with industry-specific acronyms and accreditations. In this scenario, it won’t take long for you to stumble on a translator bandying about the word “certified.”

What Does It Mean to Be Certified?

A certified translator is one that has passed a test demonstrating his or her skills in a specific language. The structure and content of the exams required vary widely by country and vertical. In acquiring one of these certifications, a translator affirms that he or she has the skills needed to translate professionally.  

Though commonly confused, there is a difference between a certified translator and a certified translation. A certified translator has passed a quality test to prove their skills. In contrast, a certified translation is a translated document accompanied by a signed statement from the translator attesting to the completeness and accuracy of the translation. A notary public can also notarize the statement. Once a translation is certified, it becomes a legal record. Many certified translators provide certified translations.

What Does It Take to Be a Certified Translator in the United States?

To be considered certified, American translators must pass an exam proctored by the American Translators Association (ATA).  It was first given in 1973 and serves as the only generalized translation certification in the United States. But you’d be amiss to equate generalized with easy. The exam is designed for mid-level professionals with several years of experience, and the test’s failure rate ranges from 91 to 71 percent depending on the language.

The ATA exam is an open-book, proctored test that takes roughly three hours to complete.  Once completed, skilled translators review the submissions and grade them based on:

• The smoothness and flow of the submitted piece
• Number of mechanical errors including grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• The degree to which the target text reflects the information supplied in the source material
• How well idioms are adapted to meet the needs of the target market
• How closely aligned the newly written piece is with the target language’s syntax
• The appropriateness of vocabulary chosen for the requested audience and market

Does That Mean Certified Translators Better Than Uncertified Ones?

As someone who’s certified by the ATA, I have an insider’s perspective on how it works. First, I do believe the test is valuable. It gives translators a way to differentiate themselves in industries where other credentials, such as OSHA certifications or medical degrees, are not required. It also shows clients that the chosen language professional is dedicated to their craft. In an uncertain world full of charlatans and wannabe translators, certifications offer peace of mind. Furthermore, many professional agencies and organizations make certification a pre-requisite for entry.

But, as ATA testing is only available in 27 languages, it isn’t something every translator can get. It’s also not a foolproof indicator that one translator is better than another. After all, nothing about my skillset changed just because I passed the ATA’s exam for English into Swedish certification. Certification is not a magic wand nor a boot camp—just a way to testify to your existing skillset. Many experienced translators have flourishing businesses, and provide quality translations, without a certification.  

Should I Only Hire Certified Translators?

Certification is something you’ll want to consider when hiring a freelance translator. It’s proof that they can translate passages accurately and possess ample experience in their field. But know that their experience, portfolio, and record of customer service is far more critical. So, I’d look at those first and use certifications to break ties between otherwise equivalent translators, To learn more about the qualities you should look for in a good translator, click here.

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you know the difference between a translator who is certified and one who is not, you are better equipped to choose your next translator. By focusing on their skillset and ignoring the buzzwords, you’ll have an easier time spotting true professionals—ATA certification or not.  If you’re in the market for a Swedish translator and want someone who’s certified, click here to contact me.

Check also:

• Understanding My Professional English to Swedish Translator Certifications
• I’m Officially Certified in UX Writing!

In a world where physical location has lost its meaning, chances are you can find a Swedish speaker in a large company. When documents like contracts or press releases need to be translated, many businesses might be tempted to rely on their multilingual employees as translators. On the surface, this makes sense. Not only do they know your product inside and out, but they also won’t need to get paid any extra for the work.  

So, if it saves you time and money, what’s the harm in leaning on Anna in Marketing for that English to Swedish translation? Here are some good reasons not to use your employees as translators.

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Swedish Employees Do Your Company’s Translations

In most cases, letting existing staff handle your translations does more harm than good. It can not only damage your company’s reputation but also lengthen the globalization timeline and erode employee relationships. There are several reasons not to do this, including:

1. Being Bilingual Doesn’t Make You a Translator

Contrary to what people think, there’s more to translation than swapping one word for another. There are idioms, metaphors, nuance, and gendered language to consider. Being able to speak another language isn’t the be-all, end-all it’s a prerequisite. Becoming a certified translator takes years of practice and ample education.

2. The Productivity Costs

While you might be impressed with Anna’s Swedish, that’s not why you hired her. Likely, you were impressed by her love of marketing knowledge and strategic skills. The stellar references and 10 years of marketing experience just sealed the deal. Let her do what she is good at, marketing, not translation and linguistics. Furthermore, the time she spends translating must come from somewhere. This means less time spent creating marketing campaigns.

3. It Doesn’t Save You Money

Even if the document isn’t something that can open you up to legal repercussions, attempts to cut translation costs often end up doing the opposite. Frederick Douglass once said, “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Though translated documents aren’t children, the same principle holds. Getting things right the first time is easier than constantly fixing shoddy work. Hiring a professional Swedish translator is often the more affordable option.

4. A Lack of Tools

To do translation well, you need preferred glossaries, external proofreaders, and a computer assisted translation software. Most businesses won’t invest in these for one-off projects. Professional Swedish translators already have these things in their toolbelts and incorporate their use into their rates. Hiring them allows you to reap the benefits of these tools without the budget battles.

5. Cultural Sensitivity Issues

Just speaking Swedish doesn’t mean Julie has a true understanding of Sweden’s culture. Even if she grew up there, things change. What was once acceptable, and trendy may now be wrong. Since translators make a living connecting with audiences in their target language, they often obsess with staying up to date on current options.

Ready to Let Anna Get Back to Marketing?

Now that you know better than to hand off your Swedish translations to the first bilingual person you come across, it’s time to find a qualified translator! Instead of using employees as translators, you need to find someone who’s experienced and strives to stay up to date on the latest language developments. It also wouldn’t hurt to hire someone knowledgeable in marketing and transcreation. 

If you need Swedish marketing translations, transcreations, or localizations, I’d love to help out.  Looking to expand outside of the Baltic countries? My wide network of linguists and translators means I can help you find a colleague in that field.  To get started, fill out my contact form or visit my About page for more information about my qualifications.

Check also:

• How Much Does a Swedish Translation Cost? Pricing Swedish Translations
• What Cheap English to Swedish Translation Really Costs You!
• Swedish Translation vs. Transcreation: Which Is Right for You? 
• When to Choose Machine Translation vs. a Professional Translation
• Effective Budgeting for Your Technical Translation Project

I was fortunate enough to be one of the 130 participants of the TAUS Global Content Conference in June of 2019, (and the only freelance translator). The two days that followed were full of networking, knowledge sharing, and inspirational speeches. TAUS Global Content Conference focuses on big questions such as how far machine translation (MT) has come, whether human parity is possible, how machine learning (ML) will impact global communication, and of course, what the rise of technology means for freelance translators.

What follows is my summary of the event and how what I learned can affect translators around the world. For more information, click here to read the footnotes for 2019’s TAUS Global Content Conference.

Lesson One: Neural Machine Translation (NML) Will Fundamentally Alter the Translation Process

Though we’ve had to deal with the rise of CAT and other early MT tools, most of these left the basic tenets of translation untouched. Jobs were still priced on a per-word basis and the translator was the only link between the source and final content. In short, the flowchart of a freelance translator’s tasks looked much the same as it did twenty or thirty years ago. Nowadays though, that’s no longer the case. Below are a few ways that upcoming technologies will permanently alter the translation process:

• Pricing on a per word basis is no longer practical: Instead the rates and payments may work better using hourly fees or project based fees.
• You’re more likely to serve as a proofreader than a translator for some jobs: While people might not be willing to pay a high-end translator to do the grunt work, they’re still open to bringing you on for an editing role.
• Your next project manager might be an algorithm: With automatically generated content where deadlines and algorithms drive decisions, the need for dedicated project managers will shrink. The data generated from algorithms will then be used to drive recruitment, predict market readiness, and determine translation needs. In other words, a computer could one day be your boss.
• Multimedia translation is the future: With VR and AR on the rise, the need for translators willing to adapt to these new technologies will increase. Translators who are willing to embrace these different platforms, including voice-assisted search, will benefit from our early adaptation.

Lesson Two: The Proper Application of MT and AI in Your Workflow Can Set You Apart from Your Competition

As language specialists, we tend to think of MT and AI as the monster under our bed. But if we are willing to embrace these monsters we can use them to our advantages. Having a good MT on hand can help cut costs and drastically increase our production ability, at least if we know how and when to use it.

Lesson Three: Find Your Niche to Future Proof Your Business

John Tinsley of Iconic Translation Machines opened with a startling statistic: ”99% of today’s global content is translated by MT without any human intervention.“ Hearing numbers like that is enough to leave most translators waking up in a cold sweat. I’m not one of them. My research shows that there’s plenty of room for both machine and human translators in the marketplace. In fact, experts estimate the employment outlook for translators and interpreters will increase 29% by 2024. Of course many of you are probably wondering what you can do to ensure you’re positioned for growth.

Generalists and low-quality content mills will be the main casualties in this battle of man versus machine. To succeed in the future, you’ll need to specialize in a field that values accuracy and creativity over speed and volume. Examples of these fields include medical oncology research, renewable energy development, and automotive patent law as well as more creative fields such as marketing. Transcreators, because of their ability to merge copywriting with nuance and emotion, will also be immune to the rising tide of automation.

There is also a new field of specialization to pay attention to. International companies are hungry for freelance translators with experience in digital marketing and social media. They need people who understand local search and can adjust their messaging to meet the needs of customers and search engines alike. Even if an oncology degree is out of reach, the internet is awash with knowledge about customer service, search engine optimization, and social media management.

Lesson Four: There’s a New Translation Business Model on the Rise

Up until a few years ago, translators came in two main stripes: those who collaborated directly with clients and those who worked for language service providers. Many freelance translators make a living straddling the line between the two. These two different ways of working demand different technologies, processes, and timelines. Now, many translators will be forced to contend with a third translation model: crowdsourcing.

In this model, popularized by platforms such as Smartcat and Gengo, end-clients plug their content into a virtual translator community. The platform then automates job management on both sides. By removing the geographical barriers between translator and end-client, the crowdsourcing model opens the market to lower-cost providers in markets where the cost of living is much lower. These lower costs will ultimately hurt the language service providers stuck in the middle. This new business model gives you even more reason to specialize and find your niche.

Lesson Five: Machine Learning Is Creating New Roles for Translators

If generalists and low-quality translators will lose their place in the market, new, more specialized people will take their place. In the next few years, we expect to see a sharp increase in demand for:

Post Editors of MT

While some companies don’t mind machines doing the lion’s share, they’re skittish about releasing raw machine translations into the market. Therefore, they’ll want someone to read over the outputted text for mistakes. The corrections will then be fed back into the data pipeline to further improve the machine’s output. This is a possible field for translators willing to take it on, which can even create a new type of translator.

Transcreators

Machines still struggle to combine culture, language, and emotion into a creative and compelling text. To get that done right, you need a human. Machines also have a tough time understanding cultural nuances, emotions, and the psychology involved in proper translation. All things that are vital to sales and marketing. For that reason, transcreators will weather the digital transformation just fine.

Spoken Content Specialists

Audio is being hyped as the new communication platform. Over time, text interfaces are being replaced with voice-powered assistants like Google Home and Alexa. Podcasts are also growing in popularity. This shift to audio requires a different sort of translator. Those who work in this field must find ways to convey the importance of social, gender, and emotive markers in the work that they produce. They must also be prepared to work with speakers of various dialects in order to create more localized, regionalized content.

Brand Ambassadors

With more of the world coming online, globalized branding is becoming more important. Worldwide retailers will need help ensuring that their company’s values and beliefs are effectively communicated across geographical borders. This will require translators who are willing to act as product testers and advise companies on how best to adjust their product to meet the needs of their target markets.

Local Storytellers

Good marketing is built around good narratives. Simply translating these stories in a target language rarely has the desired impact that companies want. That’s why these groups are looking for people who know how to craft a good tale. This is a perfect role for the translators who also dreamt of a career as a creative writer. And, with the demand for personalization growing, the need for this type of work will only grow.

Conversational Agent Consultants

Like it or not, chatbots are here to stay. While much of their development has happened in English-speaking countries, they’re now being deployed in markets all around the world. Still, these “conversational agents” need a human to help fine-tune and perfect them. People in this position will have to have a good understanding of human psychology, machine logic, and customer service to succeed.

Lesson Six: Machine Learning Will Give You Insight into Your Work

Translators, as connected professionals, will eventually benefit from the datafication of their work. The rise of algorithm and machine translation will make it easier for us to analyze our work habits, performance levels, and productivity. Eventually, ML could allow us to build a data narrative of our past choices and spell check preferences. It could then use that data to make suggestions to improve the overall quality of our work. With this data at our fingertips, we’ll also have a brand-new way to quantify our value to clients and potential employers.

Lesson Seven: Traditional Training Isn’t Enough

Academic training for translators usually consists of two things: translation theory and practical translation. The latter tends to focus on computer-assisted translation tools and general customer service. The former focuses more on ethics, linguistics, and sociology. The topic of MT is barely more than a footnote in these areas. The curriculum rarely makes room for the advanced algorithmic knowledge, specialized skill sets, and advanced IT tools required for the future. Until more universities adapt to this, new translators will have to turn to industry mentors and less traditional sources to help prepare them for the future of the industry.

Lesson Eight: We Need to Stop Being Afraid of MT and Step Up to Help Shape It

Machine translation tools are often built by software engineers with little to no knowledge of the industry itself. This often results in tools that are clunky, complicated, and poorly designed for the translation process. But just like we did with bilingual print dictionaries and translation memories, we have a chance to change that. We can reach out to designers and engineers and ask for things to change. Or perhaps we can join a group or become guinea pigs for the next-generation tools coming down the pipeline. Whatever you do, don’t let the advent of ML leave you voiceless. Do everything you can to make sure that the end product you use is well suited to your work.

Lesson Nine: The Need for Globalized Content Has Never Been Greater

With ML on the rise, most of us think that the need for skilled translators will decrease. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. As huge population centers become increasingly digitized, there’s now an insatiable need for translators willing to work in those markets. Furthermore, with all that big data flying around, there’s a huge need for people to translate and draw conclusions across cultural lines. In short, while machines will take away a lot of the grunt work, freelance translators will be given more opportunities to make a difference.

To summarize: translators need to up their game, focus on niche markets, use MT as a way to boost productivity, use MT as a way to provide ancillary services, and also consider adjusting their business models or pricing schemes to keep MT profitable.

Attending TAUS was an eye-opening experience, being the “linguist” among technology companies. I not only learned a lot about the present state of the industry but also gained a lot of insight into what’s coming. If we specialize and use our human powers to our advantage, we have no reason to be scared of MT and its associated impacts.

Check also:

• When to Choose Machine Translation vs. a Professional English-Swedish Translator
• Why There’s Room for Both MT and Human Translation
• 6 Reasons Not to Use Software for Your Business Translations

Long before the invention of AI and the internet, businesses relied on human translators to intermediate conversations in two different languages. The human element ensured that syntax, grammar, and context were properly transferred and that ideas were well-received.

Fast forward to today, where automated services like Google Translate are trying to pick apart textual data and transcribe them into other languages.

It’s a great concept on the surface. Finding a professional Swedish translator often took time and effort, so having a free translation service at your fingertips provide time- and money-saving benefits.

But let’s be realistic: what online translation services offer in terms of convenience doesn’t make up for their lack of accuracy.

Why Online Translation Tools Get a Failing Grade

If you’ve never used Google Translate before, this round-up of brand-killing translation fails should be proof enough that automated programs aren’t foolproof. Changing harmless vocabulary into words you wouldn’t say in front of your grandma can be damaging to a brand’s image.

What’s more, it makes it clear to your target market that you have no idea on how to speak their language, which also indicates you’re not tailoring your product or business to their needs.

Granted, Google isn’t the only online translation program out there, but others experience the same challenges. English to Swedish translation isn’t word for word, yet that’s how the majority of non-human services treat it.

As a result, you end up with an Americanized version of Swedish content that’s more suited to American culture.

Where the Professional Translator Can Fill the Gaps

There’s no substitute when it comes to using human English to Swedish translators. Professional Swedish translators pour time and energy into learning the linguistics of specific languages, as well as develop intel on subject matter like culture, branding, and lifestyles.

If you want to win over your international target market, you must be able to speak their language. This includes general linguistics, but it also means knowing the language they use on a daily basis, much like how we use slang in our society.

There’s a higher essence of quality and accuracy that most computer programs will never be able to compete with. When you create your content based around how they’re used to speaking, you’ve taken the first critical step in building international trust.

Yes, the Professional Swedish Translator Is Still Relevant!

Though many jobs and skills have gone the way of the buffalo in the digital era, the role of the professional translator is still largely relevant. An online translation service may be sufficient for locating a single word or phrase in another language, but it’s hardly reliable enough to provide large-scale translation services for business purposes.

And since businesses often have profits and a reputation to protect, there’s no reason to risk turning your translation needs into a potential PR disaster just to save a little time and money.

If you’re ready to meet the needs of your target market, contact Tess today to schedule a free consultation!

Check also:

• 7 Reasons You Need a Professional For Your English to Swedish Translations
• 10 Tips for Working Efficiently and Productively with a Professional Translator
• Is It Worth Hiring a Professional Swedish Translator for Your Marketing Materials?
• How Much Does Professional Swedish Translations Cost?
• How to Buy Translations from a Professional Translator – in 3 Easy Steps
• How to Spot a Subpar Translator?
• Save Money By Providing Key Info for Your Translator