It’s common that not all companies looking to expand different markets know how to handle localization properly on their own. Even though this is a significant issue it is the main purpose of creating what it’s called a “language service provider” that is an outsourcing partner that helps convert content in all aspects.
There are tones of conditions that stand behind choosing the right language service provider other than the reputation of the LSP. On the other hand, the previous projects that a certain outsourcing company has worked on give a clear indication of its commitment, professionalism and experience.
What is a language service provider?
The company, agency or individual providing language-related services, whether for one or various languages. However, it is notable that not all LSPs deliver the same kind of services as some are specialized only in some to increase the quality of performance.
What can any LSP provide?
Translation – localization – transcreation – proofreading – revision – evaluation- translated segment evaluation – training in using cat tools – interpreting – language training – copywriting – copy editing – transcription.
All these are services that LSPs provide, and some of them provide them all in a package according to the company’s needs. Furthermore, multilanguage services can be provided by a highly professional outsourcing company.
As key resources in the global marketplace, LSPs vary widely in scope and size. They can be small firms that specialize in a specific language or subject matter or large multinational companies that serve other large transnational corporations. It is critical to find a good match for your particular volume, specialty, and target languages. LSPs that handle large volumes of content in multiple languages may offer highly personalized service, while LSPs that handle smaller volumes can provide highly personalized one.
What are the advantages of working with an LSP?
As an outsourcing partner, the language service provider cares about the success of your project, as a result, it will take care of every aspect of your work regarding content and delivering the data you need.
Moreover, all internal procedures prone to hold up or impact the timeframe and successful project completion are fully transparent so both parties be on the same page. Open discussion is highly important and appreciated in such a partnership during which all problems and obstacles are addressed to find productive solutions in the shortest possible.
Since the main goal of outsourcing language services is getting to new markets in a way that meets culture, traditions and language differences, LSP should be updated on all developments in the industry and aware of all cultural details that play a big role in shaping the content.
How to choose a language service provider?
Now to the one million dollar question: how to know who is the right LSP that you should work with?
In 2023, the Slator language service provider index shows that there are over 350 huge LSP in the world, not to mention the other sized ones. So between a large number of agencies, companies or even individuals, how to choose the right one? The answer to the question is determined by the answers to other questions that need to be considered.
– What is the language that you need?
This is the first thing that you should keep in mind to determine if there is a real advantage from a certain language service provider. If you target many different markets with different languages, sometimes one company can do the whole job if it is highly qualified. Going globally relies on having your content localized probably.
– The amount of content you produce in a certain time period
Most translators handle many projects at the same time, which may limit their ability to produce a huge amount of content in a short period. You need to check with your language service provider to agree on a certain volume of content that meets your needs.
– Is there any big start in a certain market?
You will need a different kind of localized content if you are planning to roll out in a specific market at first. That’s why your team LSP and you should have continuous meetings and discussions to ensure how they can handle these challenges without increasing the cost or reducing the quality of work.
– How about QA?
You might want to consider not outsourcing the final revision if you have the option of handling QA in-house with your subsidiaries in the respective markets. If you have a large cultural gap to bridge and you are not sure what is appropriate in your target market’s cultural context, have a colleague who is a native speaker do the final revision. It also allows you to gauge the level of quality of your LSP from your domestic team. If that isn’t an option for you, you might consider outsourcing the final revision and QA to another partner.
– How do you handle payment, arguments and service level?
The potential future conflicts may affect the workflow between you and your outsourcing language partner, especially when it comes to payments and edits. For this instance, it is important to have open communication between you two to ensure you are aligned.
How can you know if you have found the right LSP?
The end result is what matters, and having the right language service provider is the important thing. The right LSP will take the pressure off your shoulders and simplifies the job a million times for you, in addition, won’t be afraid to answer all your questions and concerns for your mind peace. Using modern localization technology plays a big role here as it includes working on a wide range of file formats.
Leave a Reply