A product or service that requires technical translations for a global audience must be accurate, of course, but producing the materials for these kinds of translations requires more than just a precise document. When you hire an experienced translation firm to manage and write for your equipment, software, or service launch, you’ll be taking the first step towards developing a credible relationship with your global audience.
Marketing Makes the Difference in Technical Translations
You may be planning to launch the most incredible product on the market. It could change the field of electronics, or education, or engineering forever, and you want it to be available in as many countries as possible. Avoid common pitfalls in technical translation by making sure that the translation firm you hire understands:
- Equipment Use. Whether your company is selling a complicated piece of technical equipment that will be used to run machinery, or you have updated a previous product with new features for consumer use, it is imperative that the equipment is being used properly. If the translation is poor, or the equipment use isn’t described accurately, your customers could be using it incorrectly— which can cause it to malfunction or break. A rash of unhappy customers means that they may never buy your products again, or that they will demand a refund. Both will affect your bottom line.
- Language. As a manufacturer, you’re concerned about product testing and purchasing, but the correct translation is just as important as your product’s intended use. You should employ a firm that has experienced linguists. Is this an additional expense? Yes. Does it matter? Absolutely. We know of companies who have said, “We’re only selling our product to other English-speaking countries. One of our engineers can write out the directions.”
That can sabotage your product’s success. Speaking the same language doesn’t mean that you understand a country’s culture. English is the official language for countries including the United States, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. However, they don’t have the same cultural environments and often use similar words that have different meanings. If you don’t use the proper terms, it will be noticeable and off-putting.
- Culture. When you sell products in different countries—especially in countries that speak other languages than your own—you must have someone on your team who understands those other cultures. The voice and dialect you use in your instructions or operator manuals will tell your customers everything they think they need to know about your company. Of course, their perception could be wrong—but you don’t want to take that chance on a multi-million dollar product launch.
Credibility Affects Your Products
Translation services will greatly affect your company’s and product’s credibility. If customers don’t trust your technical manual translations, they won’t trust your company. In today’s highly competitive technical market, your credibility as a global company is key. Only use an experienced technical translations firm that will partner with you as you bring your product to the international marketplace.
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