By: Jenifer Lloyd
Jenifer holds degrees in English literature and translation studies and has worked in the translation industry for more than 25 years, first as an in-house translator, then as a freelance translator, and now as the founder of Lloyd Language Services, a provider of custom language solutions.
Whatever Happened to
the Human Touch in Translation Services?
Impersonal chatbots, inflexible online portals, customer service agents, and project managers who don’t know the meaning of the word service – this is the reality in the translation industry today.
The process of creating a translation isn’t all that’s losing the human touch these days. Have you noticed?
The translation agency your company has relied on for years has changed. It’s impossible to get hold of a human when you have questions regarding your project.
Your beloved and always helpful project manager has been replaced by a team of coordinators in X low-wage country who don’t understand you, your project, or your company’s needs – and don’t seem all that interested.
Problems have started cropping up in your projects due to misunderstandings and miscommunication. Maybe they’ve switched to using AI or machine translation, whether you want to or not? For one reason or another, the quality of the translations just isn’t what it once was.
It’s enough to make anyone think, “We may as well switch to AI for our translations” 😖
But please don’t 👏
One Size Fits All – Doesn’t, Actually
We’re still here! The smaller, boutique translation agencies that focus on personal customer service, offer tailored solutions, and provide quality translations performed by real people.
At Lloyd Language Services, we know that when it comes to language services, there is no such thing as one size fits all.
We believe clients deserve the very best service, regardless of whether they come to us with a straightforward task like editing a series of blog articles in German or a complex project involving a handful of InDesign files for Norwegian-to-Finnish translation plus an accompanying video that happens to be in English but also needs to be localized into Finnish using the same wording and terminology as the .indd files 🤯
We Go Above & Beyond for Our Clients
We’re here to make your life easier, and providing personal service is our hallmark.
As a rule, you can expect:
- To reach us in person with your requests, questions, and feedback.
- To receive your project on time, on budget, and requiring minimal extra work from you.
- To be on a first-name basis with your regular project manager AND your translation team.
But We Want to Do More
Our aim is always to ensure our service goes Above and Beyond.
That’s why we also do things like:
- Including feedback rounds as needed
- Adjusting deadlines when you’re in a rush
- Calling your attention to issues in the source text
- Returning InDesign files with the links and layout updated
We Also Go Above & Beyond for Our Freelance Suppliers
A translation agency is only as good as the suppliers it employs. To attract the most talented language experts, we treat them with the respect they deserve.
So, of course, we:
- Trust our translators, editors, and copywriters to make informed, expert decisions.
- Listen when a supplier says an assignment is proving more demanding, requires additional input from the client, or the deadline needs adjusting.
- Pay our suppliers a “living rate” and never expect them to do test translations for free.
Going Above & Beyond for our freelancers ensures we always have access to the best and brightest minds in the industry, which in turn allows us to supply the quality and service you’re looking for.
What’s in it for us?
Would it be easier to do the bare minimum? Sure. But that’s not who we are.
In an industry where impersonal and “good enough” have become the norm, it’s highly motivating for us to work in an environment where we are all encouraged to surpass expectations.
We have the expertise, passion, and opportunity to go the extra mile – so why not just do it? You get the flexibility and service you need, our suppliers get the respect they deserve, and we sleep easy, knowing we do our very best every single day.
If you’re looking for a translation agency that listens to you, is flexible, and goes Above and Beyond, then you’re in the right place!
Let’s have a talk about your needs today.
More Insights…
Our native speakers can help you with:
Translation & Transcreation
Brilliant translations transcend language and cultural barriers. As native speakers, we create precise, engaging, and fluent translations aimed at your target audience.
Proofreading & Copy Editing
Professional proofreading and copy editing give your message that final touch, making it perfect and boosting your credibility. This ensures your readers focus on your message – not your mistakes.
Copywriting & Consulting
Write directly to your target audience in their own language. Our native speakers provide inspiration, creativity, and advice so you can find the right words to make sure your message gets heard.
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