Translators, Interpreters & the Internet?
Not long ago, word of mouth was the most important way to grow a translator's or interpreter's business. Maybe even handing out business cards also. Well, that was not so long ago, but times have changed. The Internet is a growing force in how and where people get their information, and your business needs to be there if you want to grow.
I ran the largest study of translator and interpreter websites ever!
I have studied over 1,500 translators' and interpreters' online activities and am now sharing all I have learned with you.
If you want to attract new clients, jettison old ones, or increase the value of your business, you should read on and take advantage of all the ideas I give away here.
Are you ready to explore all the possibilities a coordinated web approach can bring to your translation/interpreting business? This page will give you a start on everything you need to build a customer-generating website and coordinate it with your other online activities.
Don't forget to check out the Playbook I've linked below, where I have over 70 pages of specific insights and tips for your industry. I hope you find it useful. If you do, drop me a line here or on any social platform you might find me!
I just came here for the free stuff
Why Translator AND Interpreter?
In 2022, a conference interpreter based in Zurich, Switzerland, asked me to help her expand her client base. We've known each other for years and even attended the same university. I taught English at the University of Mainz-Germersheim, where translation and interpreting are taught. So, I know a thing or two about the business. I even married a translator!
Translation and interpreting, being professional services, require effective presentation, proof, and promotion. However, as I've come to understand over the years, many translators and interpreters face a unique challenge-they are not natural marketers. This realization prompted me to assist a friend in this aspect of her business.
Disclaimer
Before we proceed, I want to acknowledge that translation and interpreting are distinct disciplines, each demanding its own set of skills. However, in my observations of the market in Switzerland and later in Germany, I noticed that both fields often encounter similar marketing pitfalls. With this in mind, I hope you understand my decision to address them together in this discussion.
I also know that I am speaking to language professionals, which makes me nervous. You will probably find mistakes in what I write here, and that is fine with me. This happens every day when I talk to my wife. You are not here to learn a language from me. What I do know is how to get noticed online. So, I hope you find this information helpful.
Get Your Playbook ->
How to Succeed with your Translation Business
CUSTOMER FOCUS
This is two-pronged. First, you must be highly skilled and deliver excellent service that meets the client's needs. Second, you should focus on building strong relationships with clients. This can involve understanding their specific challenges, tailoring your services accordingly, providing clear communication, and exceeding expectations.
In the translation services world, happy clients are often repeat clients and refer you to others.
EXPERTISE
Having a team of skilled professionals is crucial for a successful business. This great team allows your company to provide high-quality services consistently. Over time, these services help build a strong reputation in your field.
This reputation then helps gain trust from clients, strengthening your position in the market.
STRONG SYSTEMS
Efficient, streamlined internal systems can greatly enhance your business performance. This includes project management tools that help you keep track of tasks and deadlines, financial management software to ensure your budgeting and invoicing processes, and clear communication practices within your team can also form an integral part of these systems.
Strong systems are essential for smooth operations and lead to increased efficiency and profitability.
MARKETING & SALES
The power of spreading the word about your services is monumental! Strategically target your optimal clients with a foolproof marketing strategy that showcases your unparalleled expertise. Build an engaging client-generating website that captures visitor’s interest. All this along with potent sales techniques, you'll be turning leads into loyal clients in no time.
You are here for the online growth tips, right?
4 Reasons to Continue Reading
I spent 2 months researching the Swiss translation and interpreting market for a client I was working with. I collected information on over 1000 companies in these fields during this time. I then repeated the exercise in the Frankfurt am Main area and found almost 600 more!
This gives me one of the best overviews of what translators and interpreters do online. Now, I want to share this information with you!
My primary focus is on propelling businesses forward by leveraging the power of the Internet. I have four compelling reasons why you should consider investing your time with me.
You want to:
Attract new customers
Hire great employees
Promote your industry
Can you guess #4?
👇🏻 Scroll down to learn why👇🏻
Hi! I’m Web Strategist Andrew Maher
Over the years, I have worked with various businesses, from global corporations to regional service providers such as photographers, software and business consultants, and conference interpreters. Through this experience, I have discovered the "secret sauce" that helps service businesses succeed online.
Today, it's my turn to share this knowledge with businesses like yours so you can realize the true potential of the Internet.
If you're ready to harness the Internet's potential for your business, let's get in touch today.
Why Getting found on the Internet helps your business
I write about service-based businesses as they are one of my main customers. The following 4 reasons don’t apply only to a trade or craft but to any small business. These reasons have been developed through my experience and conversations with local businesses. The first two reasons are likely obvious, but I think you might be surprised by the others.
1. Attract New Customers
You think this is obvious and the main reason why any business ‘goes online’. If you show your business where people hang out, customers will likely find you. They might call you or tell a neighbor if they need help. As well as “getting found” on the Internet, you can support your customers through online media when questions arise.
Build your credibility
Maintaining an online presence allows you to increase your credibility and show off your professionalism. This gives potential customers the impression 
that your business is trustworthy and up-to-date. You can also show your work to potential clients to help them understand your services better.
An online presence allows your business to expand its market reach beyond your local area. You can attract customers from different regions, opening up new opportunities for growth and revenue.
2. Hire Great Employees
Creating a strong online presence helps you attract and engage potential employees. This is your chance to show and promote the company’s culture, values, and growth opportunities. Standing out in a competitive job market is easier this way.
Be more appealing to future employees
You can use social media, online search, and your website to show the special experiences, challenges, and rewards of being on your team. 
As an employer, you can show that you care about your employee’s well-being, work-life balance, and professional growth. This will make you more appealing to job seekers.
By investing in your online presence, you can reach more people, connect with candidates, and attract top talent. This can help you connect with job seekers who are passionate about their craft and looking for meaningful work.
3. Promote your industry
Many companies are struggling to find qualified workers. Many young people opt away from many jobs and head to university as they feel it will provide them with a better future. A collective effort by you and similar companies would attract more young people to consider working in your field.
Lift your industry’s perception
You can make your profession more appealing to young people by showing your creativity, skill, and satisfaction in your work. You can use your online presence to share success stories, testimonials, 
and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the work you do. You can show your innovative techniques, creative projects, and the impact your work has.
When you share this content online, you can get the attention of young people who may not have thought about your industry as a career choice.
4. Increase the value of your business
Many small businesses hand over their business to a family member or someone they know from experience. Others rely on finding a buyer only when the time comes. By consistently being online and showcasing your business, you can make it more discoverable and valuable.
Having a big online following, positive reviews, website visits, or newsletter subscribers can make your business more appealing to potential buyers.
Prepare for succession
Having an online presence allows you to showcase your business's reputation, customers, and success. Showing that your business is stable and has growth potential can give 
confidence to potential successors or buyers.
Moreover, an active online presence lets you interact with your audience and build a loyal customer base. Your business's reputation and brand recognition improve, making it more appealing to potential buyers or investors.
Having an online presence can help make the transition process smoother. It lets you communicate and connect with your customers, suppliers, and partners. During the succession period, it is important to maintain relationships and your business's reputation.
TL;DR
Our world centers perhaps too much around the Internet, still your service-based business needs to have a strong online presence. You can use the Internet to attract new customers and connect with talented job seekers. It can also enhance the appeal of your craft and help you prepare for future succession.
Using the Internet can expand your audience, build trust, and set you up for success. To succeed in your industry, you must adapt and take advantage of the Internet's potential as it changes.
10 things you should be doing
Every translation/interpretation company should do the following on the Internet:
Create a Professional Website: A well-designed and user-friendly website is essential to showcase your services, provide information to clients, and establish credibility.
Optimize for Local Search: Make sure your business appears in local search results by optimizing your website for local SEO. This includes adding location-specific keywords, creating a Google Business Profile listing, and getting customer reviews.
Engage in Social Media: Establish a presence for your target audience on relevant social media platforms. Post regular updates, share valuable content, and engage with your followers to build brand awareness and customer loyalty.
Implement Online Booking and Scheduling: Integrate an online booking system or scheduling tool into your website to make it easy for customers to book your services online.
Leverage Online Directories and Review Sites: List your business on popular online directories and review sites such as Apple, Google Maps, and other specialty directories. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews to boost your online reputation.
Create Valuable Content: Develop a content marketing strategy by creating blog posts, videos, or podcasts that provide valuable information related to your industry. This will help establish your expertise and attract potential customers.
Offer Online Promotions and Discounts: Use online platforms to offer exclusive promotions, discounts, or special offers to attract new customers and encourage repeat business.
Use Email Marketing: Build an email list of interested customers and send regular newsletters or promotional emails to inform them about your services, upcoming events, and special offers.
Monitor and Respond to Online Feedback: Regularly monitor online reviews, comments, and messages about your business. Respond promptly and professionally to positive and negative feedback to show that you value customer satisfaction.
Work with Influencers or Local Partnerships: Partner with local influencers or complementary businesses to reach a wider audience and promote your services. This can include guest blogging, joint social media campaigns, or cross-promotions.
Remember, adapting your online strategies to your target audience is important. Evaluate and adjust your online presence regularly to ensure that it is aligned with your business goals and meets the evolving needs of your customers.
Now I want the free stuff
Drowning in a sea of competition?
Tired of waiting for new clients to find you?
Let's rewrite your online story. My proven DIY Lead Generation Toolkit empowers busy translators and interpreters like you to attract a steady stream of clients without relying on expensive agencies.
Stop wondering "how" and start getting results
Uncover your ideal client: Learn who they are, where they go online, and what motivates them.
Craft a magnetic online presence: Develop a website, lead magnets, content strategy, and targeted ads that attract leads like a magnet.
Master lead nurturing: Transform website visitors into paying clients with proven conversion tactics.
Harness the power of content: Learn to create content that educates, engages, and drives action.
Get found on Google: Climb search engine rankings for relevant keywords and dominate local searches.
Analyze and adjust: Track your progress with my proven audit methods and refine your approach for continuous improvement.
No fluff, just actionable strategies
Get immediate results: Access my library of templates, worksheets, and insider insights to implement effective lead-generation strategies from day one.
Start small, scale smart: Choose the DIY package or a focused coaching package to get started. Later, you can upgrade to VIP sessions for personalized guidance.
Learn from success: See how I helped a conference interpreter land a new client within 2 months by optimizing her website for lead generation.
More Than Just Leads
While attracting new clients is crucial, your online presence requires a holistic approach. This program also guides you through:
Building a rock-solid online reputation: Leverage the power of positive reviews and turn satisfied clients into advocates.
Mastering search engine optimization (SEO): Get found by potential clients actively searching for your services.
Identifying and fixing website weaknesses: Use my proven "Online Health Check" process to take control and gain valuable insights for improvement.
Ready to rewrite your online story?
Schedule your free consultation today and discuss your unique lead generation goals.
Download your free guide: "5 Digital Mistakes Service Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them"
Take control of your online presence and attract the clients you deserve. Let's make it happen!
Let's Talk
I help service-based businesses to "get found" on the Internet. Everything I publish here is for your free use and application. If you're interested in learning more and maybe really making a difference in your online activities, then let's have a chat.
Fill out the contact form with a little about yourself and your business. You may want to provide some details about your project or request so I can better understand and prepare for our conversation.
After you submit your request, I will review it and get back to you with scheduling details.
Oh, this is a free conversation.
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