Crowdsourcing in translation is relatively new and it comes with such high risks that we felt it was important to talk a bit about it. Crowdsourcing may seem like an attractive option for translation projects, but it’s important to consider the potential risks and drawbacks.
But first:
What is crowdsourcing in translation?
Crowdsourcing is a localization practice that engages your community for a common goal – to translate your product on a volunteer basis into several languages. Сooperate with translators, proofreaders, and other enthusiasts on a volunteer basis and reward them for their efforts in a way that works for both of you.
This on paper sounds great, right? And crowdsourcing has become a popular option for many businesses looking to translate their content quickly and (apparently) cost-effectively.
However, as a translation agency that has experienced one too many clients coming to us for corrections of translations made first through crowdsourcing, we want to talk about the risks of crowdsourcing in translation.
Low Quality
One of the main risks of crowdsourcing in translation is the quality of the translations. Crowdsourcing platforms often rely on a large number of people to contribute to the translation process. While this may seem like a cost-effective solution, it often results in inconsistent quality, as there is no guarantee that the people contributing are qualified or experienced translators. This can lead to inaccurate translations, poor writing quality, and a lack of consistency in terminology.
Delayed results
Another risk of crowdsourcing is the potential for delays and inefficiencies. With so many contributors involved, it can be difficult to manage and organize the translation project effectively. This can result in delays and errors in the final product, which can harm your business reputation.
Breaches of confidentiality
Confidentiality can also be a concern when it comes to crowdsourcing translations. With so many people involved in the translation process, it can be difficult to ensure that sensitive information is kept confidential. This can be a serious concern, especially if you are dealing with confidential or proprietary information.
Hidden costs
Cost is often the main reason businesses choose to crowdsource translations. However, while crowdsourcing may seem like a cost-effective solution upfront, it can ultimately end up costing you more in the long run. This is because the risks of inaccurate translations, delays, and confidentiality breaches can lead to expensive corrections and damage to your business reputation.
So, what is the alternative to crowdsourcing?
Well, the obvious answer is professional translation service from a reputable translation agency. Professional translators have the experience and expertise needed to ensure accurate and high-quality translations every time. They also provide consistency in terminology, which is crucial for maintaining brand identity across multiple languages.
In addition, professional translation agencies have project management processes in place to ensure efficient and timely delivery of translations. This means you can have peace of mind knowing that your translation project is being managed effectively and will be delivered on time.
Confidentiality is also a top priority for professional translation agencies. They have strict policies and procedures in place to ensure that sensitive information is kept confidential and secure.
Finally, while professional translation services may seem more expensive than crowdsourcing upfront, they offer long-term cost savings by avoiding the risks associated with inaccurate translations, delays, and confidentiality breaches.
In conclusion: while crowdsourcing may appear as the attractive option at first, you are in a safer place with choosing a translation agency with years of expertise, professional translators and excellent linguists that will make the translation of your project seamless and cost effective.
In conclusion, while crowdsourcing may seem like a quick and cost-effective solution for translation needs, it comes with many risks that can ultimately harm your business reputation. Professional translation services from a reputable translation agency offer accurate, high-quality translations that are delivered efficiently and confidentially, and provide long-term cost savings. Contact us today to learn more about our translation services and how we can help you reach global audiences with confidence.