How to Make Money Online as a Translator

Are you struggling financially and want to have a break? This opportunity here could very well be the chance you’ve been seeking! In this modern age, almost everyone speaks two or more languages. If you happen to be fluent in more than one, this is a perfect chance for you to cash in on that skill.

Did you know you can earn money online by translating articles, speeches, product descriptions, websites, press releases, contracts, and more? Over the past years, there has been an increase in the demand for linguistic skills. Firms, big and small, seek out translators to enable them to access new and bigger markets locally and overseas. So, it’s time you jumped on this bandwagon, don’t you agree? 

Can You Work Online as a Translator?

In truth, working as an online translator is easier than you think. All you need to be successful in this venture is a computer or a smart device and a stable internet connection. Most translators work in the comfort of their homes. The best part about working online is that you get to set your own working hours as long as you adhere to deadlines.

There has been a counterargument on social media and other online platforms that translation software is taking over the translation niche. However, as any seasoned professional in this space will tell you, software often lacks the personal human touch business enterprises seek.

Ways to Make Money as a Translator

As you know, the internet offers multiple venues to make money. Take Pawns.app, for example, a website that gives you that extra buck for sharing your internet. By downloading its app, you get to earn more through paid surveys, and what’s more, you can also use your referral link to invite friends and family for increased earnings. 

Working online as a translator is another well-known way to make an income. Let’s see how you can put those linguistic skills to good use, shall we?

Translating Blogs

With the world being a global village, bloggers have been seeking translation services to increase their audiences. As such, the demand for translation to reach Asian countries has grown, owing to the large population on the continent. If you’re proficient in an Asian language, you’re in luck!

Of course, each translator prices themselves differently, and you’ll want to do the same. To be on the safe side, you can do some research with a translating agency on the current market rates. You don’t want to put away potential clients by being too expensive, but at the same time, you don’t want to work for peanuts. Time is money, and you’ll be investing a huge chunk of it into this venue. 

Translating Web Content

Several translating software exist, and most companies use them on their websites to allow consumers to change to a language they are familiar with. There’s, however, a catch: they still need human translators to proofread and edit these materials so that they are understandable to their global consumers. 

This aspect could be another way to use your multilingual skills to make money. As we said earlier, machines lack the personal touch you apply, so companies are always on the lookout for translators that can help them add that personal touch to their translations. 

Translating Speech

Did you know that you can also make money online by translating speeches? You can do this for businesses or individuals, provided you get paid for it. You have to be keen on maintaining the subject matter the original speaker intended for their audience. As discussed earlier, be conscious of the market rates to find a sweet spot to price your services.

Selling Translated Works

Another way you can make money is by selling papers or articles you have done yourself. And while most translators prefer to translate existing articles from others, you can distinguish yourself by producing material in a foreign language and selling it to customers looking to develop their websites.

You can also translate songs, classical materials, government documents, poetry, short stories, and glossaries. What’s more, if the text is not legally protected, you can print it as an eBook and sell it online. There are many platforms on which translators can sign up and begin to make money. The following are some of the sites that offer translation jobs: 

• Fiverr 

Fiverr is a marketplace where sellers and translators offer their services to buyers in exchange for payment. Create a seller account, build up your profile with information such as your pricing and talents, then wait for clients to choose you and give you a task.

You can also include a gig video on the platform to boost your chances of getting a client. The clip might highlight the languages you translate as well as feedback from previous clients. In truth, Fiverr is among the best platforms for translators working online. 

• Upwork 

With millions of members worldwide, Upwork is likely one of the largest freelancing networks, and like Fiverr, Upwork enables you to build a profile and select the services you are selling. The site allows you to bid for jobs and negotiate prices with your client.

Once a job is complete and paid, the platform deducts a small percentage of fees and remits the rest to you. Clients also get to rate your translation services, and of course, the better your rating, the better your chances of landing more clients.  

• PeoplePerHour.com 

PeoplePerHour could be your go-to platform if you are looking to start making money fast as a translator. The platform allows you to land jobs as soon as your profile goes up, unlike Fiverr and Upwork, where you have to wait a while before finding a task that suits your qualifications. PeoplePerHour lets you view the urgent jobs section, allowing you to apply for jobs in minutes.

Final Thoughts

If we’re being honest, you have probably read this and many other articles detailing how you can earn from your translating skills. If you haven’t, this should be your cue to sign up and put your skills to good use. Admittedly, you don’t have to struggle to make ends meet if you are bilingual or multilingual. It is time for you to grab your computer and start finding jobs that suit you best, and sooner than you know, you’ll be smiling all the way to the bank.

FAQ

Still not sure about being able to make money online through translation? We’ve prepared this short FAQ to illustrate some of the most frequent doubts we get on the matter.