Free Chinese translation - Tips to attract quality clients

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How To Attract High Paying Clients With Free Chinese Translation

I’m often quite busy with translation business, but do offer free Chinese translation service when I see fit.

Yes, you heard me right. Free Chinese to English translation that is. But I don’t just go out there and work for free – I value my service and I want my clients to do so too.

Ok, I’ll get serious here. I do free Chinese translation on my terms only:

1- Charities, non-profit organization

Some charities and non-profit organizations have great causes. They have great reputations and suit my own belief system. But they do not always have the budget for translation work. Then I wouldn’t hesitate to offer free language translation when I’m available.

But watch out for big organizations that have terribly low efficiency. Stay away from those who don’t show appreciation to your contribution of time and expertise.

Most of the time, you can tell from casual conversations and dealing with the staff. You can also talk to people who have past experience with these organizations.

When my free Chinese translation work is completed, I often ask for a helpful testimonial. My experience tells me that reputable organizations value their volunteers and hence always love to provide a wonderful testimonial you can use to attract future clients.

You can also ask for referrals and information that might be helpful to your business. Believe me a non-profit organization who appreciates its volunteers would love to help.

Now don’t get me wrong, they don’t always get you referrals. But charities and non-profits usually have a vast social network and that is powerful.

By asking them for any helpful information, you are expanding your own network. You might just be connected with the next big project.

2- Look through marketing materials, company statements etc.

I make it a habit to look through newspapers, magazines, brochures whenever I have time. I skip them through and find real awkward statements and odd phrases in English or Chinese prepared by reputable companies.

Occasionally I send a letter to these companies letting them know what I’ve found. I also present them with a better version of my work (free Chinese translation).

Then I add my comment politely suggesting how the original translation would affect a company image among their target market.

On the other hand, don’t be afraid to make complements, such as an impressive website, overall great writing, eye-catching graphic work or your great experience with their services or products etc.

Criticism never goes too well without complement.

If your translation is indeed a much better version and your letter is well written and reasonable. You may just get calls from these companies asking you to do translation for them.

But don’t overdo this one. Also if you do it too often or sound too critical people may get ticked off. After all you don’t want to appear too anxious and desperate.

You have to have a real good reason to criticize the previous work done by other translators. That takes a lot of careful planning and real effort.

Never nitpick other people's work!

I call this free Chinese translation, but it’s not really free. What you really do is give them a sample of your quality work. Again, use this occasionally and carefully – find a worthy cause for your campaign this is.

The reward can be astounding.

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