If you are a native speaker of a foreign language and can translate English language text into your own native tongue, then why not try your hand at making a little money online? You could try asking strangers for money online (like on Facebook or Twitter)
There are various ways to make money online as a translator. You could try selling your language skills to businesses, asking for money online, or even becoming a freelance translator and bidding for jobs.
But perhaps the most effective (and perhaps the most sustainable) way to make money online as a translator is to participate in translating competitions.
What are translation competitions?
Translation competitions are online competitions where individuals or groups of individuals compete to translate a document (often called a quiz document or a content document) from one language into another. The document usually contains questions, and the aim is for participants to translate the document accurately and as quickly as possible. Typically, documents are provided with multiple-choice answers which participants then select by clicking on the answer they choose. Once the document has been translated, additional documents of the same kind are provided for participants to continue translating.
The advantage of translation competitions is that you do not necessarily need to have a specific technical skill to participate. What’s more, you get to use your foreign language skills to make money. It is also possible to enter multilingual competitions where you are pitted against others who speak your language. The more translations you complete, the better your chances of winning. The more you win, the better your chances of being hired as a translator.
Winning Money Online as a Translator
You can use various strategies to maximize your earnings potential in a translation competition. For example, you could try participating in parallel sets of translations where you simultaneously translate documents in a pooled fund. This allows you to earn more money per day than if you were to translate one document at a time. It also means you can participate in more competitions where you place in the top 3 and win a prize.
What’s more, you could try taking part in bingo tournaments or cross-promotional contests where your entry is also eligible to be entered into other competitions.
An effective strategy to earn money online as a translator is to complete a bunch of smaller jobs for small businesses and individuals. Small businesses and individuals can’t afford large teams of translators, so they usually outsource their translation needs to freelancers and companies who charge a small fee for each job.
If you want to make money online as a translator, the best strategy is to enter as many competitions as possible. When you translate documents for money, you want to make sure that you deliver high-quality work and that you work fast. The more you translate, the better your chances of making money. Remember to treat these as honest forms of employment wherever possible. Many people take part in online translation competitions in their spare time, so it’s a great way to get a steady stream of income without having to run around too much looking for work.
The Global Translator
The world of translation has changed dramatically with the rise of online translation engines and big data. Companies like Google have made it much easier for individuals to translate documents on the side. This trend has driven an increase in the number of people participating in translation competitions online. In 2017, Google released the TRANSLATE tool, which can be used to translate documents directly from English to Chinese or Japanese.
What’s more, companies have realized the benefits of having multilingual employees and have started to offer translation training to employees. In 2017, the US government launched a new digital skills initiative, Code.org, focused on closing the digital skills gap, which aims to help people develop the software and technology skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.
If you’re looking for work, this could be an effective way to make money online. What’s more, you’re going to be learning as you’re doing. Some translators learn new languages while working, effectively becoming polyglots (highly skilled in multiple languages). Many high-profile companies have also started to hire translators specifically to participate in translation competitions. For example, Apple, Adobe, Red Ventures, and Microsoft have all started to outsource translation to professional contractors and freelancers. As a translator you are going to be in high demand.
Flexible Hours
Another thing you can do to make money online as a translator is to participate in freelancing platforms. These allow you to get specific jobs done for businesses and individuals who can’t afford full-time staff. You get to set your own hours and can work remotely depending on your personal preferences.
ForumNext, Cloud Virtual Private Sities (VPNs), and GoTranscript are three examples of flexible hours platforms used by companies around the world to connect individuals with translators they need. What’s more, you can become a content creator on these platforms and make money from engaging users, creating content, and engaging in conversations.
One of the biggest disadvantages of traditional jobs is that you have to be available 24/7. Even when working remotely it can be difficult to keep track of multiple jobs and complete assignments on time. Flexible hours means you can set your own hours and work when things seem easy or convenient for you. Working remotely as a translator is also possible because there is no face-to-face interaction. It’s all done through technology which can be accessed anywhere, anytime.
The Great Escape
Perhaps the biggest draw of a translation competition is that it’s completely free. You don’t need to charge for your time to complete a document. What’s more, the more you participate, the better your odds of winning. This could be a great way to make money online without any special skills or qualifications. As long as you can complete a bunch of small jobs for small businesses and individuals, you’re going to be able to make money online without too much effort.
What’s more, you can use online resources to get advice from other participants in the competition. Just remember to behave ethically and professionally at all times. Many translation platforms have built-in guides and tips for new participants which can help you get started.
Working remotely as a translator can be highly lucrative and completely flexible. What’s more, you can use online resources to get advice from other participants in the competition. Just remember to behave ethically and professionally at all times. Many translation platforms have built-in guides and tips for new participants which can help you get started.
Translation Is A Vocation
If you want to make money online as a translator, it would be wise to consider this a vocation. You can use various strategies to make quick cash, and you’re bound to make a profit in some way or another. What’s important is that you’re having fun and feeling fulfilled while doing so.
Considering translation as a career will put you on the right track to making money online. With so much demand for translators, now could be the right time to jump in.