Transparency in Project Preparations: Why Collaboration with Your LSP Matters

The value of a language service provider can mainly be divided into two aspects: the wide array of skills they’ve
accumulated over the years and the personalised service they can offer you. By hiring a translation agency, not only
are you guaranteed to have a linguistically and culturally accurate translation, but you also gain a true partner who
will work alongside you to ensure your message is delivered effectively.

Instead of running the text through machine translation and simply hoping to get a final product close to what you had
in mind, working with a language service provider allows for open communication before and during the translation
process. This back-and-forth is essential to explain your expectations clearly and make sure nothing gets lost along
the way. The translator can then choose the most suitable approach to deliver the quality you need, while you stay
actively involved in shaping the outcome.

Hiring a language service provider does not simply mean paying for a service—it means entering into a collaboration
built on communication, trust, and shared goals. You should consider your LSP as your own translation
department, one that understands your company’s goals, challenges, and even weaknesses. With this knowledge,
they can adapt their work to align with your wider business strategy, making the relationship less about outsourcing
and more about building a long-term partnership.

Getting Off on the Right Foot

Every successful project begins with clarity. Start by defining the scope: deadlines, budget, and milestones (for large-scale
assignments). Next, discuss the intention of the translation—what goals do you have, and who is the target audience?
Establishing the purpose and tone early gives the translator the context needed to plan resources and make the right
linguistic choices.

These conversations can happen over email, but a short call often helps to set expectations and establish a collaborative
atmosphere. Guiding questions such as “Should this text sound formal or casual?” or “Are there cultural
references we should adapt for your target market?” save time later and ensure both sides share the same vision.

TIP: Set realistic expectations and avoid overpromising.

Sharing Resources for Consistency

Once the details are defined, provide resources that help ensure brand consistency: style guides, approved terminology,
reference materials, and previously translated content. These assets allow the translator to match your established tone
of voice and create a translation that feels seamless within your wider communications—especially in marketing, legal,
or technical contexts where precision is essential.

Planning Regular Check-Ins

Collaboration doesn’t end once production begins. For longer projects, schedule check-ins at sensible milestones.
These act as quality gates: sections can be reviewed, feedback captured, and adjustments made before the final delivery.
Clients can clarify terms, choose between translation options, and confirm tone—all of which reduces last-minute changes.

The Aftermath: Feedback and Continuous Improvement

A project doesn’t end at delivery. Specific, actionable feedback helps refine future work. Highlight phrases you loved,
flag anything you’d approach differently, and share contextual updates. Over time, your LSP builds translation memory,
learns preferences, and integrates more deeply with your communication strategy—driving quality up and costs down.

Conclusion

Successful projects require not only skilled linguists, but also open communication and trust between client and
translator. Treat your LSP as an extension of your team—your translation department—and you’ll see the payoff in quality,
speed, and consistency.

Ready to start a transparent, collaboration-first engagement?
Contact us or request a quote.