Translation vs localisation
Translation turns text from one language into another. Localisation goes further: currencies, dates, measurements, examples, images, tone and even product names are adapted for each market. For websites, apps and marketing, you usually want localisation. Read translation vs localisation to learn more.
Quality standards and credentials
- ISO 17100 is the international standard for translation services. It requires, among other things, that a second linguist revises the translation.
- Translator associations include the ATA (US), the ITI and CIOL (UK), and national members of FIT worldwide.
- Official documents may need a certified or sworn translation. Requirements depend on the country and the organisation receiving it.
How to get a good result
- Use native speakers of the target language who know your sector.
- Share a glossary and style guide so key terms stay consistent.
- Ask whether they use translation memory tools, which keep wording consistent and can cut repeat costs.
- For marketing slogans, ask for “transcreation”, which adapts the idea, not just the words.
- Be careful with raw machine translation for legal, medical or customer-facing text.
What affects the cost
Language pair, word count, subject complexity, turnaround time, file formats and whether revision and desktop publishing are included. Translation is often priced per word, with minimum fees for short jobs. Certified translations may be priced per page or document.
Last updated: 16 October 2026
