HOW TO FIND

NEW CLIENTS
AS A
TRANSLATOR

Kimberly Martinez
As a freelance translator, finding new clients is one of
the most crucial aspects of building a successful
business. This is essential not only for financial success
but also for professional growth.

A steady stream of clients means a steady stream of

work, which allows you to develop your skills, expand
your knowledge, and build a reputation in the industry.
However, constantly looking for new clients can be
challenging; that’s why I wrote this practical guide to
help you plan a strategy based on my experience and
research.

With dedication, persistence, and a strategic approach,

I’m sure you will grow your business over time.
 STEP 1

KNOW YOUR TARGET CLIENTS

This is the first thing you need to do. Identify the

specific type of clients you want to work with, so
you can channel your marketing efforts on
attracting the right clients to your business. For
example, you may choose to work with legal
translation and target law firms or work with
medical translation and target healthcare
providers.

By knowing your target clients, you can focus your

marketing campaign and resources on reaching out
to them. This will help you avoid wasting time on
strategies unlikely to generate results.
 STEP 2

CREATE A STRONG ONLINE PRESENCE

If you still don’t have a website, I encourage you to do
so. Creating a website doesn't have to be stressful! You
can find many resources on the internet to help you
design a simple site for your online business; there’s no
doubt in my mind that you can do it. You can also set
up social media accounts to showcase your services
and reach new clients, and don’t forget to complete
your profiles with clear and valuable information about
what you can do for them.

In my case, LinkedIn is one of my favorite platforms to

network with other professionals and connect with
prospective clients. Still, I recommend evaluating
where your target clients hang out the most and setting
your profiles there.
 STEP 3

INVEST IN YOURSELF
There are numerous ways to invest in yourself, whether
attending conferences, taking courses, or reading books
in your field. This is the process of developing yourself to
achieve your goals; the more prepared you are, the better
your services will be.

When I attended my first ATA conference, I invested in

myself because I gained a lot of knowledge and valuable
insights. I also met wonderful colleagues who now
recommend my translation services when they know
somebody looking for a Spanish translator. Investing in
yourself is crucial for your business, and sometimes it
may be difficult if you’re starting as a translator, but rest
assured that it will always pay off.
 STEP 4

USE JOB PLATFORMS

Proz is one of the largest online platforms specializing in
advertising job opportunities for freelance translators or
translation agencies. This could be a great place to start if
you’re new to the industry. Set up your profile with
relevant information and then pitch your services to
agencies looking for somebody with your expertise. Tip:
take a look at the Blue Board record before accepting a
job from an agency; that’ll give a better idea of the
reviews provided by other translators.

I’m no longer an active Proz user, but it helped me to

gain experience at the beginning of my career, and I
found good agencies who respected my time and offered
fair rates. You can also add your services to other
platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
 STEP 5

COLD EMAIL
You can also reach out to potential new clients via email.
Be sure to personalize each email and highlight how your
services can benefit their business. Don’t talk about a
long list of diplomas and titles you may have, but instead,
make sure you direct a clear message to introduce
yourself, your services, and how you can help them with
their translation needs.

Never use “Dear Sir/Madam” or anything similar;

addressing clients by name can help increase the chances
of getting a response. And remember that respecting the
recipient’s time and privacy is also important. If you want
a template for cold emails to help you get started, you can
connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram, and I can
share the template that has helped me find new clients.
 STEP 6

FOLLOW UP WITH POTENTIAL CLIENTS

After contacting potential clients by email or at
conferences, you must follow up with them. This means
taking the initiative to reach out after the initial contact
to build a professional relationship, keep in touch, and
potentially add them to your client list. When following
up, being polite, professional, and respectful of their time
is important. It can be done using their preferred
communication method and time zone.

How many follow-up emails should you send? It all

depends on your goals; I usually follow up three times if I
really want to work with a specific organization. But it’s
important to remember not to be too pushy or aggressive
in your follow-up efforts. Respect their decision if they’re
not interested in your services.
 CONCLUSION

I hope this practical guide helps you. Whether you are

just starting or looking to expand your existing client
base, these tips and strategies can help you attract
and retain clients who value your skills and expertise.

By implementing the advice outlined in this guide,

you can increase your visibility, build your reputation,
and ultimately grow your translation business.
Remember, finding new clients is an ongoing process
that requires patience and a willingness to try
different strategies until you find the ones worth
sticking with.
You can find more resources for translators here

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Kimberly Martinez