advice on profile and website Auteur du fil: Wouter Vanhees
|
|---|
Hi everyone,
I've recently set up my own freelance translation business. It's a bit of a risk, since I don't have a degree in languages or translation. But after posting some questions on this board and checking the internet for opportunities I decided to go for it.
If you have some minutes to spare, I'd like to ask what you think about my proz.com profile and my website ... See more Hi everyone,
I've recently set up my own freelance translation business. It's a bit of a risk, since I don't have a degree in languages or translation. But after posting some questions on this board and checking the internet for opportunities I decided to go for it.
If you have some minutes to spare, I'd like to ask what you think about my proz.com profile and my website (http://www.ortelius-ls.com). Feedback, remarks, suggestions... it's all welcome.
Thanks a lot in advance!
Cheers!
Wouter ▲ Collapse
| | | |
Hi Ortelius
1. Invest in CAT tools, SDL Trados is a must, you can't go anywhere without it.
2. Post CV
3. Provide as many details as possible
4. Post your phone number, preferably mobile, so that potential client could reach you anytime, also add a couple of IM accouts.
5. Optionally add portfolio (nobody looks there anyway)
I hope it helps, sorry for rough style=)
Addendum: I wonder if SDL could pay me for this one.
[Edited ... See more Hi Ortelius
1. Invest in CAT tools, SDL Trados is a must, you can't go anywhere without it.
2. Post CV
3. Provide as many details as possible
4. Post your phone number, preferably mobile, so that potential client could reach you anytime, also add a couple of IM accouts.
5. Optionally add portfolio (nobody looks there anyway)
I hope it helps, sorry for rough style=)
Addendum: I wonder if SDL could pay me for this one.
[Edited at 2007-07-12 14:03] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Samuel Murray 
Pays-Bas
Local time: 05:32
Membre (2006)
anglais vers afrikaans
+ ...
| About Trados... | Jul 12, 2007 |
Vadim Poguliaev wrote:
1. Invest in CAT tools, SDL Trados is a must, you can't go anywhere without it.
Perhaps in your language combination, Vadim, but let the OP see for himself. Ortelius, you can view previous jobs posted on ProZ.com for your language combination -- check them out and see how many of them required Trados.
For EN-NL, out of the past 17 jobs, 3 required Trados. For NL-EN, out of the past 23 jobs, 2 required Trados (though granted, most NL-EN jobs are for certificates etc).
Based on that, make a decision to "invest" money in a CAT tool. Your web site looks nice, by the way.
| | | |
Thanks for your feedback, Samuel and Vadim.
I wasn't really planning on investing in Trados at this point. I'm not sure if I need a CAT tool in general, although I do think OmegaT might be interesting, not least because of the interesting price tag...
If you have any more advice, feel free to post it.
Cheers,
Wouter
| | |
|
|
|
| More about trados | Jul 12, 2007 |
I can tell, that 100% of tasks I have completed in last 3 years have been done in CAT tool (trados, sdlx, star transit etc.) and paid based on CAT logs. But Samuel is right, you should check if you need those based on your market and pairs. Also keep in mind, that global vendors, like liox or SDL, will undoubtedly require that you use trados or SDLX (liox also has free proprietary logoport tool).
| | | | Martin Wenzel
Allemagne
Local time: 05:32
anglais vers allemand
+ ...
| Nice webpage | Jul 13, 2007 |
Hi Wouter...
This is a very nice website, somewhat different from the usual sites one comes across...
I am thinking about doing my own webpage at the moment, with something similar about Fes...
I didn't like the lapidary concluding sentence:
At some stage in my life I also studied, French, German, Latvian...
That won't necessarily convince a customer to give you translations into these languages unless he/she assumes you have conta... See more Hi Wouter...
This is a very nice website, somewhat different from the usual sites one comes across...
I am thinking about doing my own webpage at the moment, with something similar about Fes...
I didn't like the lapidary concluding sentence:
At some stage in my life I also studied, French, German, Latvian...
That won't necessarily convince a customer to give you translations into these languages unless he/she assumes you have contacts with native speakers...or unless they need a package into various languages...
So don't leave this sentence hanging, give a reason for this additional information...
The first and last sentence are the most important sentences in any written document because you need to attract the attention of your reader...so finish on a high note rather than on a low note... ▲ Collapse
| | | |
Thanks Martin. I only added that last sentence to put my general interest in languages in the picture. I don't intend to translate from or into any of those languages. In fact, I only translate from English into Dutch, which is my mother tongue. I hope this clears things up.
Anyway, thanks for your comment!
| | | | patyjs
Mexique
Local time: 22:32
espagnol vers anglais
+ ...
| Really nice job on your site, Ortelius... | Jul 15, 2007 |
It has a nice clean, professional look and it's easy to get around and find what you want to know.
There is one small thing I would change, and it is only my opinion, but anyway here goes...
If you want to sound more professional I would cut the use of "I" and use either "we" or the company name. Using "I" really makes it sound like a one-man-band.
Anyway, it's just a thought.
Congratulations on your brave decision and GOOD LUCK!
| | |
|
|
|
patyjs
Mexique
Local time: 22:32
espagnol vers anglais
+ ...
| Sorry, Weuter | Jul 15, 2007 |
I see now that your company is Ortelius, not you...sorry!
| | | | juvera
Local time: 04:32
anglais vers hongrois
+ ...
Beautiful website, with an unexpected, calming effect, and intelligent text.
I can see, you added your mobile phone number, but not of your landline. Surely, you have one, and it should be there.
Good luck,
Judith
[Edited at 2007-07-16 12:19]
| | | | Chun Un
Macao
Membre (2007)
anglais vers chinois
+ ...
Hi Wouter
Well done - it's a very nice website indeed. Only comment I have is that in the copyright section at the bottom of the page there's no content in the Conditions link. Why is it there?
By the way, what software did you use to create this site? How long did it take you? I'm also thinking about building a site similar to yours. Your suggestions will be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Chun
| | | |
Hi Chun,
Thanks for your comment.
I didn't build the website myself, but had it done by someone who's used to this kind of work. There are some glitches (like the 'conditions' link you mentioned) that still need to be fixed though. I'll check which software was used and let you know. I only wrote the texts for the site and came up with the idea of the structure and look.
Best regards,
Wouter
| | |
|
|
|
Chun Un
Macao
Membre (2007)
anglais vers chinois
+ ...
Ortelius wrote:
Hi Chun,
Thanks for your comment.
I didn't build the website myself, but had it done by someone who's used to this kind of work. There are some glitches (like the 'conditions' link you mentioned) that still need to be fixed though. I'll check which software was used and let you know. I only wrote the texts for the site and came up with the idea of the structure and look.
Best regards,
Wouter
Thanks Wouter. I look forward to the software info.
| | | | Xiamin
Local time: 18:32
chinois vers anglais
| I found your website to be very nice | Jul 21, 2007 |
It is really professional looking and well done. I hope to have one soon!
[Edited at 2007-07-21 00:16]
| | | | | Tips for your website | Jul 23, 2007 |
Hi, Wouter,
beautiful pics and stressfree atmosphere...
Didn't have time to read it all, yet found 1 mistake in one of the titles: in PROFILE, "key strenghts" should read "key strengths".
Wish you all the best with your new business!
Catherine Gorton
| | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » advice on profile and website | TM-Town | Manage your TMs and Terms ... and boost your translation business
Are you ready for something fresh in the industry? TM-Town is a unique new site for you -- the freelance translator -- to store, manage and share translation memories (TMs) and glossaries...and potentially meet new clients on the basis of your prior work.
More info » |
| | Protemos translation business management system | Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!
The system lets you keep client/vendor database, with contacts and rates, manage projects and assign jobs to vendors, issue invoices, track payments, store and manage project files, generate business reports on turnover profit per client/manager etc.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |
Login to reply/comment 
Translation news
