Translation and Localisation

Provide high-quality translation that adapts idioms and cultural references, not just word-for-word conversion, using AI as an intelligent first draft.

Why it works

Google Translate is free but localisation is paid. Businesses need translations that understand slang, idioms, and cultural context. AI can now provide culturally-aware first drafts when properly prompted.

The catch

Raw AI translation is free and clients know it. What they pay for is a fluent speaker catching the idiom that reads as an insult in Portuguese. If you cannot personally verify the target language, this is not your business - partner with someone who can.

Step by step

1. Register on Upwork or ProZ if you're fluent in multiple languages
2. Build editing checklists for the mistakes AI translation reliably makes (idioms, register, names)
3. Use AI with cultural consultant prompts including translator's notes
4. Review and refine every output - you must have real language competence
5. Specialise in marketing copy, which requires cultural adaptation and pays for it
6. Target e-commerce businesses expanding internationally

Tools you'll use

• ChatGPT
• DeepL
• Upwork
• ProZ

Chuck's pro tip

Warning: You need actual language competence to verify output. AI speeds workflow but doesn't replace expertise. Focus on marketing materials where cultural nuance adds most value.