1. Buy a Translation Agency Database that provides names and addresses of translation agencies – A translation database is worth every dime of your effort. Imagine getting a translation database comprising of thousands of potential leads in the translation jobs industry. I mean, if you look at the possibilities of getting access to more than 3000 translation agencies’ names with their contact information then you can very well imagine the extent to which you can market your translation skills.

Not only that, some translation database specialists also offer the prevalent translation rates at which specific languagae translation assignments are handled. So the advantage is clearly in knowing the right market price and protecting your business interest against over-bidding or under-bidding the price.

2. Look for Translation Jobs on sites like Elance – Do not worry about competition and 2$ article writers and translators
because there is enough work for good translators. There is a lot that you can get from sites like Elance, Getafreelancer or Getacoder. These sites have some really good translators already and there is a scope of getting recurring business in the field of translation. Never fear the cheap article or translation bids being floated across at 2$ an article on sites like Elance. It may be difficult to get decentbusiness immediately. But, if you give it an hour everyday and persist with the sites, you will gain
good amount of business for sure. Look at the first 6 months as a time to get some good positive feedback and
create a good standing for yourself on such platforms. Trust me, this will be a good bet for you for times to come. There is no risk to try this method. Firmly look for ‘Slow & Steady Wins the Race’ analogy. This is apt for online outsourcing platforms.

3. Advertise in your local yellow pages to tap the local market – While translation jobs are available online, you should always look for ways to augment exposure to your translation business by
advertising locally. Yellow pages will be one good choice to spread a word on your translation skills and sending out flyers is another good option. I always suggest advertising in the yellow pages because if someone is looking for a translator locally, his first bet will be a yellow page directory. I look at the expense as the cost of getting one translation assignment in a year. And the best part is that you can get better Translation Rates as well.

4. Connect with the local commerical federations because they associate with a lot of foreign visitors and will assist in long-term business – Your local business federations and associations are apt for finding new translation business. Especially, the export-import federations are the most suitable federations to approach with your translation credentials. Depending on your geography, you are likely to get some leads off the local business federations. It does not hurt to register with them to afford an opportunity of ‘upcoming events’ and ‘business delegations’ in your local geographical region.

5. Connect with foreign and cultural offices of the country corresponding to your language. So, if you are looking for French translation work, engage in a relationship with the ‘French Foreign & Cultural; within your city. This is an old and proven method. So, if you are looking to get some translation work in Spanish, it would be wise to contact the Spanish Cultural and Foreign office within your city to offer your services as a translator. This is very useful because there is a high likelihood of cultural groups visiting your country from time to time. The number of assignments may be less, but you could earn more. There is a lot of paperwork and a lot of translation scope whenever cultural groups visit different countries.

I believe that if you persist with at least 3 of these 5 methods to find translation work, your efforts won’t be in vain.