CPD for marketing translators: 5+ courses I recommend
Freelancing as a marketing translator (and content writer) isn’t just about doing the job: a lot of it is promoting yourself and keeping up with your continuing professional development (CPD). In the last year, I took a few enjoyable courses and joined workshops that brought me further. Here’s a selection:
1. “Foundations to Growth Network” workshop sessions (OxLEP)
I was lucky enough to be able to join the OxLEP’s Foundations to Growth Network last year, which offered free training, support, and advice for eligible small businesses in Oxfordshire. In online group sessions, we discussed challenges our (very diverse) businesses experienced and explored solution together.
For example, we looked at setting growth goals, offering tailored services to the right customers, cash flow, and how to plan for success.
Why it was helpful
As a small limited company owner who offers marketing translations and content writing, this training and networking opportunity was very helpful (especially considering the massive increase of generative AI tools in my field).
Instead of just 6 weeks, the programme was extended to 8 weeks, which was generous, too.
After attending the sessions, my company was listed in OxLEP’s Business Showcase and Business Directory, which was a bonus.
Cost
This workshop series was free. At the time, it was subsidised by what was left of EU business funding. I believe there are now other – perhaps more limited – funding sources, so it’s worth checking with your local LEP (or equivalent service) what support is available to you.
2. “March Marketing Madness” challenge (Corinne McKay)
Many professional translators will know Corinne McKay’s “Training for Translators“: an excellent website full of useful resources for translators and interpreters. One course she offers is an annual marketing challenge, “March Marketing Madness”. I took part for the second time in 2024.
Why I enjoyed it
The challenge included 20 business days of marketing inspirations, hosted on teaching platform Thinkific and accompanied by an optional Slack group. I particularly liked Corinne’s short motivational videos, which were both thoughtful and inspiring. It certainly helped my marketing skills!
The Slack group was also valuable, as we exchanged ideas and celebrated successes with other participants.
Cost
Registration was $90 (around £70), which was well worth it. Corinne also runs other courses, so do check her website for more information.
3. “SEO Manager Certification” course (Blue Array)
I won’t lie: this one isn’t easy or quick, but it’s a great resource if you want to learn more about search engine optimisation (which I do, as an SEO content writer and marketing translator).
Why it’s worth doing
This course gives an in-depth overview of how SEO works, from technical audits of your website to content strategies. I won’t use everything I learned in my day-to-day life as a translator, but this knowledge can come in handy when dealing with SEO translations and content writing.
Cost
It’s priced at £497. However, I had already completed Blue Array’s free Technical SEO course, which gave me a discount on their SEO Manager course.
4. “Translators in Trade Fairs” webinar (TranslaStars)
This 60-minute webinar is packed with information on how professional translators can gain industry insights and find potential direct clients at trade fairs. (This can also be useful for copywriters and content writers, of course.)
Why it’s helpful
Chiara Vecchi, an experienced German/English > Italian translator (and a lovely colleague and client of mine), leads us through the process: from choosing the right fairs to following up with potential customers afterwards.
Cost
This webinar is currently available at half-price (150 Euro).
5. Digital marketing training events (Digital Bash)
The Digital Bash website is about all things digital marketing. If you speak German*, this one’s for you. To get a taste of what’s on offer, have a look at their past events before registering for future ones.
*Note: if you don’t speak German, you may find Google’s free business courses or HubSpot’s free digital marketing courses equally useful.
Why you’ll love them
Industry specialists cover the latest trends in SEO, content / email marketing, AI, and so on. I always find something that interests me.
Cost
Most of these events are free. You can’t argue with that!
Here we have it: a bunch of fantastic courses and resources that’ll help your translation (or content writing) business. Hope you’ll enjoy them.
PS. Do you need someone to write or translate your own digital marketing copy (English ↔ German)? I’d love to help: let’s chat.
