Marketing Translation and Transcreation

Copy that reads like it was written for your audience, not translated for them. From creative marketing translation to full transcreation for campaigns that resonate in every market.

ISO-certified  •  Experienced linguists  •  80+ languages

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Why it matters

Word for word isn’t good enough for marketing copy

Your marketing content took a long time and several rounds of corporate approval to get right: the tone, the humour, the emotional impact that connects with your customers. A translation can be technically accurate and linguistically correct and still lose every bit of that.

Marketing copy is built on cultural and linguistic norms that shift from market to market. That’s why we treat marketing copy as a creative challenge, so the message you worked so hard to perfect lands the way you intended, wherever it’s read.

The literal, word-for-word approach

Transferring words from one language to another and hoping for the best rarely works for marketing copy. The concept behind your content needs adapting, not just the vocabulary, so the same feeling and outcome carry through.

Humour that falls flat

A subtle joke rarely survives a direct translation, because what’s funny is often rooted in local or regional culture. Our linguists look for an equivalent in the target language, even if it sounds nothing like the original.

Cultural missteps

Religion, tradition and local customs deserve careful handling, and that extends to brand and product names too. We check for unintended meanings before anything reaches your audience.

Choosing the right approach

Marketing translation or transcreation: which do you need?

Both keep your brand voice intact. The difference is how much creative freedom the content needs to have the same impact in the target markets as it does in the source.

Marketing translation

Corporate websites, brochures and product descriptions
Press releases, newsletters and social content
Evergreen marketing material

Transcreation

Slogans, taglines and advertising campaigns
Brand-critical creative concepts and big campaign launches
Multimedia content

Not sure which applies to you? Your project manager will help you find the right fit.

What we cover

From corporate copy to full campaigns

Websites and apps

Corporate websites and app content that keep your brand voice consistent worldwide.

Advertising copy and slogans

Taglines, slogans and creative concepts adapted for real impact in each market.

Brochures and marketing collateral

Brochures, flyers and product literature, translated to promote and persuade.

Social and email campaigns

Social media content adapted to feel native to each audience.

Multimedia content

Multimedia content adapted to keep its original impact.

Press and PR materials

Press releases and PR materials that read naturally in every target market.

Built for brand-critical content

Your marketing content carries your brand’s value. Our ISO-certified workflows ensure it stays aligned with your brand identity in every market.

Experienced marketing specialists - in-country experts who understand local culture, marketing conventions and language nuance.
Consistent brand voice - translation memory and terminology management keep your tone and terminology aligned across every language.
In-country review, at no extra cost - we liaise directly with your local offices for document approvals.
A dedicated project manager - single point of contact overseeing your brief, your team and your deadlines from start to finish.
ISO-certified quality and security - confidentiality, data security and quality management are built into every project.
Don’t just take our word for it

What our clients say

“Thanks very much for your help — it’s a pleasure to work with you. You are speedy and efficient, delivering quality translations.”
Marketing & Communications Director, EMEA, Luxury Retail Brand
“Thank you so much for the super quick translation! No remarks from my side, everything was just perfect. I am very much looking forward to working with you again.”
Internal Communications Manager, Global Engineering Firm
“Thank you so much for the translation. I have checked it and can gladly say that it requires no changes at all. Big applause for your team of translators.”
Visual Merchandising Trainer, EMEA

Frequently asked questions

It depends on how much creative freedom your content needs. Standard marketing translation suits ongoing content like websites, brochures and product descriptions. Transcreation suits slogans, taglines and campaigns where impact matters more than similarity to the source copy. Your project manager will help you decide.

For marketing translation, your source content, any brand or style guidelines, and past translations we can use as reference. For transcreation, we also need a full creative brief, your visuals, and information on the tone of voice you’re aiming for. The more context you give us, the better the result.

Yes. Every linguist translates exclusively into their mother tongue and holds a relevant qualification alongside significant marketing, advertising or copywriting experience in their field.

Marketing translation is generally priced per word, based on length, format and subject complexity. Transcreation is priced on an hourly or per-project basis, since it combines creative translation with copywriting. Either way, you’ll always receive a binding quote before any work begins.

Yes, and we’d encourage it. Nobody knows your brand and local market better than your own teams. We liaise directly with your chosen contacts to organise approval, at no extra cost, and share the final content once we have their feedback.

Absolutely. We take client feedback, positive or negative, very seriously. It’s the clearest way for us to understand whether we’ve met your expectations and to keep improving the quality of what we deliver.

Explore related services

Copywriting

Need fresh, fully localised content rather than a translation? Our copywriters can create it from scratch in your target language.

Learn more →

Typesetting (DTP)

Keep your translated brochures and flyers looking exactly as designed, in every language.

Learn more →

Human translation

For brand-critical or regulated content where a fully human process gives you the most assurance.

Learn more →

Speak to Planet Languages about your next marketing project

Whether you need marketing translation or full transcreation, we’ll help you find the right approach for your content, your brand and your budget.

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