Website Wonderings

27 Apr 2012 | 2 Comments | posted by Megan Onions | in Colleagues, Me

I am currently in the process of getting a website designed (update to follow!). As this is my first professional website, I have been thinking long and hard about what needs to be included – and what doesn’t. There are a myriad of hints and tips on this subject, but I tend to take my advice from other translators and linguists, who have sites that offer the same type of information as I do.

The first stage in this process was compiling a collection of sites that I feel work really well, on the basis of visual interest and social media integration – a must in today’s business environment. My favourite translators’ websites are (in no particular order):

• Twin Translations – The logo immediately captures the attention and the quotation is the perfect illustration of the art of the linguist. This website, owned by Judy and Dagmar Jenner of the Translation Times blog, serves as inspiration in terms of its clarity and content.
• Naked Translations – the online home of Céline Graciet, an English-French translator, interpreter and star blogger. I particularly like the tagline and stark colours.
• Sarah Dillon – translator of French, German and Spanish to English and a highly regarded blogger at There’s something about translation. The clean and clear layout of this site is a real winner with me, and the photos are a great way to create a connection with visitors.
• Want Words – I absolutely love the clean look of this site and the use of one, strong accent colour to highlight salient information. The icons and integration of social media elements are things like I hope to emulate on my own website. Marta also maintains an insightful industry blog.

What can I take away from these sites?

Throughout this process, I have learned that clear, attractively presented, engaging content that is updated regularly is one of the secrets (if you can call them secrets) to creating an effective website.

As I add the finishing touches to my website copy, I will take into account the great content on all of the aforementioned examples, and also attempt to convey aspects of my own personality. After all, who wants to work with a bland, faceless translator?

What were your priorities when creating a website? Do you have any other inspirational examples to add to my collection?