In this era in which people are constantly looking for information, it is prudent to avail it to them in all forms. Part of your target audience won’t mind watching videos and listening to long podcasts. However, others would prefer something written, something they can sit quietly in a log cabin in the woods and read peacefully. Keeping this in mind, always transcribe your electronic files for the sake of your audience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Media Transcription Services
With many transcription services in the market today, choosing the best may be daunting. Even so, this article presents several factors that will guide you in selecting the best media transcription service for your business.
Information Security
Depending on the sensitivity of the information involved, a transcribed file should only find its way into the public domain upon your authorization. It’s important to note that the transcription service you choose will have full access to this data, even though it may be sensitive and confidential. If the information finds its way out without your authorization, it may cause issues in the business, including possible lawsuits. That’s where information security comes in.
The transcription service should guarantee total information security. Before settling for a transcription company, ensure it has information security features such as a firewall, antivirus, employee information non-disclosure policy, and system encryption.
Error-Free Work
The right transcription company should transcribe your audio and video files without altering the intended message. In other words, accuracy is crucial when it comes to transcription. That said, go for a transcription service that has a proven track record of accuracy. You don’t want to pay handsomely only to spend even more time and money editing and correcting mistakes.
Quick Turnaround Time
At times, you may need to transcribe lengthy audio for your readers. Long as the files may be, you don’t want to keep your audience waiting. This is especially important if you have the norm of uploading content timely. Therefore, the transcription service you choose should be able to deliver the transcripts within the stipulated time.
Multilingual Services
With such a diverse world, it would be awesome if you availed information in multiple languages. While it’s okay to presume that most of your target customers are English speakers, it wouldn’t hurt if you provided your information in additional popular languages such as Spanish and Chinese. This means you should go for a media transcription service like https://gotranscript.com/transcription-services/media-transcription that can transcribe multiple languages accurately, enabling you to reach a wider audience with the same content.
Service Cost
While you aim to get accurately transcribed files, you don’t want to go above your budget and harm your business finances. That’s why it’s also essential to consider the cost of transcription services. Take note that you will likely pay more for the service if you need accurate transcripts within a short turnaround time. Nevertheless, compare prices per minute across several transcription services and settle for one that falls within your budget.
Flexibility and Accessibility
Business needs can be unpredictable. For instance, you may want to urgently share some information with your audience. In such a case, you need a transcription service that can avail transcripts at any time, even within a short turnaround time. If, let’s say, you need a webinar transcribed in the middle of the night and published before 7 a.m. the following morning, the exemplary transcription service should be able to perform that without compromising the quality of the final product. Flexibility is vital since you never know when you will require transcription services.
Industry-Specific Expertise
While this may not always apply, having a transcription service with industry-specific knowledge is an added advantage. This is especially essential if you’re operating a business in a specific industry, say health, law, or engineering. If there is any jargon in the audio and video files, a transcriber with the proper knowledge will still find it easy to transcribe.
Conclusion
Your business requires a reputable media transcription service that will offer top-notch services without charging exorbitantly. To find such a company, you should compare services based on their track records. Specifically, look at turnaround time, flexibility, charges per minute, quality, and the number of languages supported. Above all, check how they protect clients’ information from third-party breaches before proceeding.
