11 Language Translation Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]

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Updated: July 12th, 2024

Interested in starting a language translation business in 2024?

We put together 11 of the best language translation businesses you can start in today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other language translation businesses to help you see what it really takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Build an iPhone app

The iPhone is the most popular mobile device in the world. It has changed how we interact with information, entertainment, and communication.

The iPhone has also changed the way we interact with each other. Since its release in 2007, it has become a staple in most people’s lives. It is more than just a phone; it is a tool for staying connected to friends and family and creating new connections.

The iPhone app market is an ever-changing landscape of innovation: it’s not just about making something that works well; it’s about creating something that stands out from the crowd.

It would help if you had something that appeals to your audience to succeed in this market. This can be as simple as ensuring your app has a catchy name or as complex as developing an entire brand identity around your app’s functionality.

How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Created A $60K/Month App That Collects In-Person Payments Through Stripe

Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.

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Read by 20,145 founders

2. Start a web development business

A web development business is a company that builds and takes care of websites. They typically use coding and design skills to create online spaces that meet the needs of individuals or businesses.

These businesses help ensure websites work well and look good, playing a key role in the online presence of their clients.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $700,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

I Built A $300K/Year Vue.js Component Library

Vuetify is a popular open-source user interface library, built with the Vue.js framework, that generates revenue through digital content and services such as paid digital content in the Vuetify store, direct support through consulting, ad revenue from Carbon ads on the documentation pages, and donations/sponsorships via GitHub and Patreon, generating an average income of $6,500 per month.

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Read by 46,009 founders

3. Start a catering business

A catering business is responsible for providing food & beverage-related services for vast types of events.

Catering businesses are known to be more flexible than other businesses because they don’t have to worry about location or pricing and can even work 24/7. They can cater anywhere and offer any price point that they want.

However, starting a catering business requires a lot of planning.

To start a successful catering business , you'll need to plan and prepare menus, manage budgets, handle clients, and more.

In addition, catering allows you to meet more people and show off your cooking skills.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Found Success With A $20K/Month Catering Company After Starting Many Businesses

Elegante Catering founder, Nestor Nidome, details his journey from failed DJ business to a $20k/month catering company, emphasizing the importance of online marketing and customer feedback as key contributors to his success.

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Read by 8,554 founders

4. Start an online language coaching business

The world has become more globalized. Businesses have become cross-border, and executives have to travel to meet new customers. One thing that is obvious is that there is a need for language translation services.

If you have proficiency in one or more foreign languages then you can consider working as a language coach.

Teaching a language online is intensive as you have to meet and communicate with the audience often, and check their progress. If you are looking for an opportunity to earn working online, consider starting online language lessons.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Transforming The Love For Languages Into A $30K/Month Arabic Online Learning Platform

Andalus Institute is an online language learning institution that teaches Arabic to students in an average study period time of 15 months, unexpectedly crossing 6 figures in revenue within the first 6 months of launch and has since averaged $30,000 per month in revenue.

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Read by 5,473 founders

5. Become a dream interpreter business

Ever wonder what your dreams are trying to tell you? A dream interpreter business might be the intriguing venture you're looking for. This business centers on analyzing clients' dreams to provide insights into their subconscious mind, potentially revealing hidden fears, desires, or solutions to life challenges.

The process involves one-on-one sessions with clients, during which the interpreter listens to dream recountings and uses established psychological and symbolic frameworks to decode their meanings. While it's an unconventional path, the growing interest in mental well-being makes this a unique and impactful service.

Starting this business involves learning the art of dream interpretation, either through formal education or self-study, and marketing your services both online and locally. Building credibility and trust is key, so you'll need to be prepared for continuous learning and client interaction. If you’re passionate about psychology and helping others uncover deeper truths, this could be a rewarding pursuit.

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

6. Start a multilingual stock brokerage business

7. Start a mediator business

How long does it take to build: 300 days (?)

8. Start a foreign language training business

Are you interested in starting a foreign language training business? Great!. Language training can be a rewarding and lucrative business idea, especially if you have a passion for teaching and a talent for languages.

You will need some basic materials and resources to start a foreign language training business. First, you must choose which language(s) you will teach. It’s essential to have a strong foundation in the language(s) you plan to teach, so it may be necessary to take additional courses or become certified in the language(s) you choose. You will also need to create a curriculum and materials for your classes, such as textbooks and worksheets.

You will need to find students to take your classes to operate your business. Finding students can be done through advertising and marketing, such as creating a website or social media presence and reaching out to local schools and businesses. You will also need to decide on a pricing structure for your classes, whether by the hour, session, or course.

Teaching foreign languages can be a rewarding and fulfilling business, especially if you have a passion for language learning and teaching. You can start and operate a successful foreign language training business with some basic materials and resources.

How much you can make: $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $60 (?)

How long does it take to build: 5 days (?)

How I Started A 7-Figure Online Language Learning Platform Thanks To SEO

Live Lingua, an online language learning platform, built a 7-figure business on a bootstrap budget using SEO and launched thanks to the Mexican swine flu, with the company now growing at around 20% a year every year since then.

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Read by 4,591 founders

9. Start a neighborhood market business

10. Start a freelance spanish interpreter business

Need a business idea that lets you use your language skills while helping people communicate effectively? Consider starting a freelance Spanish interpreter business.

In simple terms, this gig involves translating spoken or written Spanish into English (or vice versa) for clients. It’s more than just knowing the language; it requires cultural understanding and the ability to convey nuances accurately.

Why should you consider this? With a growing Hispanic population and increased global interactions, the demand for Spanish interpreters is on the rise. You can find clients through platforms like Upwork, Flexjobs, or even local institutions that need language support.

Curious about the day-to-day? You'll be taking on assignments that range from medical appointments to business meetings, or even court sessions. While it requires hustle and linguistic dexterity, the flexibility and potential to build a diverse client base make it worthwhile.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

My Desire To Learn Spanish Led Me To Build A $70K/Year Language Learning App

Gritty Spanish, a Spanish-language learning program created by Eldon Mirjah, has grown steadily since launching in 2014, with over 1,560 new customers and more than $70k in sales in 2021, largely due to investing in a high-quality blog, iOS/Android app, and web app.

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Read by 2,403 founders

11. Start a document translation business

Break into the growing global market with a document translation business.

Simply put, this business involves translating written content from one language to another, addressing the needs of companies, legal firms, publishers, and everyday individuals. The demand for accurate and professional translations is substantial and varied, given the importance of clear communication in an increasingly interconnected world.

Imagine working with a range of clients, from multinational corporations to local businesses looking to expand their reach. The initial setup involves creating a network of proficient translators, setting up a robust project management system, and marketing your services to potential clients.

You'll need to focus on delivering quality work on time, ensuring client satisfaction, and continually updating your language resources to stay competitive. With dedication, this venture can offer a steady stream of income and the opportunity to grow into new markets and languages.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $550,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A $100K/Month Company That Provides Transcription Services

How this founder started a $100K/month guaranteed transcription service for medical, legal, law enforcement, financial, academic and general business industries, winning the NASPO ValuePoint transcription services contract over 26 other companies and learning valuable lessons about getting a coach and getting as much PR as possible.

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Read by 13,029 founders

meet the author

Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

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