How to Create a Multilingual Website to Go International!

The Importance of a Multilingual Website in the Era of Globalization

In this increasingly interconnected era of globalization, geographical boundaries are no longer barriers for businesses seeking to expand. The internet has opened doors to international markets. However, one major challenge remains: language. Data shows that over 70% of internet users prefer visiting websites in their own language. This means that if your business operates in only one language, you’re missing out on significant opportunities.

A multilingual website is a smart solution for reaching a global audience. By providing content in multiple languages, you not only bring yourself closer to international customers but also show that your business values their needs. More than just a communication tool, a multilingual website is a strategic investment for long-term growth.

Benefits of Reaching International Markets Through a Multilingual Website

Why go through the effort of creating a multilingual website? The answer is simple: the potential of the global market is enormous! Here are some key benefits you can gain:

1. Expanding Market Reach
   By providing content in various languages, you open access to a wider audience. Customers from different countries will feel more comfortable and confident engaging with your business.
2. Increasing Customer Trust
   Consumers are more likely to buy from businesses that speak their language. A multilingual website creates a professional and localized impression, building greater trust.
3. International SEO Optimization
   Implementing multilingual SEO strategies, such as using hreflang tags and conducting local keyword research, can increase your website’s visibility in different countries. This leads to more relevant organic traffic.
4. Competitive Advantage
   Not all businesses take the time to provide multilingual content. By doing so, you can stand out in the competition and strengthen your position as a global player.
5. Boosting Conversion and Revenue
   When customers feel understood and comfortable, their likelihood of making a purchase increases, directly impacting your business revenue.

A Quick Overview of the Multilingual Website Creation Process

Creating a multilingual website might sound complex, but with the right approach, the process can be simple and structured. Here’s a quick overview of the main steps you’ll go through:

1. Identify Target Markets and Languages
   Define the audience you want to reach and the most relevant languages for them.
2. Choose a Website Platform That Supports Multilingual Features
   Platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify offer built-in tools or plugins for managing multilingual content.
3. Use Plugins or Translation Services
   Plugins such as Polylang, Weglot, or TranslatePress allow you to easily add and manage new languages on your website.
4. Optimize Content for International SEO
   Ensure each language has clear URL structures, appropriate meta tags, and SEO-optimized content.
5. Test and Monitor Website Performance
   After launching your multilingual website, test the user experience on various devices and monitor its performance using analytics tools like Google Analytics.

With these steps, you’re ready to take your business to the next level—confidently reaching global markets.

Preparation Before Creating a Multilingual Website

Creating an effective multilingual website is not just about adding translations. There are essential steps to take beforehand to ensure that your website is relevant, effective, and ready to engage international audiences.

1. Identify Target Markets and Audiences

The first step in building a multilingual website is understanding who you want to communicate with. This involves identifying target markets and suitable languages. Here’s how to do it effectively:

How to Determine Relevant Languages:
Not every language needs to be on your website. Focus on the most relevant ones for your target audience. Here are some steps:

• Analyze Website Traffic Data:
  Use Google Analytics to see which countries your visitors are from. This data provides a clear picture of potential international markets.
• Understand Primary Languages of Target Markets:
  If you aim to enter specific markets, choose the most widely spoken languages in those regions. For example, consider Indonesian, Thai, or Vietnamese for Southeast Asia.
• Include Universal Languages:
  Apart from local languages, English is often a must-have due to its global use.

Conduct Audience Research to Understand Cultural Needs and Preferences:

• Learn Language Style Preferences:
  Some cultures prefer formal communication styles, while others are more casual. For example, German audiences tend to be formal, while American audiences are more relaxed.
• Consider Visual and Design Elements:
  Colors, images, and layouts may have different meanings in different cultures. Ensure your website design aligns with local preferences.
• Adapt Date Formats and Currency:
  Small details like date formats (DD/MM/YYYY vs. MM/DD/YYYY) and local currency significantly impact user experience.

2. Choose the Best Platforms and Tools

After defining your target audience and languages, the next step is selecting a platform that supports multilingual websites. This decision will affect the ease of management and performance of your website.

Platform Comparisons: WordPress, Wix, or Other Options

The platform you choose should match your business needs and budget. Here’s a comparison of popular platforms:

• WordPress:
  Suitable for small to large businesses. WordPress offers high flexibility with thousands of multilingual plugins. It’s an ideal choice if you want full control over your website.
• Wix:
  Beginner-friendly with built-in multilingual features, though less flexible than WordPress.
• Shopify or Squarespace:
  If your focus is on e-commerce, Shopify is a strong choice with support for multilingual features. Squarespace is ideal for simpler portfolios or websites.

Comparison of Tools: Polylang, Weglot, and TranslatePress

These three tools are popular among WordPress users and offer different ways to manage multilingual content:

• Polylang:
  • Free and highly flexible.
  • Requires manual translation for every language.
  • Ideal for users prioritizing control and low budgets.
• Weglot:
  • Premium solution offering high-quality automatic translation.
  • Easy to use without requiring coding skills.
  • Perfect for businesses seeking quick results and willing to invest.
• TranslatePress:
  • Combines ease of use with manual control.
  • Offers an intuitive interface for translating directly on the page.
  • Suitable for medium-sized businesses needing flexibility without complexity.

Read More: How to Choose the Right Website Template for Your Brand

Steps to Create a Multilingual Website

After understanding the importance of a multilingual website and completing the preparations, it’s time to move on to the core process: how to effectively create a multilingual website. Here, we will cover the technical steps and strategies to ensure your website performs optimally in international markets.

1. Using Multilingual Plugins

Multilingual plugins are the most practical solution for adding multilingual features to your website. These plugins allow you to manage content in multiple languages without requiring advanced coding skills. Here’s a brief tutorial using two popular plugins, Polylang and TranslatePress.

A. Quick Tutorial for Using Polylang

Install and Activate the Polylang Plugin:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New and search for “Polylang.”
3. Click Install Now and then Activate.

Add the Required Languages:

1. After activation, go to the Languages menu in the dashboard.
2. Add the required languages by selecting them from the drop-down list.

Translate Content:

1. For each page or post, add the translated version using the language button in the editor sidebar.
2. Polylang provides a simple editor to separate content by language.

Test Functionality:

• Ensure all inter-language links work.
• Check the language drop-down menu on your website.

B. Quick Tutorial for Using TranslatePress

Install and Activate the TranslatePress Plugin:

1. Follow a similar installation process through Plugins > Add New.
2. Search for “TranslatePress,” click Install Now, and then Activate.

Configure Languages:

1. Go to Settings > TranslatePress.
2. Add the primary language and additional languages.

Start Translating:

1. Open the page you want to translate on the frontend.
2. Click Translate Page on the admin toolbar.
3. TranslatePress displays a visual interface to translate directly on the page.

Optimize Navigation:

• Add a language switcher in the header or footer to make it easier for users to select their preferred language.

2. Managing Multilingual Content

Providing content in multiple languages isn’t just about translation. The content must remain relevant, high-quality, and tailored to the local audience’s needs.

A. How to Create Quality Translations

Manual vs. Automatic Translation:

• Manual: Best for businesses prioritizing accuracy and cultural relevance. Hire professional translators to ensure content fits the cultural context.
• Automatic: Plugins like TranslatePress or Weglot offer AI-powered automatic translations. While faster, results should be reviewed to avoid contextual errors.

Use Local Editors:

• Involve local editors to ensure content is not only linguistically accurate but also culturally appropriate.

B. Tips for Creating SEO-Friendly Multilingual Content

Unique URL Structure:

• Use distinct URL structures for each language, such as:
  • English: www.yourwebsite.com/en
  • Indonesian: www.yourwebsite.com/id

Meta Descriptions in Each Language:

• Write relevant and engaging meta descriptions in the target language to boost clicks in search results.

Multilingual Visual Content:

• If using visuals with text, translate the content within the images or videos to make it more inclusive.

3. Optimizing SEO for International Markets

International SEO is key to ensuring your website is discoverable by a global audience. Here are the main steps to take:

A. Using Hreflang Tags

What Are Hreflang Tags?
Hreflang is an HTML attribute that tells search engines the language and target region of each page on your website.

How to Use It:

• Add the hreflang code in the <head> section of your website or in the XML sitemap.
• Example for English and Indonesian pages:

<link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://www.yourwebsite.com/en" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="id" href="https://www.yourwebsite.com/id" />

Use Tools:

• Tools like Google Search Console can help verify your hreflang implementation.

B. Conducting Multilingual Keyword Research

Keyword research in the target language is an essential element of multilingual SEO. Here are some tips:

Use Multilingual Keyword Research Tools:

• Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs allow you to find specific keywords based on location and language.

Focus on Local Keywords:

• Don’t just translate keywords from the original language. Instead, identify keywords that are actually used by the local audience.

Consider Regional Differences:

• The same language may have regional variations. For example, Spanish used in Mexico may differ from Spanish used in Spain for specific products or terms.

Benefit from Our Services: Website Development Solutions

Best Practices for Managing a Multilingual Website

Creating a multilingual website is just the first step. The real challenge lies in ensuring the website is user-friendly, relevant, and engaging for a global audience. In this section, we will discuss best practices to help you efficiently manage a multilingual website while delivering an exceptional user experience.

1. Ensuring a Consistent User Experience

User experience (UX) is a crucial aspect of a multilingual website. Poor UX can drive visitors away, even if the content is valuable. Here are some tips to ensure a consistent user experience:

Use Familiar Navigation:

• Ensure menus, buttons, and key features are easy to understand, regardless of the language used.

Maintain Visual Consistency:

• Keep visual elements like colors, fonts, and images consistent across all languages so visitors feel they are on the same website.

Ensure Fast Loading Times:

• Slow websites can reduce conversions. Optimize images, use a Content Delivery Network (CDN), and select servers close to your target audience.

Pay Attention to Small Details:

• Date Format: Adapt to local conventions (e.g., DD/MM/YYYY for Indonesia).
• Currency Units: Use the relevant currency for your target market.

2. Providing an Easy Language Switcher (Dropdown Selector)

An easy-to-use language switcher is an essential feature for multilingual websites. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by using a dropdown selector.

A. Tips for Creating an Effective Dropdown Selector

• Place Strategically:
  Position the dropdown selector in the top-right corner or the footer for easy accessibility.
• Use Relevant Language Names and Icons:
  Display the language name in its native form, such as “English” instead of “Bahasa Inggris.” Add flag icons for quick identification.
• Ensure Responsiveness:
  The dropdown should work seamlessly on both mobile and desktop devices.

B. Alternative Language Selector Options

• Simple Buttons:
  Use straightforward language toggle buttons with text or icons, which are ideal for websites with only a few language options.
• Automated Language Selection by Location:
  Use geolocation to automatically display the language based on the user’s location but still provide an option for manual language changes.

3. Using Design and Layout Suitable for a Global Audience

Good design is not just about aesthetics but also about creating connections with audiences across different countries.

A. Inclusive and Localized Design

• Use Culturally Neutral Visual Elements:
  Avoid design elements that may be offensive or irrelevant to certain cultures. For example, some symbols might have different meanings in various countries.
• Choose Fonts That Support Multiple Characters:
  If targeting audiences who speak languages like Japanese, Arabic, or Russian, ensure the fonts you use can display these characters properly.
• Avoid Text in Images:
  If text requires translation, having text embedded in images can be a barrier. Use overlay text that can be adjusted for each language.

B. Flexible Layouts

• Adapt to Text Length Variations:
  Different languages require varying amounts of space. For example, German text tends to be longer than English. Ensure your design accommodates such differences.
• Choose Colors Carefully:
  Colors carry different meanings in different cultures. For instance, white is associated with purity in Western cultures but symbolizes mourning in some Asian cultures.

C. Responsiveness Across Devices

• Optimize for Mobile:
  Most internet users access websites via mobile devices. Ensure your multilingual design is responsive and user-friendly on all screen sizes.

Conclusion

Creating and managing a multilingual website for international markets is a strategic step that can elevate your business to a global level. With the right approach, you can reach audiences from different countries, build trust, and open new opportunities for growth.

Key steps include:

1. Thorough Preparation:
   • Understand your target audience and choose the best platforms and tools to support multilingual needs.
2. Effective Implementation:
   • Use multilingual plugins like Polylang or TranslatePress to efficiently manage content in multiple languages.
3. Sustainable Management:
   • Ensure consistent user experience, provide an easy language-switching feature, and optimize the design for a global audience.
4. International SEO Optimization:
   • Use hreflang tags and conduct multilingual keyword research to boost visibility in search engines across different countries.

Managing a multilingual website is not just about adding translations but understanding the cultural needs and preferences of a global audience. With inclusive design, relevant content, and robust SEO strategies, you can deliver a satisfying user experience while strengthening your business position in international markets.