Expanding your WordPress site to support multiple languages is a game-changer. Whether you want to reach a global audience or cater to bilingual visitors, a multilingual website can boost user engagement, improve SEO, and widen your reach.
This guide will walk you through setting up multi-language support on your WordPress site using two of the most popular plugins: WPML and Polylang. By the end, you’ll know how to make your site multilingual, no matter your technical skills.
Why Make Your Site Multilingual?
- Reach a Global Audience: By offering content in multiple languages, you can attract users from around the world.
- Improve User Experience: Visitors are more likely to stay and engage with content in their native language.
- Boost SEO: Search engines reward websites that cater to multiple regions with properly translated content.
- Increase Conversions: Catering to different language audiences can lead to more sales, sign-ups, or inquiries.
Getting Started: Choosing the Right Plugin
There are many tools available, but two plugins dominate the WordPress multilingual space: WPML and Polylang. Let’s compare them:
WPML (WordPress Multilingual Plugin)
- Features:
- Fully integrated translation management.
- SEO-friendly with translated URLs and hreflang attributes.
- WooCommerce support for multilingual eCommerce.
- Professional translation services integration.
- Best For: Large, complex sites or businesses with a budget for premium tools.
- Pricing: Starts at $39/year.
Polylang
- Features:
- Free version available.
- Easy to set up and use.
- SEO-friendly with support for translated slugs and hreflang attributes.
- Integrates with Lingotek for professional translations.
- Best For: Small to medium sites with straightforward needs.
- Pricing: Free with a premium version starting at €99/year.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Multi-Language Support
1. Install and Activate the Plugin
- Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for WPML or Polylang.
- Install and activate the plugin of your choice.
2. Configure the Plugin
Each plugin has a setup wizard to guide you.
WPML Setup
- Navigate to WPML > Languages.
- Select the default language for your site.
- Add the additional languages you want to support.
- Choose how to display language switchers (e.g., dropdown, flags).
Polylang Setup
- Go to Languages > Languages in your dashboard.
- Add the default language and additional languages.
- Configure the language switcher in your menu or widget area.
3. Translate Your Content
- Pages and Posts:
- For WPML, go to any post or page and click the + icon next to the language you want to add.
- For Polylang, duplicate the content in your default language and assign the translation to the target language.
- Media: Translate image alt text and captions if required.
- Menus:
- Create separate menus for each language in Appearance > Menus.
- Assign them to their respective languages in the plugin settings.
4. Test Your Translations
- Navigate to your site and switch between languages using the language switcher.
- Ensure all content, menus, and widgets appear in the correct language.
5. Optimize for SEO
- WPML:
- Enable SEO-friendly URLs for translated content under WPML > Languages > URL Format.
- Use the Yoast SEO Multilingual plugin for better SEO integration.
- Polylang:
- Enable pretty permalinks for each language in Settings > Permalinks.
- Configure hreflang attributes for SEO under the Polylang settings.
6. Consider Professional Translations
Both WPML and Polylang allow you to connect with professional translation services. While automated translation tools can be helpful, professional translations ensure cultural and contextual accuracy.
7. Maintain Your Site
- Regularly update translations as you add new content.
- Test your language switcher and translated content after WordPress or plugin updates.
- Monitor site performance to ensure loading times remain optimal.
Bonus Tips for a Seamless Multilingual Site
- Design Considerations:
- Some languages, like Arabic or Hebrew, are read right-to-left (RTL). Ensure your theme supports RTL layouts.
- Use a Cache Plugin:
- Plugins like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache help maintain fast loading times for translated pages.
- Track Multilingual Traffic:
- Set up Google Analytics to track visitors from different language versions of your site.
Conclusion
Setting up a multilingual WordPress site may seem daunting at first, but with tools like WPML and Polylang, it’s easier than ever to make your content accessible to a global audience. By following this guide, you’ll not only expand your site’s reach but also create a more engaging experience for users around the world.
Have questions or need help setting up your multilingual site? You can contact me directly at: [email protected] — I’m here to help