Translating your website is an important step for reaching a broader audience. If you're using one of our websites, it’s essential to understand that while we provide the platform, we do not offer translation services. However, WordPress offers numerous methods to translate or rewrite your website content. Here’s a guide to help you through the process.
1. Our Role in Website Translation
- Responsibility: Translating your website is your responsibility. Our platform does not provide direct translation services.
- Flexibility: Our websites run on WordPress, which means you have multiple avenues to translate your site. We do not restrict or facilitate this process directly.
2. Understanding Website Translation
Translating your website involves adjusting the text "strings" to a different language. This process does not cover templates or built-in forms controlled by the software, which need to be managed separately.
3. Methods of Website Translation
A. Outright Translation
- This method involves editing all the text content on your website to the desired language.
- It’s similar to updating any other text on your site—simply replace the existing text with the translated version.
B. Multilingual Website Setup
- For sites that need to be available in multiple languages, a special setup is required.
- This can be managed using various WordPress plugins designed to handle multilingual content.
4. WordPress Plugins for Multilingual Websites
While we do not endorse specific plugins, here are some popular options that can help manage a multilingual website:
- WPML (WordPress Multilingual Plugin)
- TranslatePress
- Weglot
- Polylang
If none of these options meet your needs for functionality, a multitude of options can be found by searching the web for "WordPress Translation Plugin" for a more complete picture of the options available.
5. General Concepts and Setup for Multilingual Plugins
Most multilingual plugins share core functionalities and setup processes. Here’s a general guide to get you started:
A. Installation
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins -> Add New.
- Search for your chosen multilingual plugin (e.g., WPML, TranslatePress, Weglot, Polylang).
- Click “Install Now” and then “Activate.”
B. Configuration
- Follow the plugin’s setup wizard to configure your languages.
- Set your default language and add additional languages as needed.
- Configure language switchers for your site’s navigation.
C. Translating Content
- Use the plugin’s interface to translate individual text strings.
- Some plugins offer automatic translation tools, which can be adjusted manually.
- Review and refine translations to ensure accuracy and consistency.
D. Managing Multilingual Content
- Ensure that all pages, posts, and custom content types are translated.
- Test the functionality of language switchers and navigation to ensure a seamless user experience.
Translating your WordPress website can significantly enhance your reach and user engagement. By using the right tools and following best practices, you can effectively manage a multilingual website. Be sure to refer to the detailed documentation provided by each plugin for specific setup and management instructions.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to contact our support team.
Note on Separate Instances for Different Languages
While we primarily recommend using plugins to manage a multilingual site due to their simplicity and efficiency, there is an alternative method that some might consider. This involves creating two entirely separate instances of your site, each hosted in different subdirectories (e.g.,
yourdomain.com/en
and
yourdomain.com/fr
). It’s important to mention this option so you are aware of all possibilities, even though it is generally more complex and resource-intensive.
Pros:
- Full Control: Complete separation allows for more tailored content and design for each language.
- SEO Benefits: Search engines can index each language version separately, potentially improving visibility.
Cons:
- Complex Setup: This method requires creating and maintaining two separate WordPress installations, which can be complex.
- Increased Maintenance: Each instance must be updated independently, doubling the workload.
- Professional Help Needed: Due to the complexity, you’ll likely need a dedicated web developer to manage this setup. This is not a service we provide, but a professional can ensure everything runs smoothly.
While this approach offers greater flexibility and control, it’s crucial to weigh these against the increased complexity and maintenance demands. It’s often more efficient and cost-effective to use one of the multilingual plugins mentioned above.