Expand Your Reach: Create a Multilingual Website with Ease

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Benefits of a Multilingual Website
3. Using the Wiglot Plugin
   • 3.1 Installation and Setup
   • 3.2 Configuring the Language Switcher
   • 3.3 Customizing the Language Button
   • 3.4 Translation Exclusion and Additional Options
   • 3.5 Advanced Features of Wiglot
4. Editing Translations
   • 4.1 Editing Translations Manually
   • 4.2 Using the Visual Editor
5. Professional Translation Services
6. Testing the Multilingual Site
7. Alternative Methods to Create a Multilingual Website
8. Conclusion

🌍 Introduction

In an increasingly globalized world, it's important to cater to diverse audiences with varying language preferences. Creating a multilingual website allows you to reach a wider audience and enhance user experience. In this tutorial, we will explore how to make your WordPress website multilingual using the Wiglot plugin. With over 110 supported languages, Wiglot makes it easy to translate your website content and engage with visitors from around the world.

🌟 Benefits of a Multilingual Website

Having a multilingual website comes with a range of benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making your website multilingual:

1. Expanded Audience: By offering content in multiple languages, you can reach and engage with a larger audience.
2. Improved User Experience: Visitors are more likely to stay on your website and explore further if they can access the content in their native language. This leads to better user satisfaction.
3. Increased Conversion Rates: Studies have shown that customers are five times more likely to make a purchase from a website that speaks their native language. By catering to their language preferences, you can boost conversions.
4. Enhanced SEO: Translating your website content into different languages provides search engines with more indexed content, increasing your chances of appearing in search results and improving your website's visibility.

🚀 Using the Wiglot Plugin

3.1 Installation and Setup

To begin making your website multilingual, you'll need to install and set up the Wiglot plugin. Here's how:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the "Plugins" section.
2. Click on "Add New" and search for "Wiglot".
3. Install and activate the Wiglot plugin.
4. Create a Wiglot account by following the provided link.
5. Choose either a Premium plan or start a 10-day free trial to explore the plugin's features.
6. Access the setup wizard by clicking on the link sent to your email.
7. Copy the API key provided on the setup wizard screen.

3.2 Configuring the Language Switcher

Once you have set up the Wiglot plugin, it's time to configure the language switcher. Here's how you can do it:

1. Navigate to the Wiglot menu in your WordPress dashboard.
2. You'll find the main configuration page.
3. Input the API key you copied earlier.
4. Choose your default language and target languages.
5. Save your changes.

3.3 Customizing the Language Button

Wiglot provides options to customize the language switcher button. You can choose to display the language options as a drop-down box or a row. Additionally, you can decide whether to include flags in the button and change the flag's shape. The position of the language switcher can also be customized. It can be placed as a menu, widget, or even added to a custom area using a shortcode or by editing the HTML source code.

3.4 Translation Exclusion and Additional Options

While Wiglot translates every page on your website by default, you have the option to exclude specific pages or blogs from translation. This can be done by listing them in the translation exclusion section or creating rules for multiple URLs. Wiglot also offers additional options to improve the user experience, such as the auto-redirection feature, which directs visitors to a specific localized version of your site based on their browser language.

3.5 Advanced Features of Wiglot

Wiglot stands out from other plugins by offering advanced features such as advanced machine translation and the ability to edit translated pages. The plugin combines the convenience of machine translation with the precision of human translation for more accurate content. You can access the translations page on your Wiglot dashboard to manage translations for individual words and phrases. Additionally, Wiglot provides a visual editor for direct editing of translated pages.

💡 Editing Translations

4.1 Editing Translations Manually

If you prefer to have more control over the translated content, Wiglot allows you to edit translations manually. By clicking on the "Edit My Translations" button, you can access the translations page on your Wiglot dashboard. From there, you can make changes to the translated content, ensuring the accuracy and quality of the translations.

4.2 Using the Visual Editor

Wiglot's visual editor provides a user-friendly interface for editing translated pages. To access the visual editor, open the page preview, click on the Wiglot top menu bar, and select "Edit with Visual Editor." This feature simplifies the editing process and allows you to make adjustments to the translated content directly on the page.

🌐 Professional Translation Services

In addition to machine translation and manual editing, Wiglot offers professional translation services. If you require highly accurate and specialized translations, Wiglot provides access to trusted professional agencies. Users can order translation services directly from their Wiglot dashboard, ensuring the highest quality translations for their multilingual website.

📝 Testing the Multilingual Site

Once you have set up and configured the Wiglot plugin, it's essential to test your multilingual website to ensure everything works as intended. Open any page and observe the Wiglot language switcher button at the bottom right of the screen. Switching to a different language will automatically translate the page. This feature makes it effortless for your site visitors to navigate your website in their preferred language, improving their overall experience.

🌐 Alternative Methods to Create a Multilingual Website

While using a plugin like Wiglot is the easiest and beginner-friendly way to make your website multilingual, there are alternative methods available. These methods require more technical knowledge but provide more flexibility and customization options. Some popular alternatives include manually translating each page, using multi-site installations, or utilizing translation plugins other than Wiglot.

🎉 Conclusion

Creating a multilingual website can significantly impact your online presence and reach. By using the Wiglot plugin, you can effortlessly translate your WordPress website into multiple languages, expanding your audience, and improving user experience. Remember to customize the language switcher and take advantage of the advanced features provided by Wiglot for more precise translations. Whether you choose manual editing or professional translation services, it's important to test your website thoroughly to ensure seamless navigation for visitors in their preferred language.

Resources

• Wiglot Plugin
• WordPress

FAQs

Q: Can I translate URLs using Wiglot? A: Yes, Wiglot's built-in features allow you to translate URLs, making it easier for visitors to access different language versions of your website.

Q: How many languages does Wiglot support? A: Wiglot supports over 110 languages, ensuring a wide range of options for your multilingual website.

Q: Does Wiglot offer automatic translation? A: Yes, Wiglot uses the best machine learning providers for automatic translation, such as DeepL, Google, and Microsoft. However, it also provides options for manual editing and professional translation services for more accurate translations.