How to Automate The Localisation of Multilingual WordPress Sites
In our increasingly globalised world, localising a website to cater to diverse audiences has become a paramount concern for businesses seeking international engagement. WordPress, being a leading CMS, offers remarkable flexibility and a range of plugins to help automate the localisation process effortlessly. This article delves into the modern means of automating the localisation of multilingual WordPress sites, the hurdles faced during manual processes, and how automation tools can streamline this task.
The Challenge of Localising a Multilingual Website Manually
Manually localising a WordPress site is both time-consuming and prone to errors. The task involves not just translating text but also adapting graphics, modifying content styles, converting currencies, and using appropriate formats for dates, phone numbers, and addresses. Each cultural context demands specific adjustments to maintain brand integrity and relevance, posing a formidable challenge for website managers and developers tackling the intricacies of cultural nuances on a case-by-case basis.
Additionally, maintaining consistency across different language versions becomes an uphill task. Regular updates, ensuring every locale is synchronised with the latest content, require substantial effort, possibly leading to a fractured user experience and diminished global engagement potential if mishandled.
The Solution: Using Translation Connectors or Plugins for WordPress
To alleviate these challenges, WordPress users can lean on numerous translation plugins. These tools not only automate the translation process but also optimise localised SEO, thus extending reach and boosting site rankings in different languages. Leading plugins like TranslatePress, GTranslate, WPML, Polylang, Weglot, Smartcat, and Multilingual Press cater to diverse localisation needs:
TranslatePress:
Known for its front-end translation ease, compatibilities with SEO plugins, and WooCommerce support.
GTranslate:
Utilises Google’s API for automatic translations, featuring both free and premium configurations for broader SEO support.
WPML:
Offers translations in 65 languages managed within the dashboard, seamlessly integrating with SEO plugins.
Polylang:
Provides a robust translation system compatible with e-commerce and SEO tools.
Weglot:
Employs neural machine translation with an in-context editor and offers subscription-based pricing tiers.
Smartcat:
Provides translation plugin to auto-translate website to multiple languages powered by AI technology
Multilingual Press:
Leverages WordPress’s MultiSite feature for creating versions tailored to specific regions with automatic translations.
Employing these tools helps site owners maintain consistency, ensure cultural relevance, and safeguard their brand’s international presence while automating many localisation processes that would otherwise require meticulous manual intervention.
Also Read:
How to Fully Optimise Your Local Landing Pages
How to Get Started with Translation Plugin
Getting started with a translation plugin can quickly simplify the localisation of your WordPress site. Here’s a short guide:
1. Install and activate the plugin:
From the WordPress dashboard, navigate to “Plugins,” then “Add New.” Search, install, and activate it.
2. Configure language settings:
Access the plugin’s settings to choose your primary and additional site languages. It’s crucial to customise these options according to your target audience’s preferences
3. Translate your content:
Select and translate existing posts, pages, and menu items. Some plugins offer automatic translation options as well as manual edits to ensure precision.
4. Optimise SEO settings:
Integrate with SEO plugins like Yoast SEO to manage language-specific SEO settings for higher visibility in search engines.
5. Adapt media and functional elements:
Translate any multimedia content or functional elements such as forms and CTA buttons to maintain a cohesive site experience for all users.
How Elite Asia Uses Translation Plugins to Automate Localisation Process of WordPress Sites
Elite Asia is a prime example of utilising automation in localisation. We have leveraged translation plugins to cater to their clients’ multilingual content needs efficiently. Their methodology anchors around automated workflows that ensure continuity and consistency across different languages. Elite Asia employs translation memory and AI-powered tools for accurate, real-time translations, reducing manual tasks and ensuring speedy project turnarounds. With Smartcat integration, Elite Asia enhances linguistic precision while maintaining a streamlined translation management system – a model for organisations aiming for flawless multilingual operations on WordPress.
By embracing such innovative automation tools and strategies, Elite Asia efficiently scalable their online presence, mitigating language barriers and fostering expansive audience engagement, creating a more inclusive digital age.
Written by Ian Ng, Head, Product Development @EliteAsia
