Building Multi-Language Websites

This article shows you how to create a website that works in multiple languages using WordPress on Web60.

Choose a Translation Plugin

WordPress needs a plugin to handle multiple languages. Two popular options are:

• Polylang (free): Good for basic multilingual sites
• WPML (paid): More features but costs extra

For most Irish businesses wanting English and Irish (Gaeilge), Polylang works well. Go to your WordPress admin dashboard, click Plugins, then Add New. Search for "Polylang" and install it.

Set Up Your Languages

After installing Polylang:

1. Go to Languages in your WordPress menu
2. Click "Add New Language"
3. Choose English from the dropdown
4. Set it as your default language
5. Click "Add New Language" again
6. Add Irish (or any other language you need)
7. Save your changes

The plugin creates language switcher options for your visitors to use.

Translate Your Content

Now you can create translated versions of your pages:

1. Go to Pages in WordPress
2. Find the page you want to translate
3. Click the "+" icon next to the language flag
4. This opens a new page where you can add the translation
5. Write your content in the second language
6. Publish the translated page

Repeat this process for all your important pages. When adding pages to your website, remember to create versions in both languages.

Add a Language Switcher

Your visitors need a way to change languages:

1. Go to Appearance > Widgets in WordPress
2. Find the "Language Switcher" widget
3. Drag it to your sidebar or footer area
4. Choose how you want it to look (flags, text, or both)
5. Save the widget

You can also add language links to your main menu through the WordPress menus section.

Translate Your Menus

Create separate menus for each language:

1. Go to Appearance > Menus
2. Create a new menu for your second language
3. Add the translated pages to this menu
4. In the menu settings, assign it to the correct language
5. Set it to display in the same location as your main menu

This ensures visitors see menu items in their chosen language.

Test Your Website

Check that everything works:

• Click the language switcher to change languages
• Verify all pages have translations
• Test that menus change with the language
• Make sure contact forms work in both languages

If you're still stuck with setting up multiple languages, contact Web60 support for help with your specific setup.

FAQ

Q: Can I add Irish (Gaeilge) to my website?

A: Yes, most translation plugins support Irish. Choose "Irish" or "Gaeilge" when adding languages in your plugin settings.

Q: Do I need to translate every page?

A: No, but translate your most important pages like your homepage, about page, and contact page. You can add more translations over time.

Q: Will having multiple languages slow down my website?

A: Translation plugins add some overhead, but Web60's hosting handles this well. The impact is usually minimal for most business websites.

Q: Can I use Google Translate instead of manual translation?

A: Automatic translation exists but often produces poor results. Manual translation gives you better control over quality and tone.

Q: How do I handle contact forms in different languages?

A: Create separate contact forms for each language, or use a translation plugin that handles form translation automatically.

Q: What happens to my SEO with multiple languages?

A: Good translation plugins create separate URLs for each language, which helps with SEO. Each language version can rank in search results.