The user experience is everything and when it comes to language localization this is true. From search to the final checkout page the details of the user experience when it comes to localization matters.
There are both user experience and technical considerations for localization. If your web site includes ecommerce then additional factors need to be considered, including multi-currency checkout.
We have worked with non-ecommerce and ecommerce web sites to implement localization tools and have reviewed and compared many WordPress plugins and Add-ons. We are sharing our results in this article. Contact us for a quote for your web site today.
With WordPress Localization can be implemented easily. With many solutions available through plugins and Add-Ons, there will surely be a solution to fit your needs.
What is Web Site Localization?
Web Site Localization is the process of adapting one’s web site to the search, language and overall experience to a specific country or region. There are many things to consider for localization.
- Editing for Language & Dialect Subtleties
- Search Engine Differences
- SEO Parameters
- Multi-Currency needs (for ecommerce web sites)
In working with our clients for finding the right WordPress Localization Plugin, in this case the right language localization tools we used a set of criteria:
- Automation – We needed a solution that did not require manual editing, or had only a minimal amount of manual editing
- SEO Friendly – We needed SEO friendly tools to be able to include the proper sitemaps, hreflang tags/attributes for pages, update metadata and take account for differences in search engines for language localization.
- Manual Updating – Even though we wanted automation, we need the ability to be able to review the site to make subtle language changes for a refined localization experience.
- Budget Friendly – We needed a solution that had options to be able to add/upgrade as we expand.
We reviewed many WordPress plugins for Language Localization and it came down to these 5 finalists here. Here are the highlights of what we found WordPress Localization Plugins.
WPML
WPML was started by a group providing custom localization services and then the WPML WordPress localization plugin was developed. WPML has recommended WordPress themes on their web site that work the best with the plugin.
The WPML WordPress Localization Plugin provides a full range of features and some good automation with the basic license. The full license offers more in-depth automation.
What We Love
WPML has a range of add-ons in addition to the primary plugin for WordPress Localization. Depending on your needs and your market you can use WPML add-ons for WooCommerce
$39 – Basic License
$99 – Complete License
Translate Press
Translate Press WordPress Localization Plugin has an intuitive interface and easy setup for their plugin. The plugin will translate most all of the page elements on your web site. Depending on the theme you are using some elements such as buttons and forms may not translate.
If you have the full license you should see most all of the page elements converted automatically.
What We Love
Options… who doesn’t like having options. WPML makes it easy for you to choose what you need for your localization along with a tiered license structure.
Pricing is in Euros
7.99/mo. or 89/year
12.99/mo. or 159/year
20.99/mo. or 249/year
Polylang
Polylang made our list for the comprehensive features with their FREE plugin. You really do get a full suite of features with the FREE plugin. With Polylang we were able to translate all aspects f our blog posts and navigation easily.
Polylang is more SEO friendly extending to opengraph and the option to use one domain per language.
What We Love
Simple pricing and robust SEO tools. Polylang also has an Add-On for WooCommerce.
Pricing is in Euros
FREE – Basic
99 – Professional
99 – Polylang for WooCommerce
139 – Polylang for Businesses
Translate WordPress with GTranslate
GTranslate was very easy to install. GTranslate works well with most WordPress page builders and seamlessly translates even small details. Maintain your site speed with GTranslate as it is lightweight. Site translation is fast and comprehensive even for buttons and form field labels.
What We Love
GTranslate offers full SEO localization with the professional version including domains for each language, subdirectories, slug translation and manual correction of translations.
FREE Version
$9 – Custom
$19 – Start Up
$29 – Business
$39 – Enterprise
MultilingualPress
MultilingualPress WordPress Localization Plugin offers a full suite of localization tools for your WordPress web site. MultilingualPress works well with both Gutenberg as well as Elementor and other WordPress Page builders. SEO is a breeze as it is completely integrated with Yoast.
What We Love
Fast Set Up and user friendly interface makes MultilingualPress a breeze to set up. Ecommerce is easy with complete integration with WooCommerce.
$99 – Standard
$299 – Pro
Conclusion
Make your website reachable in one or more countries and languages. Many options exist to easily add localization to your WordPress website. Contact Us to get a quote for web site localization today.
