Building a Multi-Language Shopify Store

Expanding your Shopify store to support multiple languages can significantly enhance your global reach and improve customer experience. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a multi-language Shopify store.

1. Choose a Multi-Language App

To manage multiple languages on your Shopify store, you need a third-party app. Some popular options include:

• Langify
• Weglot
• GTranslate

These apps offer various features, such as automated translations, manual editing, and support for multiple languages. Choose the one that best fits your needs and install it from the Shopify App Store.

2. Install and Configure the App

Installing the App

1. Go to the Shopify App Store and search for your chosen multi-language app.
2. Click on the app and then click Add app.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app on your store.

Configuring the App

1. Open the app from your Shopify admin panel.
2. Follow the setup wizard to configure the basic settings, such as:
   • Selecting the languages you want to support.
   • Setting the default language for your store.
   • Configuring the language switcher.

Example: Configuring Weglot

1. Create a Weglot Account: Sign up for a Weglot account and get your API key.
2. Enter API Key: In the Weglot app on Shopify, enter your API key.
3. Select Languages: Choose the languages you want to add to your store.
4. Configure Language Switcher: Customize the appearance and position of the language switcher on your store.

3. Translate Your Store Content

Automated Translations

Most multi-language apps offer automated translations using AI. This is a quick way to get your content translated, but it might require manual adjustments for accuracy and context.

Manual Translations

For higher accuracy, consider manually editing translations or hiring professional translators. The app interface usually provides an easy way to edit and manage translations.

1. Navigate to the App Dashboard: Open the multi-language app in your Shopify admin.
2. Select Content for Translation: Choose the sections of your store you want to translate, such as:
   • Product descriptions
   • Collection pages
   • Homepage content
   • Navigation menus
3. Edit Translations: Use the app’s interface to manually enter or edit translations.

Example: Translating with Langify

1. Open Langify: From your Shopify admin, go to the Langify app.
2. Add New Language: Click Add new language and select the desired language.
3. Translate Content: Go to the Translations tab, select the type of content (e.g., products, collections), and enter the translations.

4. Optimize SEO for Multiple Languages

Optimizing your store’s SEO for multiple languages helps improve visibility in search engines for international audiences.

Set Up Hreflang Tags

Hreflang tags indicate to search engines the language and regional targeting of a webpage.

1. Access the Multi-Language App: Go to the SEO settings of your multi-language app.
2. Enable Hreflang Tags: Ensure that hreflang tags are enabled and correctly configured.

Translate Meta Tags

Translate meta titles, descriptions, and alt texts for images to match the translated content.

1. Open the Multi-Language App: Navigate to the SEO section.
2. Edit Meta Tags: Enter translated meta titles and descriptions for each language.

Submit a Sitemap

Ensure your sitemap includes all language versions of your pages.

1. Generate Sitemap: The multi-language app should automatically generate a sitemap including all translations.
2. Submit to Search Engines: Submit the sitemap to Google Search Console and other search engines.

5. Test Your Multi-Language Store

Before launching your multi-language store, thoroughly test the translations and functionality.

Check Language Switcher

Ensure the language switcher is visible and works correctly on all devices.

1. Navigate Your Store: Browse your store as a customer and switch between languages.
2. Check Display: Confirm that the correct language version of content displays for each selected language.

Review Translations

Manually review translations to ensure accuracy and context.

1. Content Review: Go through product pages, collection pages, and other key sections in each language.
2. Fix Errors: Edit any inaccuracies or contextual errors using the multi-language app.

6. Launch Your Multi-Language Store

Once you’ve tested everything and ensured your translations are accurate, you’re ready to launch.

Announce the Launch

Inform your existing customers and potential international customers about the new multi-language feature.

1. Email Marketing: Send an announcement email to your subscriber list.
2. Social Media: Post updates on your social media channels.
3. Website Banner: Add a banner on your website announcing the multi-language support.

Conclusion

Building a multi-language Shopify store can significantly enhance your global reach and improve customer experience. By choosing the right app, configuring it correctly, translating your content, optimizing for SEO, and thoroughly testing, you can successfully launch a multi-language store. This will not only attract international customers but also drive growth and expand your brand’s presence globally.

Ready to take your e-commerce business to the next level? We’re here to help you succeed in the digital marketplace. Whether you’re looking to launch a new online store or optimize an existing one, our team at 247Commerce has the expertise and solutions to meet your needs.

Email: hey@247commerce.co.uk

Phone: +44 20 4547 9292