When you want to build and manage a multilingual site in WordPress, the WPML (WordPress Multilingual Plugin) is a very useful tool. By using this plugin, you can provide your site in various languages, allowing for a more effective reach to global users. In this blog, I'll explain in detail how to use WPML.
WPML Installation and Activation
To use WPML, you first need to purchase the plugin. After the purchase, upload the downloaded ZIP file via the 'Plugins > Add New' menu on the WordPress admin page to install it. Once installation is complete, activate WPML from the 'Plugins' menu. After activation, a setup wizard will appear to guide you through the easy initial setup process.
Language Settings
In the WPML setup wizard, you can choose the default language and additional languages you want to support. These selected languages will be displayed at the top or bottom of your website, allowing users to easily switch to their preferred language. It is very useful as it allows support for multiple languages while maintaining visual consistency of the website.
Translation Management
WPML provides a translation management system. You can translate a variety of content such as pages, posts, and menus by language. With the translation management feature, you can easily translate content titles, body, custom fields, SEO meta tags, and even URLs. Using WPML, a more systematic and efficient translation workflow is possible.
Automatic and Manual Translation
WPML has an automatic translation feature, allowing for quick and accurate translations. The plugin provides free translation credits, so most sites can translate without additional costs. Additionally, by using the WPML advanced editor, you can also manually translate content, which is useful when a more precise translation is needed or specific phrases need to be strictly adjusted.
Menu and Structure Translation
With WPML, you can set up menus suitable for each language and translate and edit menus by language in 'Appearance > Menus'. You can also convert text in structural elements of the site such as headers, sidebars, and footers into other languages including English through the string translation feature. These functions provide a clear and consistent user experience for visitors.
SEO Optimization
SEO optimization is very important for multilingual sites. WPML is compatible with major SEO plugins such as Yoast SEO, making it a great help in optimizing the SEO of multilingual websites. It supports setting up meta tags, titles, and descriptions for each language page, making them more easily recognized by search engines.
Language Switcher Setup
The language switcher provides a feature allowing site visitors to easily switch to their preferred language. With WPML, you can add and customize a language switcher in the menu, footer, or widget areas. This allows various languages to be displayed, enhancing user-friendliness.
Custom Features
WPML provides features for translating site URL structures, custom post types, categories, tags, and custom taxonomies. Additionally, translating all kinds of WordPress glossaries helps maintain consistency and accuracy across the site.
Compatibility
WPML is highly compatible with many popular premium themes. For example, themes like AVADA, X Theme, and Enfold are well integrated with WPML. However, if using a specific theme, it is advisable to confirm compatibility in advance.
Now, try utilizing WPML to build a site that supports multiple languages. Multilingual support is particularly useful for operating e-commerce sites like WooCommerce where global marketing is important, and it helps users access content more easily in various languages.
