How to Translate a WordPress Website: 9 Powerful Steps to Reach Global Audiences
Translating your WordPress website isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s a gateway to the world. If your goal is to attract international traffic, build trust with diverse users, and increase conversions globally, then making your site multilingual is an essential move. This guide walks you through how to translate a WordPress website step-by-step, whether you’re using TranslatePress, WPML, or planning a hybrid strategy.
Translate WordPress Website Step-by-Step
WordPress is inherently flexible, but not multilingual by default. Still, with the right tools and strategy, translating your WordPress website can be intuitive, manageable, and incredibly rewarding. Let’s walk through the what, why, and most importantly — the how.
What Makes WordPress a Global Platform?
From its open-source nature to a vast plugin ecosystem, WordPress empowers businesses and bloggers around the globe. Yet, without multi-language support, its global potential remains capped. That’s where translation plugins step in.
- WordPress powers over 40% of the web.
- Its ecosystem includes thousands of translation-ready themes and plugins.
- Global traffic demands localized content.
Why Translate Your WordPress Website?
Translating your website provides tangible benefits far beyond aesthetics or inclusivity.
- Reach broader audiences by speaking their language.
- Boost conversions by eliminating language barriers.
- Improve SEO visibility in local search results.
- Enhance user experience, which builds trust and brand loyalty.
And yes, according to Common Sense Advisory, 72% of consumers spend most or all of their time on websites in their own language.
Key Considerations Before Translation
Before you dive into plugins, pause to plan.
- Target languages: Who are you trying to reach?
- Type of content: Are you translating static pages, blogs, or dynamic WooCommerce products?
- Translation team: Will you use professional translators, AI tools, or a mix?
Manual vs Plugin-Based Translation Methods
You can approach translation in three primary ways:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Manual (copy/paste) | Total control | Time-consuming |
| Automatic plugins | Fast, efficient | May require post-editing |
| Professional services | Accurate, high quality | Higher cost |
Combining manual precision with plugin convenience often yields the best result.
Best WordPress Translation Plugins in 2025
Two standout plugins dominate the scene:
- TranslatePress — Offers real-time front-end translation and is user-friendly.
- WPML — Comprehensive, backend-driven plugin with multilingual CMS control.
Both are SEO-friendly, compatible with popular themes, and support WooCommerce.
How to Use TranslatePress to Translate a WordPress Website
Step-by-Step Setup
- Install TranslatePress via the WordPress plugin repository.
- Go to
Settings > TranslatePressand select the default and additional languages. - Use the visual editor to click on any element and translate instantly.
Why Use TranslatePress?
- Front-end interface: See your changes in real time.
- Automatic translation with Google Translate or DeepL.
- WooCommerce ready (with an add-on).
- Great for small to medium sites or users who prefer visual control.
How to Use WPML to Translate a WordPress Website
Step-by-Step Setup
- Purchase and install WPML, Translation Management, and String Translation.
- Go to
WPML > Languagesto configure your languages. - Use
WPML > Translation Managementto assign jobs. - Choose URL structure: domains, subdomains, or subdirectories.
- Manually or automatically translate content via dashboard.
Why Use WPML?
- Designed for large-scale multilingual sites.
- Compatible with professional translators and translation agencies.
- Deep control over custom post types, widgets, and theme strings.
TranslatePress vs WPML: Plugin Comparison
| Feature | TranslatePress | WPML |
|---|---|---|
| Translation Type | Front-end | Back-end |
| Auto Translation | Google Translate, DeepL | External APIs |
| Cost | Freemium | Paid (starts at $29/year) |
| WooCommerce Support | Yes (via addon) | Yes |
| Ideal For | Simpler needs, visual editing | Complex, large multilingual projects |
Translating Dynamic Content on WordPress
Dynamic elements like menus, forms, and widgets need attention.
- TranslatePress: Click and translate interface elements.
- WPML: Use String Translation module to translate every text string.
How to Translate Meta Tags, Titles, and Slugs
Neglecting SEO metadata in translations is a common mistake.
- Use Yoast SEO Multilingual with WPML or TranslatePress SEO Pack.
Translate:
- Meta titles
- Meta descriptions
- Image alt tags
- Permalink slugs
Ensure each language version has optimized keywords for local search intent.
Multilingual SEO: Best Practices
To rank high in multiple languages:
- Use hreflang tags to avoid duplicate content issues.
- Create localized XML sitemaps.
- Conduct keyword research in each language.
- Avoid machine translation without review — quality impacts ranking.
URL Structures for Multilingual Sites
Choose wisely for both UX and SEO:
| Structure | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subdirectory | /fr/ | example.com/fr/ |
| Subdomain | fr. | fr.example.com |
| Separate domain | .fr | example.fr |
WPML supports all three; TranslatePress supports subdirectories.
Assigning Roles for Translators
In TranslatePress, assign custom translator roles.
In WPML, manage a workflow system with job queues and deadlines.
Use Automatic Translation Wisely
Auto-translate tools are great starting points but always require review.
- TranslatePress: DeepL and Google Translate integrations.
- WPML: Uses Translation Hub to connect with professional services.
Localization: Beyond Words
Don’t just translate. Localize design too:
- Replace imagery with culturally relevant alternatives.
- Use appropriate color palettes and visual symbols.
- Adapt pricing, measurements, and dates to locale norms.
Performance Tips for Multilingual WordPress Sites
- Use a CDN like Cloudflare or BunnyCDN.
- Enable caching with plugins like WP Rocket.
- Optimize images with WebP format and lazy loading.
Avoid These Common Multilingual Mistakes
- Forgetting to translate alt text
- Mixing languages in slugs
- Not setting hreflang properly
- Using inconsistent terminology
Using Yoast SEO for Multilingual Sites
Yoast SEO helps enforce readability, transition words, passive voice, and keyword optimization — even in multiple languages.
Improve Translation Readability
Use short sentences, clear paragraphs, and transition words. Tools like Yoast SEO check your Flesch Reading Ease score for every language.
FAQs
Can I use both TranslatePress and WPML together?
No, you should only use one translation plugin at a time to avoid conflicts.
Does Google rank translated content?
Yes, if each language is properly indexed and optimized with unique metadata.
Should I translate everything, including blog posts?
Ideally, yes — especially high-performing content.
What’s the best language structure for SEO?
Subdirectories are a safe and SEO-friendly choice for most.
Do I need to translate my site manually?
Not necessarily. Automatic translation can be a base, but human revision is critical.
Is TranslatePress free?
Yes, for one additional language. More require a premium license.
Conclusion
Learning how to translate a WordPress website is your golden ticket to global reach. Whether you’re just starting or scaling across continents, translation builds trust, improves user experience, and opens doors you didn’t even know existed. Choose the right tools, plan your structure, optimize for SEO, and you’ll be multilingual-ready in no time.
