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How to Make a Multilingual Website in 2025: Complete Guide (HTML, WordPress, Wix & More)

Last updated: October 2025 Reading time: 12 minutes

TL;DR

Quick answer: There are 5 main ways to make a multilingual website:

  1. Manual HTML/CSS — Free but time-consuming (40+ hours setup)
  2. WordPress + WPML — Powerful but complex ($258+/year, 2-4 hours setup)
  3. Wix Multilingual — User-friendly but manual translations ($192+/year, 90 min per language)
  4. Squarespace — No native support; requires manual page duplication ($192+/year, 4-6 hours setup)
  5. Modern automated platforms (SoraWebs, Weglot) — Automatic translations ($0-600/year, 3-10 min setup)

Best for most businesses: If you're a small business owner without coding experience, skip to Method #5 (automated platforms). If you're a developer or need complete control, Methods #1-2 give you flexibility.

Why Multilingual Websites Matter in 2025

72.4% of consumers say they're more likely to buy from a website in their own language (CSA Research).

40% of consumers will never buy from websites in other languages (Eurobarometer).

But here's the problem: Most businesses give up on multilingual websites within 6 months because maintaining multiple language versions is too time-consuming.

This guide shows you every method to create a multilingual website — from manual HTML coding to fully automated solutions — so you can choose the right approach for your needs and actually maintain it long-term.

Table of Contents

  1. What is a Multilingual Website?
  2. 5 Methods to Make a Multilingual Website
  3. Method #1: Manual HTML/CSS
  4. Method #2: WordPress + WPML
  5. Method #3: Wix Multilingual
  6. Method #4: Squarespace
  7. Method #5: Automated Platforms
  8. SEO Best Practices for Multilingual Sites
  9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
  10. Which Method Should You Choose?

What is a Multilingual Website?

A multilingual website displays content in multiple languages, allowing visitors to view the same information in their preferred language.

Two approaches exist:

1. Manual Translation (Separate Pages)

  • Each language is a separate page/site
  • English: yoursite.com/en/services
  • Spanish: yoursite.com/es/servicios
  • Pros: Full SEO control, custom URLs per language
  • Cons: Must maintain multiple versions

2. Client-Side Translation (Same Page)

  • JavaScript translates content in the browser
  • Same URL for all languages
  • Pros: Easy setup, one page to maintain
  • Cons: Poor SEO (Google can't index JavaScript translations)

For SEO purposes, you MUST use Method #1 (separate pages with unique URLs).

5 Methods to Make a Multilingual Website: Quick Comparison

MethodCostSetup TimeMaintenanceSEO QualityBest For
Manual HTML$040+ hoursHigh (manual updates)✅ ExcellentDevelopers with time
WordPress + WPML$258-4,338/year2-4 hoursMedium (plugin updates)✅ ExcellentSites needing customization
Wix Multilingual$192-336/year90 min/languageMedium (manual translations)✅ GoodSmall businesses (2-3 languages)
Squarespace$192-432/year4-6 hoursHigh (manual duplication)⚠️ FairEnglish-only sites (not multilingual)
Automated Platforms$0-600/year3-15 minLow (automatic)✅ ExcellentBusy business owners (3+ languages)

Method #1: How to Make a Multilingual Website in HTML

Best for: Developers who want complete control and zero ongoing costs.

Time investment: 40-80 hours initial setup + ongoing maintenance.

Cost: $0 (just hosting).

Step-by-Step: Manual HTML Multilingual Website

Step 1: Plan Your URL Structure

Choose one of three structures:

Option A: Subdirectories (Recommended for SEO)

yoursite.com/en/services.html
yoursite.com/es/servicios.html
yoursite.com/fr/services.html

Option B: Subdomains

en.yoursite.com/services.html
es.yoursite.com/services.html
fr.yoursite.com/services.html

Option C: Separate Domains

yoursite.com/services.html
yoursite.es/servicios.html
yoursite.fr/services.html

Best practice: Use subdirectories (Option A). It consolidates SEO authority to one domain.

Step 2: Create Folder Structure

/yoursite
  /en
    index.html
    services.html
    contact.html
  /es
    index.html
    servicios.html
    contacto.html
  /fr
    index.html
    services.html
    contact.html
  /css
    style.css
  /js
    language-switcher.js

Step 3: Build Your Base HTML Template

English version (/en/index.html):

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>My Business - Home</title>

    <!-- Multilingual SEO: hreflang tags -->
    <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://yoursite.com/en/" />
    <link rel="alternate" hreflang="es" href="https://yoursite.com/es/" />
    <link rel="alternate" hreflang="fr" href="https://yoursite.com/fr/" />
    <link rel="alternate" hreflang="x-default" href="https://yoursite.com/en/" />

    <!-- SEO Meta Tags -->
    <meta name="description" content="Professional cleaning services in Miami - English">

    <link rel="stylesheet" href="/css/style.css">
</head>
<body>
    <!-- Language Switcher -->
    <nav class="language-switcher">
        <a href="/en/" class="active">English</a>
        <a href="/es/">Español</a>
        <a href="/fr/">Français</a>
    </nav>

    <!-- Main Content -->
    <header>
        <h1>Welcome to My Business</h1>
        <p>Professional cleaning services in Miami</p>
    </header>

    <main>
        <section>
            <h2>Our Services</h2>
            <p>We offer residential and commercial cleaning...</p>
        </section>
    </main>

    <footer>
        <p>&copy; 2025 My Business. All rights reserved.</p>
    </footer>
</body>
</html>

Step 4: Create Spanish Version

Spanish version (/es/index.html):

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="es">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Mi Negocio - Inicio</title>

    <!-- Same hreflang tags as English version -->
    <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://yoursite.com/en/" />
    <link rel="alternate" hreflang="es" href="https://yoursite.com/es/" />
    <link rel="alternate" hreflang="fr" href="https://yoursite.com/fr/" />
    <link rel="alternate" hreflang="x-default" href="https://yoursite.com/en/" />

    <meta name="description" content="Servicios profesionales de limpieza en Miami - Español">

    <link rel="stylesheet" href="/css/style.css">
</head>
<body>
    <nav class="language-switcher">
        <a href="/en/">English</a>
        <a href="/es/" class="active">Español</a>
        <a href="/fr/">Français</a>
    </nav>

    <header>
        <h1>Bienvenido a Mi Negocio</h1>
        <p>Servicios profesionales de limpieza en Miami</p>
    </header>

    <main>
        <section>
            <h2>Nuestros Servicios</h2>
            <p>Ofrecemos limpieza residencial y comercial...</p>
        </section>
    </main>

    <footer>
        <p>&copy; 2025 Mi Negocio. Todos los derechos reservados.</p>
    </footer>
</body>
</html>

Step 5: Repeat for All Pages and Languages

For a basic 5-page site in 3 languages:

  • Pages: Home, Services, About, Contact, Blog
  • Languages: English, Spanish, French
  • Total files: 15 HTML files (5 pages × 3 languages)

Estimated time: 40-60 hours for initial build + translation.

Pros and Cons of Manual HTML

Pros: ✅ $0 ongoing cost (except hosting) ✅ Complete control over code and design ✅ Perfect SEO implementation (if done correctly) ✅ No plugin dependencies or conflicts ✅ Fast page load times

Cons: ❌ Extremely time-consuming (40-80 hours setup) ❌ Must manually update every language version ❌ Requires HTML/CSS knowledge ❌ High risk of forgetting to update a language ❌ No built-in translation tools

Method #2: How to Make a Multilingual Website in WordPress

Best for: Websites needing customization, blogs, or e-commerce.

Time investment: 2-4 hours initial setup + ongoing maintenance.

Cost: $258-4,338/year (hosting + WPML + optional plugins).

Step-by-Step: WordPress + WPML

Step 1: Install WordPress

  1. Purchase hosting (Bluehost, SiteGround, WP Engine)
  2. Install WordPress via cPanel or hosting dashboard
  3. Install a theme (Astra, GeneratePress, or any)

Time: 30-60 minutes

Step 2: Install WPML Plugin

  1. Go to wpml.org → Purchase license ($99-199/year)
  2. Download plugin files
  3. WordPress Admin → Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
  4. Activate WPML Multilingual CMS
  5. Enter license key

Time: 15 minutes

Step 3: Configure Languages

  1. WPML → Languages
  2. Click "Add Language" → Select Spanish
  3. Choose URL format:
    • Recommended: Different languages in directories (yoursite.com/es/)
  4. Repeat for each language (French, German, etc.)

Time: 20-30 minutes per language

Step 4: Translate Content

Option A: Manual Translation

  1. Go to Pages → Find your page
  2. Click WPML "+" icon next to the page
  3. Select language to translate
  4. Manually write translation
  5. Publish

Time per page: 10-15 minutes

Option B: Automatic Translation (requires setup)

  1. WPML → Settings → Translation Mode → Automatic
  2. Sign up for DeepL or Google Translate API
  3. Enter API key in WPML settings
  4. Translate pages automatically, then review

Time per page: 5-10 minutes (includes review)

Step 5: Add Language Switcher

  1. Appearance → Widgets
  2. Add "WPML Language Switcher" widget to header/footer
  3. Configure display (flags, language names, dropdown)

Time: 5 minutes

Real Example: WordPress + WPML Timeline

5-page site in 3 languages:

TaskTime
WordPress installation30 min
WPML installation15 min
Configure 3 languages60 min
Translate 5 pages (manual)150 min (10 min/page × 5 pages × 3 languages)
Set up language switcher10 min
Total~4.5 hours

Ongoing maintenance: 10-15 minutes per update across all languages.

Pros and Cons of WordPress + WPML

Pros: ✅ Excellent SEO with proper hreflang implementation ✅ Works with most WordPress themes/plugins ✅ Translation Management (can send to professional translators) ✅ Supports WooCommerce for multilingual e-commerce ✅ Large community and support

Cons: ❌ Expensive ($258-4,338/year total cost) ❌ Requires WordPress knowledge ❌ Manual translation triggering after every update ❌ Plugin conflicts common ❌ Regular maintenance required (updates, security)

Method #3: How to Make a Multilingual Website with Wix

Best for: Small businesses with 2-3 languages, rare updates.

Time investment: 90 minutes per language.

Cost: $192-336/year.

Step-by-Step: Wix Multilingual

Step 1: Set Up Wix Site

  1. Sign up at wix.com
  2. Choose a template
  3. Customize design and add content (English version)

Time: 1-2 hours

Step 2: Enable Wix Multilingual

  1. Settings → Multilingual
  2. Click "Get Started"
  3. Select primary language (English)
  4. Click "Add Language" → Choose Spanish

Time: 5 minutes per language

Step 3: Translate Pages

  1. Wix will duplicate all pages for Spanish
  2. Go to Pages → Switch to Spanish (language dropdown)
  3. Click "Translate" button for each page
  4. Review AI translation
  5. Edit if needed
  6. Publish

Time: 5-10 minutes per page

Important: You must click "Translate" for every page in every language after adding new content.

Step 4: Add Language Switcher

  1. Wix automatically adds language switcher to menu
  2. Customize position/style in Editor

Time: 5 minutes

Real Example: Wix Multilingual Timeline

5-page site in 3 languages:

TaskTime
Build English site2 hours
Add Spanish5 min (setup) + 30 min (translate 5 pages)
Add French5 min (setup) + 30 min (translate 5 pages)
Add German5 min (setup) + 30 min (translate 5 pages)
Total~3.5 hours

Ongoing maintenance: 5-10 minutes per update across all languages (must click "Translate" for each).

Pros and Cons of Wix Multilingual

Pros: ✅ User-friendly (no coding required) ✅ AI translation included ✅ Good SEO with server-side rendering ✅ Custom URLs per language ✅ Beautiful templates

Cons: ❌ Requires paid plan ($192-336/year) ❌ Manual translation triggering after every update ❌ Time-consuming for 4+ languages ❌ Risk of forgetting to translate updated content ❌ Less flexible than WordPress

Method #4: How to Make a Multilingual Website with Squarespace

Best for: English-only sites or 2 languages maximum.

Time investment: 4-6 hours for 3+ languages.

Cost: $192-432/year (Squarespace) + $0-1,590/year (third-party plugin if needed).

The Problem with Squarespace

Squarespace has NO native multilingual support.

Official Squarespace recommendation:

  1. Manually duplicate every page for each language
  2. Create folder structure (/en/, /es/, /fr/)
  3. Manually translate all content
  4. Manually build language switcher (custom code)
  5. Manually add hreflang tags (custom code per page)

Step-by-Step: Squarespace Manual Multilingual

Step 1: Build English Site

Create your pages in English first.

Time: 2-3 hours

Step 2: Create Folder Structure

  1. Pages → Add Folder → Name it "English"
  2. Move all pages into "English" folder
  3. Configure URL: /en/

Time: 15 minutes

Step 3: Duplicate for Spanish

  1. Duplicate every page manually
  2. Create "Spanish" folder
  3. Move duplicates into Spanish folder
  4. Configure URL: /es/
  5. Manually translate all content
  6. Manually translate navigation menus

Time: 60-90 minutes per language

Step 4: Add Language Switcher (Custom Code)

  1. Design → Custom CSS
  2. Add language switcher HTML/CSS
  3. Test on all pages

Time: 30-60 minutes (requires coding knowledge)

Step 5: Add hreflang Tags (Custom Code)

  1. Settings → Advanced → Code Injection
  2. Add hreflang tags to every page individually
  3. Update tags whenever you add/remove pages

Time: 10 minutes per page (ongoing nightmare)

Alternative: Third-Party Plugin (Weglot, Bablic)

Instead of manual duplication, use a plugin:

Weglot for Squarespace:

  • Cost: $99-1,590/year
  • Setup: 10-15 minutes
  • Automatic translation
  • Total cost: $192-432 (Squarespace) + $99-1,590 (Weglot) = $291-2,022/year

Pros and Cons of Squarespace Multilingual

Pros: ✅ Beautiful templates ✅ Easy to use for English-only sites ✅ Good for portfolios/photography

Cons: ❌ NO native multilingual support ❌ Manual duplication = 60-90 min per language ❌ High risk of outdated content in secondary languages ❌ Requires custom code for proper SEO (hreflang tags) ❌ Expensive when adding third-party translation plugins

Method #5: Automated Multilingual Platforms (Modern Solution)

Best for: Business owners who want "create once, available everywhere" workflow.

Time investment: 3-15 minutes total setup.

Cost: $0-600/year.

Option A: SoraWebs (Built for Multilingual from Day 1)

Best for: Service-based businesses (restaurants, salons, contractors, consultants).

Step-by-Step: SoraWebs

Step 1: Sign Up (30 seconds)

  1. Go to sorawebs.com
  2. Click "Start Free"
  3. Enter email

Step 2: Select Languages (30 seconds)

  • Choose 2-7+ languages from 48+ options
  • SoraWebs automatically creates site structure for all languages

Step 3: Enter Business Info (60 seconds)

  • Business name
  • Category (restaurant, salon, contractor, etc.)
  • Location

Step 4: Add First Service (30 seconds)

  • Click "Add Service"
  • Say: "House cleaning - residential and commercial, eco-friendly, $99+"
  • AI generates full description
  • Upload image
  • Click "Publish"

What happens automatically: ✅ Service created in all selected languages ✅ Custom URLs per language (/en/house-cleaning → /es/limpieza-de-casas) ✅ SEO metadata generated per language ✅ hreflang tags added ✅ Images copied to all versions ✅ Edge caching for fast delivery worldwide

Total time: 3 minutes.

Ongoing updates: 30 seconds (edit once, automatically propagates to all languages).

SoraWebs Pricing

  • Free: 2 languages, 10 services, 10 images
  • Premium: $0-20/month for 5-7+ languages, unlimited services, custom domain

Option B: Weglot (Plugin for Existing Sites)

Best for: Adding multilingual to existing WordPress, Shopify, Webflow sites.

How Weglot Works:

  1. Install Weglot plugin on your existing site
  2. Choose languages
  3. Weglot automatically translates and creates separate URLs
  4. Edit translations in dashboard

Setup time: 10-15 minutes

Pricing: $99-1,590/year (based on page count and languages)

Option C: ConveyThis (Similar to Weglot)

Pricing: $0-1,500/year Setup time: 10-15 minutes Supports: WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, custom HTML

Comparison: Automated Platforms

PlatformBest ForFree TierPaid PlansSetup Time
SoraWebsNew service-based sites2 languages$0-240/year (7+ languages)3 min
WeglotExisting WordPress/ShopifyNo$99-1,590/year10 min
ConveyThisAny platform1 language$0-1,500/year10 min

Pros and Cons of Automated Platforms

Pros: ✅ Fastest setup (3-15 minutes) ✅ Automatic content propagation (SoraWebs) or easy translation (Weglot) ✅ Proper SEO implementation ✅ No coding required ✅ Low maintenance

Cons: ❌ Less design flexibility than custom code ❌ Subscription cost (though often cheaper than WordPress+WPML) ❌ Dependent on platform (though content is exportable)

SEO Best Practices for Multilingual Websites

No matter which method you choose, follow these SEO rules:

1. Use hreflang Tags (Critical!)

Tell Google which language each page is in:

<link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://yoursite.com/en/services" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="es" href="https://yoursite.com/es/servicios" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="fr" href="https://yoursite.com/fr/services" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="x-default" href="https://yoursite.com/en/services" />

Include on EVERY page in EVERY language.

2. Use Separate URLs per Language

✅ Good:

  • yoursite.com/en/services
  • yoursite.com/es/servicios

❌ Bad:

  • yoursite.com/services?lang=es (query parameters)
  • JavaScript translation of same URL (Google can't index)

3. Translate URLs (Slugs)

✅ Good:

  • English: yoursite.com/en/services
  • Spanish: yoursite.com/es/servicios
  • French: yoursite.com/fr/services

❌ Bad:

  • English: yoursite.com/en/services
  • Spanish: yoursite.com/es/services (same slug in English)

Why: Translated URLs improve local search rankings and user trust.

4. Translate ALL Metadata

For each language version, translate:

  • Page titles (<title>)
  • Meta descriptions
  • Image alt text
  • Open Graph tags (social media previews)

5. Use Server-Side Rendering

✅ Good: HTML content sent from server (WordPress, Wix, SoraWebs)

❌ Bad: JavaScript translates content after page loads

Why: Google can't index JavaScript translations reliably.

6. Create Unique Content per Language

Don't just auto-translate. Customize for local audiences:

  • Use local currency ($99 USD → €89 EUR)
  • Adapt cultural references
  • Use local spelling (color vs colour)

7. Build Language-Specific Backlinks

Get links from:

  • Spanish sites → Your Spanish pages
  • French sites → Your French pages

This signals language relevance to Google.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake #1: Using Google Translate Widget

The problem: Google Translate widget does client-side translation (JavaScript). Google can't index these translations.

Fix: Use server-side translation methods (any of the 5 methods in this guide).

❌ Mistake #2: Forgetting to Update All Language Versions

Real example: Restaurant changes brunch menu price in English, forgets to update Spanish and French. Customers see different prices.

Fix: Use automated platforms (Method #5) or set a calendar reminder to update all languages.

❌ Mistake #3: Missing hreflang Tags

The problem: Google shows English page to Spanish searchers (or vice versa).

Fix: Add hreflang tags to every page in every language.

❌ Mistake #4: Using Flags for Language Switcher

Why it's bad:

  • Spanish is spoken in 20+ countries (which flag to use?)
  • English is spoken in USA, UK, Australia, etc.

Fix: Use language names ("English," "Español," "Français") instead of flags.

❌ Mistake #5: Auto-Redirect Based on IP Location

The problem: User in Spain trying to view English version keeps getting redirected to Spanish.

Fix: Suggest language based on location, but let users choose.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Choose Manual HTML if:

  • ✅ You're a developer with coding skills
  • ✅ You want $0 ongoing costs
  • ✅ You have 40+ hours for initial build
  • ✅ You need complete control
  • ✅ You rarely update your site

Choose WordPress + WPML if:

  • ✅ You need custom functionality (e-commerce, membership, LMS)
  • ✅ You have (or can hire) WordPress expertise
  • ✅ You're okay with $258-4,338/year total cost
  • ✅ You need integration with specific plugins
  • ✅ You don't mind 2-4 hours setup + ongoing maintenance

Choose Wix Multilingual if:

  • ✅ You have 2-3 languages maximum
  • ✅ You update your site rarely (quarterly or less)
  • ✅ You want beautiful templates with no coding
  • ✅ You're okay with manual "Translate" button clicking
  • ✅ Budget: $192-336/year

Choose Squarespace if:

  • ❌ Don't choose Squarespace for multilingual.
  • ✅ It's excellent for English-only sites, but requires manual duplication or expensive plugins ($291-2,022/year) for multilingual.

Choose Automated Platforms (SoraWebs, Weglot) if:

  • ✅ You want 3+ languages with minimal effort
  • ✅ You're a busy business owner (not a developer)
  • ✅ You update content frequently (services, pricing, blog)
  • ✅ You want "create once, available everywhere" workflow
  • ✅ Budget: $0-600/year

Specifically choose SoraWebs if:

  • ✅ You're starting a NEW service-based website
  • ✅ You want AI blog writing included
  • ✅ You want free tier (2 languages, no credit card)

Specifically choose Weglot if:

  • ✅ You already have a WordPress/Shopify site
  • ✅ You need to add multilingual to existing site

Quick Decision Flowchart

Are you a developer?

  • YES → Method #1 (Manual HTML) or #2 (WordPress + WPML)
  • NO → Continue...

Do you already have a website?

  • YES → Method #5B (Weglot plugin)
  • NO → Continue...

How many languages do you need?

  • 2-3 languages, rare updates → Method #3 (Wix)
  • 3+ languages, frequent updates → Method #5A (SoraWebs)

Do you need custom functionality (e-commerce, membership)?

  • YES → Method #2 (WordPress + WPML)
  • NO → Method #5A (SoraWebs)

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Local Restaurant (3 Languages)

Scenario: Miami restaurant serving English, Spanish, Haitian Creole customers. Updates menu monthly.

Best choice: SoraWebs

  • Why: 3 minutes to add new menu items, automatic translation, $0-240year
  • Alternative: Wix ($192/year) but requires 10+ min per menu update

Avoid: WordPress (overkill), Squarespace (no native support), Manual HTML (too time-consuming)

Example 2: E-Commerce Store (5 Languages, 500+ Products)

Scenario: Online store selling worldwide. English, Spanish, French, German, Italian. WooCommerce preferred.

Best choice: WordPress + WPML + WooCommerce Multilingual

  • Why: Powerful e-commerce features, product variation support, currency switcher
  • Cost: ~$500-1,000/year (worth it for e-commerce features)

Avoid: SoraWebs (doesn't support full e-commerce yet), Wix (expensive for 500+ products), Manual HTML (impossible to maintain)

Example 3: Personal Portfolio (English Only)

Scenario: Designer portfolio, English only.

Best choice: Squarespace

  • Why: Beautiful templates, no multilingual needed
  • Cost: $192/year

Avoid: Any multilingual solution (you don't need it!)

Example 4: SaaS Marketing Site (4 Languages)

Scenario: Software company marketing site. English, Spanish, French, German. Tech blog updated weekly.

Best choice: WordPress + WPML

  • Why: Custom integrations, blog management, developer team can maintain
  • Cost: $500-1,500/year (budget available)

Alternative: SoraWebs if you want to save time on blog translations (AI-powered blog writing)

Conclusion: The State of Multilingual Websites in 2025

The old way (2010-2020): Spend 40+ hours manually coding multilingual sites or $2,000+/year on WordPress + WPML + translation credits.

The new way (2025): Use modern automated platforms that do the heavy lifting for you.

Our recommendation for most small businesses:

  1. Starting fresh? Try SoraWebs free tier (2 languages, $0, 3 min setup)
  2. Already have WordPress? Add Weglot plugin ($99+/year, 10 min setup)
  3. Need enterprise features? WordPress + WPML ($500+/year, hire developer)

The key insight: The best multilingual solution is the one you'll actually maintain. A 5-language site with outdated content hurts more than a 2-language site that's always current.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make a multilingual website?

  • Manual HTML: 40-80 hours initial build
  • WordPress + WPML: 2-4 hours initial setup
  • Wix Multilingual: 90 minutes per language
  • Squarespace: 4-6 hours (manual duplication)
  • SoraWebs/Weglot: 3-15 minutes total

Is it hard to make a multilingual website?

Depends on method:

  • Hard: Manual HTML coding (requires development skills)
  • Medium: WordPress + WPML (requires WordPress knowledge)
  • Easy: Wix, SoraWebs, Weglot (no coding required)

How much does a multilingual website cost?

MethodAnnual Cost
Manual HTML$60-200 (hosting only)
WordPress + WPML$258-4,338
Wix Multilingual$192-336
Squarespace + plugin$291-2,022
SoraWebs$0-240
Weglot$99-1,590

Can I make a multilingual website for free?

Yes, three ways:

  1. Manual HTML — Free (except hosting $60-200/year)
  2. SoraWebs Free Tier — 2 languages, 10 services, $0/year
  3. WordPress + manual translations — Free plugins exist, but time-consuming

What's the best CMS for multilingual websites?

For developers: WordPress + WPML (most powerful) For business owners: SoraWebs (easiest, automatic) For 2 languages only: Wix (good balance)

Do I need to translate my entire website?

Minimum to translate:

  • Homepage
  • Services/Products pages
  • Contact page
  • Navigation menus

Optional:

  • Blog posts (translate popular ones)
  • About page
  • Terms & Privacy

Pro tip: Start with 3-5 core pages in all languages. Add more over time.

How do I add a language switcher?

Manual HTML:

<nav>
    <a href="/en/">English</a>
    <a href="/es/">Español</a>
    <a href="/fr/">Français</a>
</nav>

WordPress + WPML: Built-in widget

Wix/SoraWebs/Weglot: Automatic

Ready to Go Multilingual?

Next steps:

  1. Decide your method (use decision flowchart above)
  2. Start small (2-3 languages maximum to start)
  3. Focus on core pages (homepage, services, contact)
  4. Test with real users (ask native speakers to review)
  5. Expand gradually (add more languages/pages over time)

Try SoraWebs Free: Start with 2 languages, no credit card required → 3-minute setup → See automatic translation in action.

Questions? Comment below or contact us.

Last updated: October 2025. This guide is based on current features and pricing. Methods and costs may change over time.

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