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Webflow Localization: The Ultimate Guide to Localizing and Translating Your Webflow Site

Webflow Localization: The Ultimate Guide to Localizing and Translating Your Webflow Site

8 min.

Last update:

September 26, 2024

If your site is only available in one language, you may miss out on a lot of opportunities. That's where the scene comes in Webflow Localization! 

A powerful feature that makes it easy to locate and translate a Webflow site. This tool is more than just a translation feature: it offers a real cultural and linguistic adaptation of your content.

Today, with a global audience just a click away, it has become essential for businesses to address their users in their language and according to their cultural particularities.
 

In this article from our Webflow agency SYNQRO, we are going to explore why location is crucial, how Webflow Localization can propel your site to new international horizons, and how to maximize its benefits to improve both the user experience (UX) and your SEO.


Why is Localization important for your website?

Consumers still prefer to navigate and interact with sites in their native language. According to recent studies, nearly 75% of online users prefer to buy products on sites in their language, and more than 50% of users avoid sites that are not in their native language. Localization is not limited to the literal translation of words. It encompasses cultural nuances, regional preferences, and even visual elements that can influence buying decisions.
 

Here's why localize your site with Webflow Localization is essential:
 

  • International expansion : Reach a wider audience by adapting to the specific needs of each region.
     
  • UX improvement : Create a user experience that speaks to each user in their language and with their cultural references.
     
  • Multilingual SEO boost : A localized and well-structured site significantly improves its referencing in several languages and on various search engines.
     

Webflow Localization: a powerful and flexible tool

Localizing a website can often seem complex and intimidating. However, Webflow Localization was designed to simplify this process and allow you to adapt your site according to languages and cultures, without advanced technical skills.


The key features of Webflow Localization

Multilingual translation : With Webflow Localization, you can translate each section of your site manually or automatically, whether it's static text or CMS content.

Language Management Made Easy : The intuitive interface allows you to add languages, define one by default and manage language versions from the same Webflow project.

Optimizing Design for Each Language : Localize not only the content, but also the design! Each version of the site can be adjusted to match the visual preferences of users in a specific region.

Multilingual SEO : In addition to translating the content, Webflow Localization allows you to optimize SEO for each language. From the structure of the URLs to the meta tags, everything is designed to ensure optimal visibility on local search engines.


Webflow Localization vs third party tools: which option should you choose?

If you hesitate between using the native features of Webflow or a third-party tool like Weglot, here is a quick comparison:

  • Webflow Localization : Integrated solution, ideal for those looking for fine customization. Each version of the site can be modified by hand, offering great flexibility, but requiring more time.
  • Third-party tools : tools like Weglot offer instant and automated translation, perfect for rapid implementation. However, these solutions are often limited in terms of customization.

Comparison with third party tools Webflow Localization vs Weglot

  • Deep customization: Unlike third-party tools like Weglot that automate translation, Webflow Localization offers total control over the localization process, making it possible to adapt the translations but also the design and visual elements of each version of the site.
  • Limits of third party tools: While third-party tools are quicker to set up, they often offer less flexibility in terms of content and design customization, which can be a disadvantage for businesses looking for a more nuanced approach to localization.

    The advantage of Webflow Localization is its depth and control. You not only have the power to translate, but also to adapt content to regional preferences, a major advantage for sites that target a sophisticated global audience.

Webflow Localization Advanced Features

  • Location of assets (images, videos, etc.): Webflow Localization is not limited to text translation. It also makes it possible to locate visual assets to adapt them to each region, thus offering an even more personalized experience to users.
  • Localized URLs and automatic routing: The tool allows you to configure specific URLs for each language, thus facilitating indexing and referencing in local search engines. In addition, Webflow can automatically redirect visitors to the version of the site corresponding to their language based on their geographic location.
  • Customizing the style and visibility of elements: With Webflow Localization, it is possible to change not only the content, but also the visual layout of the site for each region, ensuring a consistent user experience that is adapted to local cultural preferences.
  • Support for non-Latin scripts: The system perfectly manages languages using non-Latin alphabets (such as Chinese, Arabic, or Russian) by offering font and style adjustments to ensure optimal readability.

Languages Available on Webflow Localization

With Webflow Localization, you have access to a wide variety of languages to meet the needs of an international audience.

Here is an overview of the languages that are commonly used and supported by this powerful tool:

  • englishman
  • frenchman
  • spaniard
  • Allemand
  • Italian
  • Chinese (simplified and traditional)
  • japanese
  • Portuguese (Portugal and Brazil)
  • Russian
  • Arabe
  • Korean
  • Dutch
  • swede
  • Danish
  • turk

Each language can be customized, in terms of content or design, in order to adapt to local cultural preferences. Webflow also offers the possibility of working with non-Latin scripts, such as Arabic and Chinese, thus facilitating a global and inclusive approach for your web projects.


How to activate your preview of Webflow Localization?

Webflow localization unlocks end-to-end visual personalization of your website for a global audience.
From design to translation to SEO, the localization feature makes it possible to create localized professional sites faster than ever, supporting the growth of your business.

You can test basic localization features for free, regardless of your plan, and only pay when you're ready to publish.

Learn how to activate your free preview by clicking here:
Webflow Localization

Choosing the Right Webflow Localization Plan: What to Consider

When considering using Webflow Localization, it is crucial to choose the right plan based on your needs. Webflow offers several paid plans, each offering specific benefits when it comes to localization and content management.

 

Here are a few things to consider:

 

Number of languages : Basic plans may not include a large number of supported languages. If you need to localize your site into multiple languages, it's best to go with a higher plan.

 

Content volume : The number of pages and the management of dynamic content via CMS are limited according to the plans. If your site contains a lot of content or if you use dynamic collections, the plan CMS or Business will be more suitable.

 

Access to SEO features : Advanced SEO optimization features, such as customizing meta tags and URLs for each language, are only available from the plans CMS and above. This allows you to optimize each version of your site for local search engines.

 

Manual or automatic translation : If you need to customize each language manually, the plan Business will be more appropriate. If you prefer a machine translation solution via a third-party tool (like Weglot), a lower plan may be fine.

 

Site traffic : The plan you choose will also depend on the number of visitors you expect on your site. The more advanced plans make it possible to manage higher traffic while providing an optimized user experience.

Depending on the size of your project and your goals, it is essential to weigh these factors when choosing the plan. Webflow Localization that will maximize your results without spending more than necessary.
 

How to Localize and Translate Your Site Effectively with Webflow Localization

1. Plan Your Localization Strategy

Before diving into translation, take some time to plan your strategy. Ask yourself: what languages do you want to integrate? What audience are you targeting? Each region has its own particularities, both linguistically and culturally.

2. Configure Locales in Webflow

In Webflow, the process of setting up Webflow Localization is intuitive. Go to your project settings, then in the “Localization” tab, set the default language for your site and add the new (local) languages to be integrated.

  • Set the primary language : Choose your default language (French, English, Spanish, etc.).
  • Add additional languages : Click on “Add a new location” and then select the languages you want from the list.

3. Translate Static and Dynamic Content

Once your languages are set up, you can start translating the content on your site. Webflow Localization offers the possibility of manually translating each element or using machine translation services via third-party APIs.

  • Static content : Select the text to be translated in the Webflow Designer. Change the target language version directly.
  • Dynamic content (CMS) : If your site uses the Webflow CMS, each collection item must be translated individually to ensure perfect localization.

4. Adapt the Design for Each Language

Texts aren't the only things that need to be localized. Sometimes the design also needs to be adjusted to fit cultural norms. For example, Japanese users often prefer a more compact layout, while European users may be more comfortable with a more airy space.

  • Localized images : Adapt visuals to match local expectations (e.g. replace images of foreign landscapes with local images).
  • Fonts and Text Sizes : Some characters, such as those in Chinese or Arabic, require specific fonts and sizes for optimal readability.

5. Optimize Multilingual SEO

For each language version of your site, it is essential to optimize SEO:

  • Meta Tags and Localized Titles : Translate and customize meta tags for each language.
  • Canonical URLs and Slugs : Use descriptive slugs adapted to each language, which helps improve rankings in local searches.

     

How to Install Webflow Localization on Your Webflow Site

The installation of Webflow Localization is a simple process that can transform the international reach of your site in just a few steps. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started quickly.
 

Step 1: Go to Project Settings

  • Connect to your Webflow dashboard.
  • Click on the project you want to locate.
  • Go to the “Settings” tab in the left sidebar to open the project configuration options.
     

Step 2: Activate the location feature

  • Under the “Location” tab, click “Activate location.”
  • Select the main language of your site, which will be the basis for all future translations.
     

Step 3: Add additional languages

  • Click “Add a new location” to add a language.
  • Select the desired language from the dropdown list (for example, English, Spanish, German).
  • Configure associated settings, such as the display name and URL subfolder for each language.
     

Step 4: Translating the content

  • Navigate to the Webflow Designer.
  • Select the page or content item you want to translate.
  • Click on the “Local View” tab to switch to the added language.
  • Manually translate each item or use a machine translation API to make things easier for you.
     

Step 5: Preview and Publish

  • Use the “Preview in language” option to check how your site looks and performs in each language.
  • Once the adjustments are complete, you can publish the new language versions of your site by selecting “Publish.”
     

Webflow Localization Pricing

The costs associated with Webflow Localization vary depending on the Webflow plan you use as well as additional location options you might choose.

webflow localization prix tarif

Essential Plan

  • prix : +$9 per location/month
  • Availability : Added to Basic, CMS, and Business plans.
  • Key features :
    • Up to 3 locations can be added.
    • Machine translation.
    • Localization of the CMS.
    • Location of static pages.
    • Localized SEO.
  • Ideal for : Quickly launch small sites in new international markets.

Advanced Plan

  • prix : +$29 per location/month
  • Availability : Added to Basic, CMS, and Business plans.
  • Key features :
    • Up to 5 locations can be added.
    • Machine translation.
    • Localization of the CMS.
    • Location of static pages.
    • Localized SEO.
    • Location of assets.
    • Localized URLs.
    • Automatic visitor routing.
  • Ideal for : Build professional sites with more complex localization needs.

Enterprise plan

  • prix : Contact sales for a personalized quote.
  • Availability : Added to Enterprise Site plans only.
  • Key features :
    • Customizable number of locations.
    • Machine translation.
    • Localization of the CMS.
    • Location of static pages.
    • Localized SEO.
    • Location of assets.
    • Localized URLs.
    • Automatic visitor routing.
    • Style location.
    • Customizable element visibility.
    • Adapted to the scale of the company.
    • Full integration with Webflow Enterprise.
  • Ideal for : Large companies seeking to go global with integrated and personalized location needs.

Cost of Third-Party Tools (e.g. Weglot):

  • If you opt for machine translation solutions like Weglot, the prices vary depending on the number of words translated and the additional languages. This can range from $10 to $200 per month, depending on your needs.
     

In conclusion, Webflow Localization offers an integrated solution that is ideal for businesses that want to reach a global audience, with varying costs depending on the complexity and functionalities required.
 

FAQs: Webflow Localization FAQ

1. Is Webflow Localization suitable for large sites?

Yes Webflow Localization is an ideal solution for sites of all sizes, whether small businesses or multinationals. Thanks to its intuitive interface and powerful features, even high-content sites can be managed effectively.

2. Does Webflow Localization support non-Latin characters?

Absolutely. Whether you need to translate your site into Chinese, Arabic, Russian, or any other language that uses non-Latin characters, Webflow Localization handles these entries perfectly and allows you to adjust the fonts accordingly.

3. What is the difference between machine and manual translation in Webflow Localization?

La Machine translation via third-party tools like Weglot is fast but may lack nuances. It is suitable for basic content. On the other hand, the manual translation with Webflow Localization allows you to adjust every detail, ensuring accurate content that is well-suited to your local audience.

4. How does Webflow Localization impact international SEO?

Webflow Localization directly improves multilingual SEO by making it possible to optimize each language version of your site. By adapting title tags, meta descriptions, and slugs for each language, your site will be better referenced in local and international searches.

5. What are the advantages of Webflow Localization compared to other web localization solutions?

The benefits include a native integration in Webflow, a advanced personalization for each language, and the possibility of optimizing the design And the SEO for each language version. Unlike external solutions that focus on machine translation, Webflow Localization offers total control over every detail.
 

Conclusion on the Webflow Localization feature

Webflow Localization is much more than just a translation tool. It is a complete solution that allows you to adapt your Webflow site to different languages and cultures, while maximizing the SEO impact and optimizing the user experience. Whether you want to enter new markets or provide a better experience for your global users, localization is key.

Thanks to this tool, you have all the cards in hand to succeed on the global stage.


And if you feel that you are not going to succeed or take too long to set up Webflow Localization, contact our expert webflow agency Synqro !

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