Creating Multilingual Sites with Hostinger
TL;DR:
- Hostinger Website Builder lets you add multiple languages to your site
- You need to translate content manually – there's no automatic translation
- Language switchers help visitors navigate between different language versions
- Perfect for reaching international audiences without technical complexity
Building a multilingual website opens doors to global audiences, and Hostinger Website Builder makes this process manageable. You'll handle translations yourself, but the platform provides the structure to organise multiple language versions effectively.
Setting Up Multiple Languages
Getting started with multilingual content in Hostinger is straightforward. Navigate to your website settings from the dashboard and look for the language options. Here you can add the languages that match your target markets.
Hostinger supports a wide range of languages, so you can select those that best serve your audience. The key is choosing languages where you can maintain quality content rather than spreading yourself too thin across too many options.
Managing Content Across Languages
Each language version needs its own content. This means preparing translations before you start adding them to your site. You can handle translations yourself if you're fluent, or work with professional translators for better results.
Consider cultural context alongside direct translation. What works in one market might not resonate in another, so adapt your messaging accordingly. This includes everything from colour choices to imagery that feels appropriate for different regions.
Keep your content structure consistent across languages. If your English page has five sections, your French version should follow the same layout. This makes maintenance easier and provides a familiar experience for visitors who might switch between languages.
Adding Language Switchers
Language switchers let visitors choose their preferred language without hunting through menus. Hostinger includes tools to add these switchers to your site design.
Place your language switcher where visitors expect to find it. The header or footer work well because they're visible on every page. Make sure it's prominent enough to notice but doesn't dominate your design.
Test your language switcher regularly to ensure it works smoothly. Visitors should be able to switch languages and land on the equivalent page in their chosen language, not just the homepage.
Keeping Content Updated
Maintaining multiple language versions requires ongoing attention. When you update your primary language content, you'll need to update all other versions to keep information consistent.
Set up a system for tracking which pages need translation updates. This might be a simple spreadsheet or notes in your project management tool. The goal is ensuring no language version falls behind.
FAQs
How many languages can I add to my Hostinger site?
Hostinger supports multiple languages, though the exact number depends on your plan. Most users find they can add all the languages they need for their target markets.
Does Hostinger translate my content automatically?
No, you need to provide your own translations. This gives you control over quality and cultural appropriateness, but means more work upfront.
Can visitors switch languages on any page?
Yes, when set up properly, language switchers work from any page and should take visitors to the equivalent page in their chosen language.
Do I need separate domains for each language?
No, Hostinger handles multiple languages within a single domain structure, making management simpler.
Jargon Buster
Hostinger Website Builder: Hostinger's drag-and-drop tool for creating websites without coding knowledge
Language Switcher: A button or menu that lets visitors choose which language to view your site in
Multilingual Site: A website that offers content in multiple languages to serve different audiences
Content Localisation: Adapting content for specific regions beyond just translation, including cultural considerations
Wrap-up
Hostinger Website Builder provides solid foundations for multilingual sites without overwhelming complexity. The manual translation requirement means more work initially, but gives you complete control over how your brand appears in different markets. Focus on doing a few languages well rather than trying to cover every possible market at once.
Ready to expand your website's reach? Join Pixelhaze Academy for detailed tutorials and ongoing support as you build your multilingual presence.