Build a Multilingual Site on Squarespace Manually
TL;DR:
- Version 7.1 works best with Weglot integration for multilingual capabilities
- Without Weglot, Squarespace version 7.0 requires manual setup for multiple languages
- Standard Squarespace limitations include single-language displays and one currency only
- Configure navigation through dropdown menus for intuitive multi-language site navigation
Setting up a multilingual site on Squarespace takes some planning, but it's definitely doable if you're willing to get your hands dirty with the structure.
Setting Up Your Multilingual Site Manually
Starting with Your Homepage
If you're using version 7.0 or prefer not to use Weglot, here's how to tackle it:
- Set up a homepage that isn't linked in the main navigation panel
- Use this page as a stepping stone, connecting directly to different language versions of your site
This approach gives you more control over how visitors first encounter your multilingual setup.
Structuring the Navigation
Create a user-friendly experience with dropdown menus:
- Place two dropdowns in the main navigation, each named after a language (e.g., English or Español)
- Inside each dropdown, add pages respective to that language
- The initial page should act as a welcoming or landing page for speakers of the language
Keep each dropdown's navigation limited to match the language being viewed. This keeps the site visually clean and prevents confusion.
Linking Pages and Final Touches
- Duplicate pages for efficiency, then modify the content to fit the new language
- Include navigation links or buttons on your homepage to lead visitors to their preferred language section
This duplication method saves time and ensures consistency across your language versions.
Publishing
Before going live, preview your navigation and homepage to confirm everything functions as planned. Test the user journey from both language perspectives to catch any broken links or confusing navigation paths.
FAQs
How can I make my multilingual site more SEO-friendly?
Integrate your site with Google Search Console and follow SEO best practices. Using Weglot helps with automatic hreflang tags, which help search engines understand your multilingual setup.
Can different languages have separate domains in Squarespace?
No, Squarespace doesn't support multiple domains for different languages by default. Integrating with Weglot allows for the creation of language subdomains though.
Is selling in multiple currencies possible on a Squarespace multilingual site?
Currently, Squarespace supports only one currency at a time. For multiple currencies, consider setting up separate sites or look for other workarounds.
Jargon Buster
- Weglot: A service that integrates with website builders like Squarespace to provide automatic translation and create subdomains for different languages
- Hreflang tags: Code snippets that tell search engines about the linguistic and geographical targeting of a webpage
- SEO: Search Engine Optimization, the process of optimizing a website to increase its visibility on search engines
Wrap-up
Creating a multilingual website in Squarespace without ready-made tools like Weglot involves a few more steps but is perfectly doable with thoughtful planning. Start with a solid structure, ensure navigational ease, and don't forget to optimize for search engines to reach a broader audience effectively. If the manual process feels daunting, integrating services like Weglot can simplify multilingual setups and enhance your site's global reach.
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