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Multilingual Website Migration: Navigating Taxonomies

Feb 23 • 2 min read

Knowledge Base > Migration > Multilingual Website Migration: Navigating Taxonomies

Welcome to the world of Multilingual Website Migration! Imagine your website is like a big, bustling city with people from different parts of the world speaking various languages. Now, think about moving this city to a new location while making sure everyone can still find their way around.

That’s what we’ll be talking about in this journey – how to move your website to a new place while keeping everything organized and easy for everyone to understand, just like giving clear directions in a city.

Specifically, we’ll focus on the “taxonomies,” which are like the street signs and maps that help visitors (and search engines!) know where to go on your website.

Moving Day Basics

When it comes to moving your website, think of it as a big relocation day. We’ll cover the fundamental steps and things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition to a new online location.

The Language of Websites

Understanding Multilingualism:

Websites, like people, can speak different languages. Here, we delve into the concept of having your website speak multiple languages to cater to a diverse audience.

Language Tags and HTML:

Learn about the technical side of incorporating language tags and HTML elements to signal to browsers which language your content speaks. It’s like giving your website the ability to say “Hello” in many languages.

Signs and Maps: Your Website’s Guide

Introduction to Taxonomies:

Taxonomies are like the signs and maps of your website. In this section, we explore what taxonomies are and how they organize the content, helping users and search engines find their way around.

Categories and Tags:

Understand the difference between categories and tags in taxonomies. It’s like having main roads (categories) and smaller pathways (tags) to guide visitors efficiently.

Navigating for Everyone

Accessibility in Multilingual Sites:

Ensuring that people from different parts of the world can easily navigate your website is crucial. Here, we discuss strategies and tools to make your site accessible to everyone, regardless of their language or location.

User-Friendly Navigation:

Explore techniques for creating a user-friendly navigation system, making it easy for visitors to find what they need, no matter where they are in the world.

Smooth Sailing Tips

Preparation for Migration:

Before you move, you need to prepare. Discover the essential steps to take before the migration process to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth sailing experience.

Testing and Troubleshooting:

Learn about testing procedures and troubleshooting techniques to address any hiccups that may occur during the migration, ensuring a seamless transition to your website’s new home.

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Common Questions Re: Migrating Multilingual Website with Custom Taxonomies

  • How do you manage multilingual websites?

    Managing multilingual websites involves careful planning and the use of appropriate tools. The key steps include:

    1. Content Translation: Translate your website content into different languages to cater to a diverse audience.
    2. Language Tags: Implement language tags in the HTML code to indicate the language of each page.
    3. Multilingual SEO: Optimize your site for search engines in multiple languages to enhance visibility.
    4. User-Friendly Navigation: Ensure easy navigation for users by employing clear menus and language switchers.
    5. Localized URLs: Use localized URLs for different language versions to enhance user experience.

  • What is an example of a multilingual website?

    A notable example of a multilingual website is the official website of the European Union (europa.eu). This website provides information in 24 official EU languages, showcasing a successful implementation of a multilingual approach to reach a broad and diverse audience.

  • How do I create a multilingual website?

    Creating a multilingual website involves several steps:

    1. Choose a CMS with Multilingual Support: Select a content management system (CMS) that supports multilingual capabilities, such as WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal.
    2. Install a Multilingual Plugin or Module: Use plugins or modules specific to your chosen CMS that facilitate content translation and language management.
    3. Translate Content: Translate your website content into the desired languages, ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance.
    4. Implement Language Switcher: Add a language switcher on your website, allowing users to easily switch between different language versions.
    5. Optimize for Multilingual SEO: Optimize each language version for search engines by using appropriate meta tags, hreflang attributes, and localized keywords.

  • Is it possible to have two different languages on a WordPress website, and if yes, what would be the best approach to achieve that?

    Yes, it is possible to have two different languages on a WordPress website. The recommended approach is to use a multilingual plugin. One popular plugin is “WPML” (WordPress Multilingual Plugin), which allows you to easily translate pages, posts, and other content elements. With WPML, you can manage multiple languages, implement language switchers, and ensure a seamless user experience for visitors speaking different languages.