6 CMS Platforms for Creating Multilingual Websites

Discover the best CMS platforms for building multilingual websites, as curated by industry specialists. Gain expert opinions on top solutions from WordPress to Shopify, tailored for diverse linguistic needs. Unlock the potential of global reach with proven strategies and insider tips.

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WordPress with WPML Plugin

I’ve worked on creating multilingual websites that cater to diverse audiences. My top recommendation for a content management system (CMS) is WordPress—specifically when paired with a robust multilingual plugin like WPML (WordPress Multilingual Plugin).

WordPress is an incredibly versatile platform, and what makes it ideal for multilingual websites is the flexibility it offers. With WPML or similar plugins like Polylang, you can seamlessly create and manage content in multiple languages without needing advanced technical skills. The interface makes it easy to translate pages, posts, and even metadata, which is crucial for SEO optimization in different languages.

One of the main reasons I prefer WordPress for multilingual sites is its scalability. Whether you’re building a small blog or a large e-commerce site, WordPress grows with you. Plugins like WPML allow you to create a consistent user experience by linking translations and providing language switchers that integrate beautifully into your site’s design. You can even tailor specific content to different regions, ensuring your message resonates locally.

Another critical feature is the ability to integrate with translation services. For one of our recent projects, we connected WPML to a professional translation provider to streamline the process, ensuring high-quality translations while saving time. This approach was far more efficient than manual translations, especially for a website with hundreds of pages.

Lastly, WordPress’s active developer and support community is unmatched. If you run into challenges with your multilingual setup, there’s a wealth of resources and forums to help you troubleshoot.

For anyone looking to build a multilingual website, my advice is to focus on both functionality and user experience. WordPress, combined with the right plugins, offers a solution that’s powerful, adaptable, and budget-friendly—a perfect fit for businesses aiming to expand globally.

Max Shak, Founder/CEO, nerDigital

Joomla for Multilingual Sites

In my experience, Joomla has been a very useful tool when it comes to the creation of multilingual websites. Built-in support for multiple languages means there is simply no need to use third-party plugins or any other additional software.

For example, Joomla’s language management system eased the process of launching French and Spanish versions of my blog. Instead of trying to manage more than one platform or worry about integration problems, I could actually make content for each dialect within one website. The “Associations” feature allowed me to link up articles related to each other across various languages so that users could easily switch between their preferred options without missing out on crucial details.

The best part about this CMS is its ability to be customized. To suit Spanish readers, some paragraphs were localized but left the main structure intact—like referencing local events and cultural practices. This flexibility helped me create authentic user engagements resulting in trust and loyalty over time.

Similarly, Joomla boasts impressive SEO functionalities for multi-language sites. I was able to set language-specific metadata which boosted visibility on country-based searches. For instance, my French section had a 25% rise in organic traffic within two months of applying this technique.

Among other things that make it stand out are its combination of ease, functionality, and versatility, hence making it my top choice when it comes to creating multilingual websites. If your plan includes going international, this CMS will help you deal with linguistic complexities.

Soubhik Chakrabarti, CEO, Icy Tales

BigCommerce and Weglot Plugin

For multilingual websites, I recommend using BigCommerce with the Weglot plugin. BigCommerce offers strong e-commerce features, and Weglot provides an easy, automated way to translate and manage content in multiple languages. With Weglot, the translation process is fast and efficient, and it integrates directly with BigCommerce to ensure that product descriptions, customer reviews, and other e-commerce elements are accurately translated.

I like this combination because Weglot’s real-time translation and the ability to make adjustments to translations on the fly give us complete control over the content. BigCommerce’s flexibility allows for an optimized shopping experience, with localized currency options and language-specific payment methods, which is key for our international customer base. The tool also helps with SEO optimization for each language version, ensuring that we’re targeting global markets effectively.

Wes Wakefield, Founder, Pro Coffee Gear

Drupal for Complex Multilingual Needs

When it comes to creating multilingual websites, I recommend using a content management system like Drupal. Drupal is highly flexible and robust, making it an excellent choice for managing complex multilingual capabilities. It offers extensive language support, making it easy to configure and customize for global reach. We’ve experienced the value of using a CMS that can handle diverse content needs. Our own CMS product is designed to meet such comprehensive requirements while streamlining operations within educational institutions. 

The ability to effortlessly manage various content languages can significantly improve the learner’s experience, a focus that’s crucial in higher education as well. Drupal’s language management tools and customizable interface allow for seamless integration with existing systems, which aligns well with our approach at Modern Campus. Institutions we’ve worked with benefit from improved accessibility and engagement, which are vital in today’s interconnected world.

Shauna Cox, Host, Modern Campus

Grav for Lightweight Multilingual Sites

I recommend Grav for creating multilingual websites because it does not rely on a database. This makes it lightweight, fast, and easy to manage, particularly for developers who prefer a more streamlined approach to building and maintaining websites. One of Grav’s standout features is its robust support for multilingual content. It provides seamless options for configuring multiple languages, including content, menus, and metadata translation support. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses or organizations catering to diverse audiences. 

Furthermore, it is highly customizable, offering flexibility through its modular architecture. Developers can easily tailor it to suit specific project needs without being bogged down by unnecessary features standard in larger CMS platforms. It’s ideal for projects requiring simplicity and speed without compromising on functionality. However, its active community and extensive documentation ensure strong user support. Grav is worth considering for an efficient, multilingual-friendly CMS with a unique edge.

Peter Bryla, Senior Community Manager, Resume-Now

Shopify with Langify App

I would recommend using Shopify with the Langify app for multilingual websites. Shopify is a top-tier e-commerce platform, and when paired with Langify, it’s easy to create and manage multiple language versions of your product pages and store content. Langify allows for manual translations, and it integrates smoothly with Shopify, which helps us provide a seamless shopping experience for international customers.

What makes Shopify with Langify a good choice is its focus on e-commerce functionality. It allows you to create customized multilingual pages that match the luxury and sustainability values of our brand while making it simple for customers to navigate the site in their preferred language. The platform also ensures that all translated content is optimized for SEO, helping us reach customers globally while maintaining high visibility in search results.

Jehann Biggs, President & Owner, In2Green

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