Building Multilingual Sites with Webflow. Tips for International Growth.

Why it is worth investing in multilingual websites

The Importance of Multilingual Websites for International Development

In the era of globalization and instant access to information, having a multilingual website has become a key element of the international development strategy for many companies. Entering foreign markets, even in the digital era, requires companies to adapt their offer and communication to recipients from different regions of the world. In this context, providing content in local languages not only increases reach, but also builds trust among users, increasing their engagement and willingness to interact with the brand.

A multilingual website is a great way to meet the needs of consumers who prefer to use content in their native language. Studies show that users are more likely to purchase products or use services if the website is available in their native language. Lack of language localization can lead to losing potential customers who decide not to continue using the website due to the language barrier.

How Webflow Powers Website Development for Global Markets

Webflow, one of the most popular tools for creating modern, responsive websites, offers solid support for users who want to create multilingual sites. Although the platform does not yet have native support for creating multilingual sites, it offers flexible solutions that allow for easy integration with tools and technologies that support international development.

Webflow enables you to manage multilingual content through the advanced CMS Collections system and integration with external tools such as Weglot or Lokalise, which automate the process of translating content and make it easier to manage different language versions of a site. This makes creating multilingual sites in Webflow intuitive, even for people without advanced programming knowledge.

A Brief Overview of Webflow's Key Features in the Context of Language Support

While Webflow doesn’t have a dedicated, built-in tool for managing multilingual content, the flexibility of the platform opens up a lot of possibilities. Key features like CMS Collections let you organize content and page structures for different language versions, providing a solid foundation for building international sites.

Another important aspect is the ability to customize meta tags and the implementation of "hreflang" tags, which support SEO for multilingual versions of the site. In addition, thanks to integrations with external tools, the process of translating and updating content becomes easier and more automated, which translates into more effective management of the website on an international scale.

Webflow is therefore an ideal platform for companies that want to achieve global reach, while offering tools that support the creation of intuitive, professional and well-optimized multilingual websites.

Planning the structure of a multilingual website

Creating a website that is accessible in multiple languages requires careful planning of the structure of the site, which is both intuitive for users and easy to manage. Whether you plan to expand your site to include one additional language version or introduce multiple variants on a global scale, the key element is to design a logical and flexible structure that will allow for effective handling of different languages.

How to plan a logical page structure for different languages

The first step in the planning process is to create a clear plan for each language version of your site. The structure of a multilingual site should be clear and consistent, and the layout of the content should be easy to understand regardless of the language the site is viewed in. In the context of Webflow, this means thinking about how the different language versions will be presented to users and how they will be managed in the admin panel.

The most common approaches to structuring multilingual sites are:

• Separate subdomains or subfolders . Each language version has its own dedicated subdomain (e.g. pl.sitename.com ) or subfolder (e.g. sitename.com/pl ). This approach is recommended from an SEO perspective, as it allows search engines to index different language versions more easily.
• Marking the language in a URL . When you structure your URL, you can include language markings (e.g., pagename.com/en for English and pagename.com/es for Spanish). This structure helps users quickly recognize which language a page is in and provides a better way to organize content across languages.
  

Regardless of the approach you choose, it is important that each page has a clearly defined purpose and is tailored to the needs of users from different regions, which supports their positive experience on the site.

Using CMS Collections in Webflow to Manage Multilingual Content

Webflow offers a flexible CMS Collections system that lets you organize your content in a smart and manageable way. In the context of multilingual sites, CMS Collections lets you create separate content collections for each language version. This way, you can organize articles, blog posts, product descriptions, and other types of content in an automated and consistent way, making it easier to manage large amounts of data.

You can create separate content collections for each language version or add multilingual fields within a single collection. For example:

• You can have one collection that will contain blog posts in different languages, and each field in the collection will correspond to a different language version (e.g. title_EN , title_FR ).
• Alternatively, you can create separate collections for each language version, which may be easier to manage for larger sites where each language version has unique content and structure.

Webflow CMS Collections automates many of the processes involved in managing multilingual content, which reduces the risk of errors and saves time, especially when it comes to regularly updating website content.

Best Practice Examples for Designing Multilingual Sites

When creating multilingual sites in Webflow, there are a few best practices to keep in mind that will help optimize both the creation and management of your site. Here are a few key principles:

1. Consistent navigation : Users from different regions of the world expect a consistent layout, regardless of the language they are browsing in. Make sure the navigation is identical in all language versions, with the only difference being the translated content.
2. Optimized translations : Automatic translations can be quick, but it’s always a good idea to ensure that each language version is professionally translated by specialists to prevent misunderstandings and errors that could damage your brand’s reputation.
3. Localization instead of literal translation : Remember that content translation is not just about translating words. It is worth adapting content to cultural differences, local customs and preferences, which can affect the better perception of the brand in a given market. For example, introducing local promotions or adjusting currency and date formats can increase user engagement.
4. Testing and auditing : Always test on each language version of your site to make sure everything is working properly – from content layout to translations to navigation. Regular content audits will ensure that all language versions are consistent and up to date.

Thoughtful planning and design of a multilingual website structure is the foundation of its success in the global market. Using tools such as CMS Collections in Webflow and applying proven practices, you can effectively manage your site and provide users with content that is understandable and useful to them, regardless of their location.

Implementing Language Support in Webflow

Creating a multilingual website in Webflow requires choosing the right tools and methods to manage multiple language versions. While Webflow doesn’t offer native support for multilingual sites, there are many ways to implement one, both through platform features and through integration with third-party tools. In this section, we’ll discuss the available options and how to use them to create an effective multilingual site.

Overview of available options: native Webflow support vs external integrations (e.g. Weglot)

Webflow, while not having built-in multilingual support, does provide users with tools that can support the creation of multilingual sites. There are two main approaches: using native Webflow features, such as CMS Collections , and third-party integrations, such as Weglot .

Native Webflow support

With Webflow Localization , the platform now offers more advanced support for multilingual site versions, allowing you to more easily manage content in multiple languages without having to manually create separate pages or integrate with external tools. Webflow Localization allows you to automate many of the processes related to localizing and translating content.

Here are the main features of native Webflow Localization support:

• Multiple Language Management : With built-in localization features, you can add different language versions for each page without having to create separate subpages or CMS collections. Webflow Localization automatically handles URL structures for different languages (e.g. pagename.com/en for English and pagename.com/pl for Polish), making SEO optimization easier.
• Centralized Content Management : Instead of creating separate fields in CMS Collections for each language version, Webflow Localization allows you to centrally manage content in multiple languages. This allows all language versions to be edited in one place, speeding up the process of updating and maintaining the site.
• Automatic content translation : Webflow Localization works with leading translation automation tools to quickly deploy new language versions and automatically generate translations based on source content.
• Cross-Language SEO Support : Webflow Localization supports automatic configuration of hreflang tags, so search engines can easily understand which language version of a page should be displayed to users in a given region.
  

The advantage of Webflow Localization is that the process of localizing and managing multiple languages becomes more automated, minimizing manual work and errors while increasing the scalability of your website in an international environment.

External integrations (e.g. Weglot)

External integrations like Weglot make the process of creating multilingual sites much easier. Weglot automatically translates content and synchronizes it between different language versions. This integration works as a plugin that translates the site in real time, without the need to manually add content for each language.

The benefits of using Weglot include:

• Automatic translation : Weglot automatically translates your website into multiple languages, offering a quick solution to implementing a multilingual version.
• Easy setup : Integration with Webflow is quick and easy, and multilingual support is immediate after installing the plugin.
• SEO support : Weglot creates separate, localized URLs for each language version, which supports SEO optimization in different languages.
  

While Weglot automates many tasks, you may also want to consider manually checking your translations to ensure they are accurate and culturally appropriate.

Creating language versions with CMS Collections

If you decide to manually manage language versions in Webflow, the key feature that makes this possible is CMS Collections . Here’s how you can use this feature to create multilingual versions of your content:

1. Create separate collections for each language version : Each collection will contain content in one of the selected languages. For example, you can create a Blog (EN) collection for English content and a Blog (PL) collection for Polish articles.
2. Add fields for different language versions : If you want to have all the language versions in one place, you can add text fields for each language version. For example, in the Products collection, you can add the Title (EN) , Title (PL) , Description (EN) , and Description (PL) fields .
3. Easy content management : With CMS Collections, you can quickly manage multilingual content, add new language versions, and edit existing ones, making it much easier to scale your site as your business grows.
   

How to automate website content translation

Automating content translation can greatly simplify the process of creating multilingual sites, especially if you regularly add new content. There are several ways to automate translations in Webflow:

1. Integrations with external tools : Tools such as Weglot or Lokalise allow for automatic translation of content without the need to manually add translations. Weglot integrates with Webflow, scans the page and creates translated versions in real time. Lokalise, on the other hand, allows for more advanced translation management and collaboration with professional translators.
2. Google Translate API : While the Google Translate API can be used to quickly translate content, it is important to remember that automated translations are often inaccurate. These types of tools should be used with caution and ideally verified by professional translators.
3. Manual Process Automation : Even without using external tools, you can partially automate translation management using CMS and Webflow features. For example, when you add new content, you can set notifications to remind you to add the appropriate translations or use macros to copy formats between language versions.

While automated tools like Weglot can significantly speed up the process of translating and updating content on your site, it is always a good idea to perform manual checks to ensure the quality and accuracy of your translations.

Choosing the right tool or approach to implementing language support depends on the size of the project, how often content changes, and the resources a company can devote to translations. With Webflow’s flexible options, every company can find a solution that fits their needs.

SEO optimization for multilingual sites

In the context of multilingual sites, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) plays a key role in gaining visibility in international markets. Properly adapting your site for search engines allows you to effectively reach users in different countries and languages, which translates into more traffic, engagement, and ultimately – increased conversions. Below, we’ll discuss why SEO is so important for multilingual sites, how to configure SEO elements in Webflow, and what strategies you can use to ensure effectiveness in international markets.

The Importance of SEO for Multilingual Sites

Multilingual websites offer businesses the opportunity to reach a global audience, but to do so, they must be easy for users and search engines to find in different regions. Proper SEO optimization for each language version of a site has a huge impact on its visibility in search results. Without proper optimization, search engines may have trouble properly understanding the structure of the site and assigning the appropriate language versions to users in different locations.

Well-optimized multilingual site:

• Improves search engine visibility : Each language version of your site should be optimized for local keywords and content, which allows for a higher position in search engine results.
• Increases user engagement : Delivering content in a language that users understand increases the chance of them staying on your site longer and converting.
• Supports user experience : Marking language versions of a page appropriately (e.g. with hreflang tags) helps search engines display the correct language version of the page, which improves user experience.
  

How to Configure Meta Tags and Hreflang in Webflow for SEO Support

Optimizing multilingual sites requires precise configuration of meta tags and hreflang tags to help search engines index content correctly and direct users to the appropriate language versions. Webflow offers tools to manually customize these elements, giving you control over SEO for each language.

Meta tags in Webflow

Meta tags, such as title and meta description , are crucial for SEO because they affect how your site is described in search results. To optimize your meta tags for each language version in Webflow:

1. Customize meta tags for each language version : In Webflow, you can edit page titles (meta title) and descriptions (meta description) for each subpage separately. Each language version should have a unique title and description, including local keywords. For example, the English page could be titled: “Buy Eco-friendly Products | International Store” and the Polish version: “Kup Produkty Ekologiczne | Sklep Międzynarodowy” .
2. Using CMS variables : If you use Webflow CMS to manage multilingual content, you can automatically generate dynamic meta tags based on variables. This allows you to easily manage a large number of pages and minimizes the risk of missing optimization for one of the language versions.
   

Tags hreflang

Hreflang tags are an incredibly important SEO element for multilingual sites, as they tell search engines which version of the page should be displayed to users based on their language and location. Properly configured hreflang tags help avoid duplicate content issues and ensure that the right version of the page is delivered to the right audience.

To configure hreflang tags in Webflow:
Adding hreflang tags to each page : Hreflang tags must be added to each language version of the page. In Webflow, you can do this manually by adding the appropriate tags in the "Custom Code" section on each subpage. The sample hreflang tag code for the English and Polish versions looks like this:

"alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://sitename.com/en" /><link rel="alternate" hreflang="pl" href="https://website-name.com/pl" />

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Use the right language and region codes : Hreflang not only indicates the language, but also the region. For example, if you have different versions of an English site for the US and the UK, you should use the right ones: en-US for the US and en-GB for the UK.

Examples of Effective SEO Strategies for International Sites

An effective SEO strategy for multilingual sites requires the right combination of technical optimization, well-thought-out content, and regular performance analysis. Here are some proven strategies that can increase the visibility of international sites in search results:

1. Localizing content and keywords : Instead of relying solely on translations, it’s a good idea to tailor your content and keywords to local preferences. For example, in the UK, users might search for “trainers” while in the US they might use the term “sneakers.” Conducting local keyword research will help you better tailor your content to local markets.
2. Optimizing images and multimedia content : Language versions of a site should have optimized images and multimedia content that are tailored to local tastes and requirements. For example, different regions may prefer different date formats, units of measurement, currencies, or symbols that should be reflected on the site.
3. Using local links : Incoming links from high-authority local sites can significantly increase your SEO ranking for a given language version. It is worth investing in local link building, for example by working with bloggers, industry media or directories in specific countries.
4. Cross-language SEO testing and monitoring : Use tools like Google Search Console to track the performance of each language version of your site. Monitor metrics like search engine rankings, CTR, and bounce rates to understand how users are responding to your content and make improvements as needed.

Personalization of user experiences across regions

Creating a multilingual site is not just about translating content. To effectively reach audiences from different regions, a more comprehensive approach is necessary, including adapting content, promotions, and visual aspects of the site to the specific needs and preferences of local users. Personalizing the user experience is key to building brand trust, improving engagement, and increasing conversions in new markets.

How to adapt content to local audiences, not just linguistically

Language is a fundamental element of localization, but not the only one. Effective personalization of content on international sites requires adapting communication and offerings to the specific cultural preferences, shopping habits, and expectations of users in a given region. Here are some key aspects to consider when adapting content:

1. Local communication preferences and style : Different audiences may prefer different communication styles. For example, in Asian countries, more formal and polite forms of communication are often expected, while in Western countries, a more direct and casual style may be more well-received. So, it’s worth adapting your communication tone to suit your audience in that country.
2. Local events and holidays : Marketing campaigns and content published on the site can take into account local events, holidays, and specific promotional periods, such as Black Friday in the US, Singles' Day in China, or other important cultural events. Tailoring marketing campaigns to the local calendar can significantly increase user engagement.
3. Differences in legal regulations and formal requirements : Some countries have specific regulations regarding, for example, personal data protection, product labeling or return policies. It is necessary to take these requirements into account in order to meet local legal standards and avoid potential problems.

Examples of region-specific content (e.g. different promotions, currencies)

Personalizing user experiences isn’t limited to just translating content – you can also customize your offerings, currencies, payment methods, and even shipping policies to meet the needs of local customers. Here are a few examples of how you can customize your content and offerings for different regions:

1. Currency and payment method matching : A key part of localizing your site is allowing users to pay in their local currency. For users in the US, it’s a good idea to offer payments in US dollars (USD) and for customers in the European Union, in euros (EUR). It’s also important to offer popular local payment methods, such as credit card payments, PayPal, and in some regions, local digital wallets, such as Alipay in China.
2. Local promotions and special offers : Each market may have different expectations for promotional offers. It is worth tailoring promotions to specific local events. For example, customers in the United States expect discounts on Black Friday, while in China Singles' Day, known as the largest online shopping event, is extremely popular.
3. Customize your shipping and returns policy : Depending on the country, users may have different preferences for shipping methods. In some countries, fast shipping (e.g. within one business day) may be a key factor in making a purchase, while in other regions, longer delivery times are acceptable. Returns policies should also be adapted to local expectations, e.g. in Europe, a 14-day return period is common.

The Role of Cultural Adaptation in Visual and UX for International Growth

In addition to content and offerings, adapting visuals and user experience (UX) to local norms and preferences plays a significant role in personalizing a site. Each region may have unique browsing and website interaction habits, so cultural adaptation of visuals and UX is essential for international success.

1. Visual adaptation : Colors, images, icons, and other visual elements can have different connotations depending on the culture. For example, in some countries, the color red may symbolize happiness (as in China), while in others it may be associated with danger or prohibition. It is a good idea to adapt the color palette and visual style to local norms so that the site is perceived positively by users.
2. Local Layout Preferences : Users in different countries may have different expectations for the structure and functionality of a site. For example, in Western countries, users are used to more minimalist layouts, while in Asian countries, pages often contain more information and elements on the screen. Adapting the layout of a site to local preferences can improve the user experience and increase the time a user spends on the page.
3. Navigation and location of interface elements : Depending on the region, users may prefer different ways to navigate a website. For example, in left-to-right countries, navigation buttons and key information should be located on the left side of the screen, while in right-to-left cultures (such as Arabic countries), you may want to adjust the navigation to suit your users.

Personalization of user experiences across regions is a key aspect of success in an international growth strategy. Adapting content, promotions, offers, as well as visuals and UX to local expectations not only increases customer engagement but also builds trust in the brand in new markets.

Implementing dynamic language switches

A dynamic language switcher is a key element on multilingual sites that allows users to quickly and conveniently change languages. A well-designed switcher not only improves the user experience, but also makes the site more accessible to international audiences. In Webflow, there are several ways to implement dynamic language switches that can be customized to the specifics of the site and user preferences.

How to Create a Language Switcher in Webflow

Creating a language switcher in Webflow requires organizing the structure of your site and adding interactive elements that will allow users to quickly switch between different language versions. Here's a step-by-step guide to implementing such a switcher:

1. Creating separate language versions of the page : Each language version of the page should be in a separate folder or subdomain, e.g. /pl for the Polish version and /en for the English version. This allows for easy content management and assigning appropriate links to the switch.
2. Adding a dynamic switcher : In Webflow, you can create a simple language switcher that will be displayed on every subpage. Use buttons, text links, or flag icons that will redirect users to the appropriate language versions. You can do this manually, by adding links to the appropriate pages in each language, or use more advanced scripts.
3. Automatic user language recognition : While Webflow doesn’t offer native support for automatic user language recognition, you can integrate your site with external tools that analyze the user’s IP location and automatically redirect them to the appropriate language version. This additional improvement can improve UX, especially for international visitors.
4. Styling and positioning the switch : The language switch should be easily accessible and visible on the page. It is most often placed in the upper right corner of the page or in the footer. In Webflow, you can easily customize its appearance using CSS styling options. The buttons can take the form of text (e.g. "EN" / "PL") or graphics (flag icons). It is important that the switch is consistent with the overall style of the page and does not distract from the main content.
   

Best Practices for Language Switchers in UX

A language switcher, while technically simple to implement, can significantly impact the user experience. It’s worth remembering a few best practices to ensure that the switcher is intuitive and functional:

1. Easy-to-find location : The language switch should be placed in a visible location so that users don't have to search for it. It works best in the upper right corner of the page or in a sticky header, so it's always available when scrolling through the page.
2. Avoiding flags as the sole indicator of language : Although flags are a popular solution, they can often be misleading. The flag represents the country, not the language, which can lead to confusion – for example, the US flag for English may not be a good fit for non-US English speakers. A better solution is to use text, such as "English" / "Polish", or a combination of text and flag.
3. Remembering user choice : Users often return to a site multiple times, so it is important for the language switcher to remember the user's choice. This can be achieved by using cookies, which allows for automatic redirection to the preferred language on subsequent visits.
4. Don’t force you to return to the home page : A language switcher should take you directly to the appropriate language version of the same page, not to a home page in a different language. Users want to continue browsing without losing context, so you need to provide a smooth transition between language versions.
5. Mobile-friendly : The mobile version of the site should also have an easily accessible language switch. It is worth making sure that it is responsive and clearly visible on small screens, e.g. placed in a drop-down menu or in the footer of the page.

Examples of successful language switch implementations

Many global e-commerce and technology leaders have implemented effective language switchers that make it easier for users to use their sites in different markets. Here are some examples of well-designed language switchers:

• Airbnb: Airbnb offers a very intuitive language switcher in a drop-down menu that lets users select both language and location. This allows users to use the platform in their own language and see listings tailored to their region.

• Spotify: Spotify uses a text-based language switcher that is clearly visible in the footer of the site. Users can quickly switch between languages without having to return to the home page, and the site automatically remembers the user’s selection on subsequent visits.

• H&M
  On H&M, the language switch is located at the top of the page, and users can choose both language and country. This is especially useful for international brands that need to consider different currencies and shipping options.

Successful language switcher implementations combine simplicity with functionality, making it easy for users to navigate between language versions and continue browsing content without any hassle.

Testing and maintaining multilingual sites

Once a multilingual website has been implemented, a key aspect of its success is regular testing and maintenance to ensure that all language versions are working properly and offering a consistent user experience. Multilingual sites are more complex than single-language sites because each language version requires constant attention, content updates, and performance monitoring.

Testing multilingual sites for errors and content consistency

Testing multilingual sites is a crucial step to uncovering potential issues before your site goes live. Here are some areas to look out for:

1. Content consistency : Any translations must be consistent across all language versions of the site. It is important that the content is not only linguistically correct, but also well-suited to the cultural context and local specifics. It is always a good idea to involve native speakers to review the content to ensure it is natural and professional.
2. Testing on different devices : Language versions of a page should be tested on different devices (desktop, tablet, mobile) and browsers to make sure that interface elements work correctly and content is displayed correctly. Language changes can affect the layout of the page, especially if different languages have different word lengths or sentence structures.
3. Language Switcher : Testing your language switcher is a key aspect of ensuring your site works properly. Make sure that when you switch languages, the user stays on the same page and doesn’t lose context. Also, check that the switcher works properly on all pages.
4. Check your hreflang tags : Hreflang tags help search engines understand which language version of your page should be displayed in a given location. You should test whether your hreflang tags are implemented correctly to avoid duplicate content issues and errors in displaying search results.

How to keep all language versions up to date

Managing multilingual websites requires constant maintenance of content in each language version. Regularly updating the site is necessary to ensure that all language versions are consistent and up to date. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:

1. Manage content with a CMS : Webflow CMS Collections lets you manage content across multiple languages in one place. This lets you quickly make changes to one language version and then replicate them across other versions. It’s also a good idea to implement a workflow that reminds you to update each language version when the source content changes.
2. External translation tools : Integrations with translation tools like Weglot or Lokalise can help automate the translation process and sync content. These tools often offer automatic notifications when new content is added, making it easier to manage multilingual versions of your site.
3. Consistent updates : When you update content in one language, it is crucial that all other language versions are updated simultaneously. This can be done manually using Webflow CMS or automated using translation systems. Make sure this process is organized and controlled to avoid inconsistencies between language versions.
4. Engage a team of local translators : As your site grows, consider working with local translators who can regularly review and update your content. Native speakers can help adapt your content to changes in language and local realities, improving your message and brand image.

Tools for monitoring the performance of international versions of the site

To make sure that all language versions of your site are working properly and are optimized for users from different regions, it is essential to regularly monitor their performance. Here are some tools that can help you analyze and optimize your international pages:

1. Google Search Console : This tool lets you monitor how your site is indexed and displayed in search results across different markets. With Search Console, you can analyze traffic from different language versions, check if hreflang tags are working correctly, and identify issues with your site's visibility in search results.
2. Google Analytics : Google Analytics provides detailed traffic data for your site from different countries and regions. You can monitor how users who come to your site in different languages behave, how much time they spend on the page, their bounce rates, and which content is most popular.
3. Page Performance Testing Tools : Tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights let you monitor page load times in different countries. It’s worth checking that your page loads quickly and efficiently in all locations, especially for users from different parts of the world who may have slower internet connections.
4. Local SEO testing tools : There are also dedicated SEO tools, such as Ahrefs or SEMrush , that allow you to monitor your page’s position in search results in different markets. You can analyze how your page ranks in search results for different languages and identify the keywords that perform best in each region.
5. Hotjar : A tool like Hotjar can help you analyze user behavior on a page in different languages. Features like heat maps and user sessions help you understand how audiences in different countries navigate your page, where navigation issues occur, and which parts of the interface need optimization.

Testing and maintaining multilingual websites is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring of content, performance, and user experience. By using the right tools and methods, you can ensure that all language versions of your site are up to date, consistent, and working effectively to support your global business growth.

Examples of multilingual sites built with Webflow

Webflow is a popular platform for companies that want to quickly and efficiently create websites with an international reach. Thanks to its flexibility and integrations with multilingual content management tools, Webflow makes it possible to build advanced sites for users from different regions of the world. In this chapter, we will discuss examples of companies that have successfully implemented multilingual sites built with Webflow, and we will analyze best practices and lessons that can be learned from their efforts.

Examples of companies that have achieved international success with Webflow

1. Dropbox Sign (formerly HelloSign) – Dropbox Sign, an online document signing platform, is a great example of a multilingual site built on Webflow. The company offers its services in multiple languages, allowing it to effectively reach customers around the world. With its integration with Webflow, Dropbox Sign manages content in multiple languages and uses SEO optimization tools to increase visibility in international search results. Their dynamic language switcher, placed in an easily accessible place, improves the user experience by allowing users to seamlessly switch between language versions.

1. ShipNetwork (formerly Rakuten Super Logistics) – ShipNetwork, a global leader in e-commerce logistics, formerly known as Rakuten Super Logistics, uses Webflow to manage its website. The company offers advanced logistics services tailored to local markets, which supports efficient order fulfillment across continents. ShipNetwork’s language versions of the website are managed using Webflow’s Collections CMS, making it easy to organize content such as services, news, and offers targeted to customers from different regions of the world.

1. Miro – Miro, a popular online collaboration tool, is another example of a company that has successfully implemented a multilingual website on Webflow. The company offers its tool in multiple languages to better meet the needs of international customers. Their website is SEO-optimized for different regions, and a dynamic language switcher allows users to quickly switch languages without having to return to the home page.

Analysis of best practices and lessons for the future

Based on examples of companies that have successfully built multilingual sites in Webflow, there are several key lessons and best practices that can serve as inspiration for other projects:

1. Simplify content management with a CMS : Using CMS Collections in Webflow allows you to easily manage content in different language versions. Instead of creating separate pages for each language, companies can dynamically manage translations and content updates from one place. This approach saves time and ensures content consistency across all languages.
2. SEO Optimization for Each Market : Successful businesses apply SEO best practices to the different language versions of their sites. Setting up hreflang tags, optimizing meta tags, and adapting keywords for local searches are key elements that affect search engine visibility in each region. Companies like HelloSign and Miro use advanced SEO tools to increase their international visibility.
3. Adapting content to local markets : Companies that succeed internationally adapt not only the language but also the content to local audiences. This includes taking into account local holidays, adapting promotional offers to the preferences of customers from different countries, and modifying payment and shipping methods.
4. Easy language switching and smooth navigation : Dynamic language switches are a key element of well-designed multilingual sites. Examples from companies like Miro show that the language switcher must be intuitive and easily accessible. Best practices include placing it in a fixed location, allowing users to change the language on each subpage, and automatically redirecting to the same subpage in the selected language.
5. Use of translation automation tools : Companies that manage multiple language versions are increasingly using tools like Weglot and Lokalise to automate the process of translating and synchronizing content. These tools help keep content consistent and up to date across all language versions. Translation automation reduces errors and speeds up the process of introducing new language versions to the site.

Summary: Build a Global Site with Webflow

Creating a multilingual website in Webflow is a key step to achieving success in international markets. Thanks to the flexibility of this platform, integration with external tools, and advanced content management features, it is possible to build a website that effectively reaches users from different regions. To achieve this effectively, it is worth going through a few key steps:

1. Planning the Structure of a Multilingual Site – Thinking about how to best organize content in different languages is the foundation of an effective multilingual site. Using CMS Collections in Webflow makes content management easier and more flexible.
2. Implementing language support – Webflow, while lacking native support for multilingual sites, does offer integrations with tools like Weglot that automate content translation, allowing for easy creation and updating of language versions.
3. SEO Optimization – The use of hreflang tags, proper meta tag configuration and keyword localization are key elements in ensuring that the website is highly visible in search results across various markets.
4. Content and UX personalisation – Tailoring content to local audiences, including local promotions, currencies, and adapting the visual design of the site to user preferences in different countries helps build trust and engagement.
5. Implementation of dynamic language switches – An intuitive and well-designed language switcher improves navigation and user experience by allowing them to quickly switch languages without losing context.
6. Site Testing and Maintenance – Regularly testing your pages for errors, content consistency, and performance across regions is an essential part of successfully maintaining a multilingual website.
   

Creating a multilingual website in Webflow requires a solid plan, but it gives businesses the ability to quickly and effectively scale their business to new markets. With advanced tools and integrations offered by Webflow, building a multilingual website becomes accessible even to less technical users. By investing in content optimization, SEO, and UX personalization, your website will be ready to conquer global markets.

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