Setting up a multi-language store in Magento 2 may appear complex, but it presents an excellent opportunity to expand your customer base and increase sales.
This post in the Magento 2 tutorial for beginners series will provide a step-by-step approach to establishing a store that caters to the language preferences of your customers. Whether you are looking to enter new markets or enhance the shopping experience for your existing customers, this configuration will facilitate your objectives.
Now, let us begin the process of Magento 2 multi-language store setup!
Why Set Up a Multi-Language Store in Magento 2?
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Having a multi-language store in Magento 2 is a business decision for eCommerce stores looking to go global. By having a store in multiple languages, you can cater to a bigger audience, customers from different regions and countries can shop in their language. This will not only improve overall customer experience but also increase sales.
Also, a multi-language store can improve SEO and global marketing by allowing content localization which will result in better search engine rankings in different regions.
Also, it will increase brand recognition, customer acquisition and retention, and competitive advantage. In short, a multi-language Magento 2 store is a must-have for any business looking to go global in eCommerce.
>>> SAVE our Magento 2 Hreflang Tags SEO post IMMEDIATELY to understand what you need for your multi-language website.
How to Set Up the Magento 2 Multi-Language Store
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of Magento 2 multi-language store setup in 6 easy steps:
Step 1. Install Language Packs
Start by installing the required language packs for the languages you wish to provide. Magento 2 offers a variety of language packs that are accessible for download and installation. Here’s how to download and install language packs:
- Access the Magento-l10n repository to locate language packs for different languages.
- Download the language pack of your choice and proceed with the installation using composer or manual methods.
- After installation, make sure to clear the Magento cache and copy it to your Magento directory.
Step 2. Configuring Store Views for Multiple Language
In this step, you need to create separate store views for each language:
#1. Create a New Store Views
To create a new store view for a specific language, proceed as follows:
Step 1. Go to the Admin Panel > Stores > All Stores
Step 2. Select the ‘Create Store View’ option.
Step 3. Select the specific store view within Magento that requires editing. Enter the necessary details, such as the store to which the store-view will be associated, the name, code, and status.
- Store: Select the main store for your upcoming storefront.
- Name: Designate a title for your store display – such as French. This title will be visible in the store header below the Language selector.
- Code: Enter a lowercase code to distinguish the display. For example, French.
- Status: Enable the store view.
- Sort order: If desired, you may allocate a numerical value to determine the display’s position when arranged alongside other displays.
Step 4. After filling out the information, click on the ‘Save Store View’ button.
#2. Configure Locales
After establishing a new store view, the locale for the store view can be configured by:
Step 1. Go to the Admin Panel, then navigate to Stores, Configuration, and finally Store View, followed by selecting the specific Store View Name.
Step 2. In the General section, locate ‘Locale Options’ and designate the preferred language for the store view.
Step 3. Finally, click ‘Save Config’ to apply the changes, and the newly added language will be visible for the new store view.
Step 3. Translate Store Content using CSV Translation Files
In this step, it is necessary to convert a range of components within your store, including product names, descriptions, categories, CMS pages, and blocks. Magento 2 language packs consist of CSV translation files that hold translations for various interface components such as buttons, labels, and links.
Proceed to download and set up the preferred language pack for your store, which will come with the necessary CSV translation files.
Adjust the store view settings to utilize the newly installed language as outlined in the preceding instructions.
The Magento 2 platform seamlessly integrates the translations from the CSV files into the respective store view.
Step 4. Handle Currency and Payment Options
It is crucial for a Magento 2 multi-language store to provide various currencies and payment options. To set up currencies in Magento:
Step 1. Navigate to Admin Panel > Stores > Configuration > Currency Setup.
Step 2. Select the currencies you want to offer and input their conversion rates.
Step 3. Activate the Magento 2 currency switcher on the front end so customers can select their preferred currency.
To configure payment methods in Magento:
Step 1. Go to Admin Panel > Stores > Configuration > Sales > Payment Methods.
Step 2. Enable and customize the payment methods that best suit your target customers.
>>> CHECK NOW: A detailed guide to set up a multi-currencies store: Magento 2 Multi-Currency Setup
Step 5. Translate Shipping Methods and Taxes
To provide a localized experience, it is crucial to localize Magento shipping methods and taxes.
Step 1. Navigate to Admin Panel > Stores > Configuration > Sales > Shipping Methods.
Step 2. Adjust the shipping method names and descriptions for each store view accordingly.
Step 3. Follow the same procedure for tax configurations located under Sales > Tax.
Step 6: Testing and Monitoring
After completing the setup process, the final step is testing and monitoring. This step is so critical to ensuring a smooth user experience:
- Thoroughly examine the store’s operations, including navigation, product search, and checkout process. Also, ensure to test the currency and payment method switching.
- Use analytics tools to monitor user behavior, conversion rates, and bounce rates for each store view.
- Address any identified issues and enhance the store’s performance using the gathered data.
Advanced Tips for Managing Multi-Language Stores
After setting up a Magento 2 multi-language store, consider the advanced tips for managing multi-language stores showcased below:
Using Third-party Extensions for Multi-language Stores
1/ Magento 2 GeoIP Store Switcher by BSS Commerce
- Compatible with Hyva Theme
- Open Source (CE): 2.3.x – 2.4.x
- Commerce On-Premise (EE): 2.3.x – 2.4.x
- Free one-year support
- Free lifetime update
- Free installation and 30 money-back guarantee
The GeoIP feature is highly beneficial for configuring a Magento 2 store with multiple languages. It is a widely used technology that can automatically determine a user’s location based on their IP address.
With the GeoIP feature which can pinpoint the exact location of an IP address, the Magento 2 GeoIP extension can detect the country of the user. Then based on the store owner’s preference the customer will be either directed to a suitable store view or asked to select one.
Detailed Features
- Auto-detect customer location using IP address
- Allow visitors to select store view
- Auto update currency based on store view
- Option to enable/disable visitor to change store views
- Limit redirects based on IP addresses and URLs
- Don’t redirect search engine crawlers for better SEO
- Block visitors by country and IP address
- Compatible with Varnish, Redis, and Cloudflare cache.
2/ Magento 2 Language and Store Switcher Extension
- Compatible with Hyva Theme
- Magento 2.3.0 – 2.4.7-p1 (CE, EE, ECE, B2B)
- Version update: 2.0.18
The Magento 2 Language and Store Switcher extension by Magefan enables you to automatically direct visitors to the appropriate store view depending on their location or browser language. You can choose to activate automatic redirection or provide customers with a language suggestion popup for selecting their preferred language.
Detailed Features
- Send to specific store view based on visitor’s location or browser language
- Assign store views for visitors from different countries
- Enable auto switcher or language suggestion popup
- Send to store views across 1 or multiple websites
- Limit language switcher to all or selected pages by IP
- Use built-in simulation tool to test configurations
- Disable auto language switcher for robots.
3/ Language & Currency Switcher Extension
- Free updates and Free support
- 45 days money back guarantee
- Version update: 2.0.7
- Compatible with Magento 2.1.x, 2.2.x, 2.3.x, 2.4.x
The Magento 2 Language & Currency Switcher plugin enhances your online store by automatically directing visitors to the appropriate store view, displaying products in their local language and currency. This extension uses the Maxmind database to accurately determine visitors’ locations and provide them with the most suitable store view.
In addition to these functionalities, you can also customize manual redirection, include IP exceptions, establish multiple rules, and import additional databases from the backend.
Detailed Features
- Implement automatic or manual switching of Store Views
- Configure and show the correct language depending on visitor’s location
- Automatically change the store currency
- Identify visitors’ location through IP addresses
- Provide support for IP exceptions
- Import Maxmind or other databases for location detection
- Approved by Magento Marketplace
SEO Best Practices for Multi-Language Stores
One of the other advanced tips for managing multi-language stores is using SEO best practices. You can optimize your store for search engines in various languages to enhance visibility and attract more customers. To enhance Magento SEO:
- Customize meta titles, descriptions, and keywords for each store view.
- Implement language-specific URLs for products, categories, and Magento CMS pages.
- Use hreflang tags to specify the connection between different language versions of the content.
To Sum Up – Magento 2 Multi-Language Store Setup
BSS Commerce has shared ways for Magento 2 multi-language store setup and some valuable Magento 2 extensions supporting your campaigns. In short, having a Magento 2 multi-language store is a game changer for your business. By speaking to your global audience in their own language you will not only get new customers but also build trust and improve the overall shopping experience. Plus with extensions in Magento 2 and this guide, you are all set to unlock the full potential of your multi-language store and rule the international eCommerce world.
