WPML, a WordPress plugin, empowers users to translate their websites into various languages seamlessly. Whether you aim to establish a multilingual website, a global e-commerce platform, or a personal blog in your preferred language, WPML facilitates achieving your objectives. In this piece, we’ll delve into a comprehensive review of WPML, elucidating its functionality, features, and why it stands out as a premier choice for WordPress translation needs.
Why You Should Consider a Multilingual Plugin Such as WPML
Many individuals may question whether WordPress can effectively handle multiple languages, and the answer is affirmative, albeit with assistance. WordPress lacks inherent multilingual capabilities or built-in translation options by default. Nevertheless, integrating a translation plugin can seamlessly support diverse languages on your site. Among the highly recommended options, WPML (WordPress Multilingual Plugin) stands out as an excellent choice for crafting a multilingual WordPress website.
What is WPML?
WPML serves as a WordPress plugin that simplifies the management of websites intended for consumption in multiple languages. It adeptly handles various technical aspects, including hreflang tags, language-switching icons, and more.
With WPML, users gain the ability to translate posts, pages, menus, widgets, themes, plugins, and other elements. Furthermore, they can select from a vast array of over 65 languages or incorporate custom languages as needed. WPML prioritizes SEO-friendliness by effectively managing multi-language URLs and boasts compatibility with a wide range of popular WordPress plugins and themes.
An In-Depth Examination of WPML’s Translation Capabilities
WPML offers a plethora of features that pique the interest of potential users. Here, we delve into a detailed exploration of what sets WPML apart as a comprehensive solution for WordPress translations.
Significant Time and Cost Savings with Automatic Translations
WPML presents users with a standout feature: automatic translations. This functionality operates on a credit-based system, granting users 2,000 initial credits at no cost (substantially more with CMS or Agency plans). Additional credits can be procured starting at €6 for 8,000 credits, enabling users to streamline translation processes while optimizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
WPML’s Credit Usage Varies Based on Language Models Employed:
- DeepL: 2 Credits per Word
- Google Translate: 2 Credits per Word
- Microsoft: 1 Credit per Word
It’s worth mentioning that prominent AI models like GPT-3 and GPT-4 aren’t accessible, which could potentially lower translation costs compared to the conventional models utilized by WPML.
In any case, WPML’s automatic translation functionality operates seamlessly, exceeding expectations. It adeptly translates not only post and page content but also elements users might overlook, such as widgets, headers, footers, and more.
Establishing Workflows for Manual Translation
Many users opt to utilize WPML’s manual translation process, especially if they are multilingual or prefer to outsource translation tasks. Within the block editor, users can configure how they wish to handle translations for posts and pages. They have the flexibility to specify the translation priority, instantly add new translations, and determine how media associated with the page should be managed in relation to translations.
Within WPML’s “Translation Management” settings page, users are provided with a comprehensive overview of their website and its translatable elements. Managing translations for each asset from this interface is straightforward. However, as content updates occur regularly, the management of translations through WPML’s setup can become cumbersome over time.
Versatile Usage across Any Locale with Support for 65 Languages
WPML boasts support for 65 languages, making it highly likely to fulfill your translation requirements. Users have the option to incorporate language variants for languages not inherently supported, ensuring the plugin’s adaptability to their specific needs.
Each page featuring translations is equipped with a footer for effortless language switching.
However, for some users, this placement might not be as prominent as desired.
Therefore, WPML provides a shortcode for inserting a language switcher anywhere desired, including theme builder areas like headers or blog posts.
This allows for seamless switching of content to one of the available languages for that post or page.
Expand Your Market Globally with Multicurrency Support
For WooCommerce stores, translation goes beyond just textual content; it extends to ensuring that prices are localized for readers. WPML empowers store owners to showcase product prices in different currencies based on language settings. It incorporates a conversion rate converter, ensuring that prices display the correct currency symbol and actual cost.
Furthermore, WPML seamlessly translates product taxonomy, individual products, and shipping information, ensuring that your website operates effectively in multiple languages. Overall, it serves as a robust multilingual solution for WooCommerce, enabling your online store to thrive in diverse linguistic markets.
Empower Your Team with Translated Admin & User Interfaces
In the process of website translation, the translation of the admin dashboard’s user interface (UI) is frequently overlooked. Yet, the ability to translate the WordPress backend proves invaluable when managing a team with diverse language capabilities accessing the backend.
By catering to your team’s language preferences, even if they are bilingual, you enhance productivity and demonstrate care towards their needs. Providing translated admin and user interfaces not only facilitates smoother communication but also fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Effortlessly Translate Your Website with Seamless Onboarding
Embarking on the translation journey can be daunting, especially when dealing with the installation of a translation plugin. The multitude of elements requiring translation coupled with the complexity of the technology often adds to the challenge. Fortunately, WordPress users can rely on WPML’s plugin, which offers a streamlined onboarding process for hassle-free setup.
Initially, WPML allows you to define your site’s preferred languages, establishing a foundation for translation efforts. Subsequently, it assists in structuring how these translations will be managed concerning your URL structure.
In the final stages of setup, WPML prompts you to determine your preferred method for translating your site, whether manually or through auto-translation. From there, you can utilize the plugin to swiftly translate your high-priority pages, facilitating a smooth transition into the translation process.
Assessment of WPML Pricing Structure
WPML provides three primary pricing options tailored to cater to the needs of bloggers, businesses, or agencies seeking to establish a multilingual website.
Multilingual Blog
The “Multilingual Blog” plan offered by WPML is designed for simplicity, catering to website owners who prefer manual translation methods while relying on WPML to manage technical aspects. This plan enables users to manually translate essential site content, including posts, pages, taxonomy, menus, and media. Notably, it does not include automatic translation credits, requiring users to generate translated content independently.
Best Suited For:
This plan is ideal for smaller websites with manageable content translation needs. It suits those who outsource content translation or utilize tools like ChatGPT for translation tasks, albeit requiring manual copying and pasting of content. However, it may not be suitable for users employing Full Site Editing (FSE) or page builders due to limitations.
Price: €39 per year
Multilingual CMS
The “Multilingual CMS” plan is specifically tailored for businesses and web agencies aiming to develop multilingual WordPress sites. It encompasses all features included in the Multilingual Blog plan while offering additional functionalities. With this plan, users can translate various aspects of their site, including theme and plugin content, page builder content, WooCommerce, custom fields, and more. Additionally, users gain access to automatic translation capabilities, integration with professional translation services, and the ability to collaborate with local translators. The plan includes 90,000 auto translate credits that renew with each renewal period.
Best Suited For:
This plan is ideal for larger websites, eCommerce stores, and individuals seeking to utilize auto translation features. The reasonable yearly price makes it an attractive option for users requiring extensive translation capabilities.
Price: €99 per year
Multilingual Agency
The “Multilingual Agency” plan is tailored for agencies involved in the development of numerous multilingual WordPress sites. It encompasses all features included in the Multilingual CMS plan while offering the added advantage of unlimited usage across multiple websites. Additionally, the plan provides 180,000 translation credits annually, making it an attractive option for agencies offering translation services.
Best Suited For:
This plan is exclusively designed for agencies or freelancers managing multiple websites and requiring WPML installed on each. For individuals not managing multiple websites, opting for the CMS plan and supplementing with translation credits as needed may be more cost-effective.
Price: €199 per year
Review of WPML: Advantages and Disadvantages
Individuals hold varying opinions and have expressed their thoughts on the aspects they appreciate and dislike about WPML. Let’s begin by examining the most frequently mentioned advantages
Advantages of WPML:
- Stability and Longevity
- Multilingual Support
- Compatibility
- E-commerce Capabilities
- Integration with Translation Services
Drawbacks of WPML:
- Complex Translation Workflow/UI
- High-Cost Translation Credits
- Database Entries
- Limited Support in Base Plan
WPML is ideal for:
- WordPress Website Owners: WPML caters to individuals or businesses seeking to translate their WordPress websites effectively.
- Longevity Seekers: As one of the longest-running translation plugins for WordPress, WPML appeals to users valuing established and reliable solutions.
- Large and Loyal Fanbase: WPML has garnered a significant following of users who appreciate its robust features and stability over time.
- Pricing-Conscious Users: With competitive pricing and free credits available in select plans, WPML offers cost-effective solutions for translation needs.
- Integration Enthusiasts: WPML seamlessly integrates with various translation service platforms, enhancing the translation process for users.
- By choosing WPML for your translation project, you’ll have access to a trusted set of tools to accomplish your multilingual website goals.
Conclusion
In summary, WPML stands out as a dependable translation plugin, boasting a track record of reliability spanning over a decade. While its automatic translation feature may incur higher costs due to the utilization of more expensive translation models, WPML remains a trusted choice for countless websites.
