How to Create a Multilingual and International Shopify StoreReach customers worldwide with the right apps and structure

Why Go Multilingual on Shopify?

Expanding your store internationally is one of the fastest ways to grow revenue. But speaking only one language can limit your reach. A multilingual Shopify store allows you to connect with customers in their native language—building trust, improving the user experience, and boosting conversions.

Whether you’re targeting Europe, Latin America, Asia, or beyond, translating your store is a smart move.

Create your store for free with this link: https://shopify.pxf.io/1dolarJ

Native Shopify Support vs. Translation Apps

Shopify offers some native multilingual functionality, but it’s limited. For more control, automation, and flexibility, you’ll want to use third-party apps. Two of the best options are:

• Translate & Adapt (by Shopify): A free solution ideal for small to mid-sized stores. It lets you add manual or automatic translations for your content. Simple and reliable.
• Weglot: A premium tool that automatically detects and translates your site into 100+ languages. It supports SEO, dynamic content, and lets you manage translations easily via its dashboard.

Both tools are Shopify-compatible and user-friendly—even for non-developers.

Create your store for free with this link: https://shopify.pxf.io/1dolarJ

Key Steps to Launching a Multilingual Store

To get started, follow these essential steps:

1. Choose the markets you want to serve
   Start with countries where your products already have traction or potential. Understand local preferences, shipping options, and pricing expectations.
2. Set up international domains or subfolders
   Shopify Markets allows you to localize currency, domain, and language. For example:
   • yourstore.com/en for English
   • yourstore.com/fr for French
   • yourstore.de for Germany (custom domain)
3. Install your translation app
   Choose between Translate & Adapt or Weglot. Configure your primary language and target languages. Enable auto-translation or start with manual edits for key pages.
4. Translate key content
   Focus on:
   • Homepage
   • Product titles and descriptions
   • Cart and checkout pages
   • Policies (shipping, returns, etc.)
   • Marketing banners and CTAs
5. Enable language switcher
   Both apps allow you to display a language switcher on your store—customize its position and style to match your theme.
6. Set up currency localization
   Use Shopify Markets or a currency converter app to show prices in the visitor’s local currency for a seamless experience.

Create your store for free with this link: https://shopify.pxf.io/1dolarJ

SEO Best Practices for Multilingual Stores

If you’re serious about international growth, don’t ignore SEO. Here’s what matters:

• Use hreflang tags: Weglot and Translate & Adapt automatically handle this, signaling search engines which version to index for each language.
• Translate meta tags: Meta titles and descriptions should match the local language and search behavior.
• Avoid duplicate content: Proper structure and tags help avoid penalties.
• Get local backlinks: If targeting Spain, for instance, backlinks from Spanish blogs and media boost visibility.

This helps each language version rank on Google in its respective region.

Create your store for free with this link: https://shopify.pxf.io/1dolarJ

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While translating your store, steer clear of these pitfalls:

• Using only Google Translate without review: It may hurt trust if the text feels robotic or inaccurate.
• Ignoring cultural differences: Adapt visuals, tone, and even product selection when necessary.
• Forgetting to translate checkout or notifications: Every touchpoint should feel localized.
• No fallback strategy: Always test what happens if a page translation is missing.

A smooth multilingual experience = higher trust and more sales.

Bonus: Offering Local Payment and Shipping Options

Customers are more likely to buy when they see familiar options. Enable local payment gateways like iDEAL in the Netherlands or Boleto in Brazil. Adjust shipping methods based on region using Shopify Markets or apps like Easyship.

Localized experiences increase cart confidence and reduce abandonment.

Create your store for free with this link: https://shopify.pxf.io/1dolarJ