How I Use Weglot to Create Multilingual Squarespace Websites
As a Squarespace specialist and a first-language Welsh speaker, I bring a unique perspective to multilingual website development. Having grown up navigating between languages myself, I understand firsthand the importance of accessible content in one's native tongue. I've explored various options for creating multilingual websites, and Weglot has consistently been my go-to solution for clients who want to reach international audiences without the technical headaches.
Why multilingual websites matter
Before diving into the how, let's talk about the why. Having a multilingual website isn't just a nice-to-have feature anymore—it can be a crucial business decision, especially if:
You serve clients or customers in different countries
Your products or services are available internationally
You're based in a region with multiple official languages
You want to expand your reach to new markets
A properly translated website shows respect for your international visitors and can significantly boost your conversion rates by speaking directly to people in their preferred language.
Why I recommend Weglot for Squarespace
Squarespace doesn't have a built-in multilingual solution, which means you need a third-party tool to bridge this gap. After testing several options, Weglot has become my recommendation for clients seeking a multilingual Squarespace website. Here's why:
Seamless integration: Weglot works smoothly with Squarespace without requiring complex code modifications.
Automatic translation: It provides initial automatic translations that give you a running start (though I always recommend having these reviewed by a native speaker).
SEO-friendly structure: Weglot creates the proper subdirectory structure (like yourdomain.com/fr/) that search engines prefer for multilingual sites.
Simple management: The Weglot dashboard makes it easy for clients to manage and edit translations after I've handed over their website.
Language selector: It adds a clean, customisable language switcher that fits seamlessly with your Squarespace design.
My process for implementing Weglot on Squarespace sites
When a client needs a multilingual website, here's my typical approach:
1. Planning the language structure
I start by discussing which languages are essential for their audience. Rather than trying to translate into every possible language, I recommend focusing on the 2-3 most critical languages for their specific business goals.
2. Setting up the integration
The technical setup is straightforward—inserting the Weglot script into the Squarespace site and configuring the initial languages. This takes me about 30-45 minutes to implement properly.
3. Refining the translations
The automatic translations provide a good foundation, but they're never perfect. For clients with in-house language capabilities, I create a simple guide on how to review and edit the translations through the Weglot dashboard. For others, I can recommend professional translators from my network of collaborators.
4. Customising the language selector
This is where the design element comes in. I customise the language selector to match the site's aesthetic—whether that's a subtle dropdown in the navigation, flags in the footer, or a more prominent button for sites where language switching is a key feature.
5. Testing across languages
Before finalising the implementation, I thoroughly test the site in each language, checking for layout issues, broken links, or elements that might not translate well (like embedded forms or third-party integrations).
Common challenges and how I solve them
Content that shouldn't be translated
Some elements—like brand names, certain product names, or specific terminology—should remain consistent across all languages. Weglot makes it easy to exclude specific content from translation, and I work with clients to identify these elements early in the process.
SEO considerations
Multilingual SEO adds another layer to your website strategy. I help clients understand how to optimise each language version, including setting up language-specific meta descriptions and ensuring that search engines properly index all language versions.
Maintaining multilingual content
The biggest challenge isn't the initial setup—it's maintaining content across multiple languages as the site evolves. I provide clients with a straightforward workflow for updating content, ensuring that when they add a new blog post or service page, they have a process for getting it translated and published in all their supported languages.
Is Weglot right for your Squarespace site?
While Weglot is my preferred solution for most clients, it's not the only option. During our initial consultation, I'll help you determine if Weglot aligns with your specific needs or if another approach might be more suitable. Factors we'll consider include:
Your budget (Weglot offers a free plan for sites with under 2,000 words and one additional language, with paid plans for more content and languages)
How frequently you'll update content
The complexity of your site
Whether you need advanced translation workflows
The free tier is perfect for small businesses just getting started with multilingual content or testing the waters before committing to a larger international strategy.
Ready to make your Squarespace site multilingual?
If you're looking to expand your reach with a multilingual website, I'd love to help you navigate the process. Whether you're starting a new Squarespace site or wanting to add languages to your existing one, a multilingual approach can open your business to new audiences without the complexity that such functionality typically involves.
Get in touch for a chat about how we can create a digital space you'll be proud to share—in any language.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links to Weglot. If you purchase a subscription through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend tools I personally use and believe will add value to your business.
