What’s the best way to localize and translate a WordPress site?

Translate your WordPress site fast—with the right plugin. Boost traffic, trust, and global growth in a few easy steps.

What’s the best way to localize and translate a WordPress site?
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If you’re like most people, you probably created your WordPress site with English-language readers in mind. 

But here’s a surprising fact: over 75% of internet users speak languages other than English, and the numbers are only growing. In fact, English usage online has dropped by 14% in recent years, signaling a significant shift in how users experience the web.

Whether you’re running a business site, SaaS platform, or online store, translating your WordPress site is one of the most thoughtful growth decisions you can make. 

Benefits of translating your WordPress site

WordPress site translation helps you reach more people, improve user experience, and future-proof your brand in a multilingual world. 

Here’s why it matters:

  • Expanding your audience
    About 71% of WordPress sites are in English, even though over 75% of internet users prefer to read and make purchases in other languages. When you translate your WordPress site, you’ll expand your potential audience and drive more traffic.
  • Improving user experience (UX)
    4 out of 5 people worldwide don't speak English fluently. If you’re not translating your website, you may turn away readers without even realizing it. Visitors are far more likely to stay on your site and convert when they can read it comfortably in their own language.
  • Stay relevant and future-proof your content
    English has been the unofficial "default" language of the Internet for decades, but that’s changing. English usage online declined by 14% in 2025, marking a historic first. Outside of the English language, there’s a vast, often overlooked audience both globally and in the US. 
  • Building trust and credibility
    Localizing your WordPress.com site fosters trust with potential readers and customers, making your brand feel more approachable in different regions.

How to Translate a WordPress Site

Want to make your WordPress site accessible to a global audience? 

The good news: you don’t need to be multilingual to do it. With the help of WordPress translation plugins, you can translate your site in just a few minutes, often at little to no cost.

There are hundreds of translation plugins out there, each with different features, pricing models, and levels of automation. It’s worth doing your homework to find the right fit for your needs. 

If you’re operating a simple site, like a personal website or blog, a basic WordPress translation plugin like WPML might do the trick. 

But for professional business needs—whether it’s a marketing microsite, eComm store, or key lead gen form—you’ll likely need a more robust plugin like Localize.

Today, we’ll walk you through the translation process using the Localize - Website Translation Integration as an example.

How WordPress Translation Works: Step by Step

1: Get a free Localize trial (no credit card required, no commitment)

1. Sign up for a free 15-day trial of Localize

A screenshot of the Localize interface

2. Expand the section titled Use one of our Integration Guides.

3. Click the button to copy your Project Key.

A screenshot of a computerAI-generated content may be incorrect.

After you’re signed up, it’s time to install the free WordPress translation plugin.

2: Install the Localize Plugin

  1. In a new window, open the Localize - Website Translation Integration for WordPress.
Screenshot: the Localize plugin for WordPress Translation
  1. Click Install Now
  2. Click Activate.

Next, you’ll configure the plugin’s settings and finish activation.

3: Configure Plugin Settings

  1. In the left sidebar of your WordPress admin dashboard, click Localize
  2. Input your Localize Project Key. 
  3. Save your changes, and your WordPress site will be connected to your Localize account.

If you see the Localize widget at the bottom of your site, Localize is successfully installed. Localize will automatically begin to detect new content on the pages that you visit and will bring it into your dashboard for translation.

4: Start Translating WordPress for Free

  1. Now that the plugin is installed, navigate back to the Localize dashboard
  2. Click Start Translating to publish your translations. 
  3. Choose free machine translations, professional translations, or both. Your free trial of Localize lasts for 15 days. 

Need more help with the translation process? Check out these guides from the Localize Help Center: 

Why Translate WordPress and Go Multilingual with Localize 

Screenshot: a depiction of the wordpress translation process

Free WordPress translation plugins can do the job for personal blogs or simple sites. But basic plugins won't cut it if you're running a startup, SaaS platform, or any growth-minded business. 

To support business goals like signups, conversions, SEO, and international user experience, you need a more powerful solution built for scale and efficiency.

That’s where a Translation Management System (TMS)-powered plugin like Localize comes in.

Why a TMS Matters for Business Websites

A TMS is more than a translation tool; it’s a complete localization engine for your business. It automates and streamlines translation processes, eliminates repetitive tasks, and integrates with your site and team workflows. This lets you:

  • Launch new language versions in minutes, not weeks.
  • Manage translations at scale as your site, app, or product evolves.
  • Ensure consistent quality and brand voice across all markets.

What Makes the Localize Stand Out?

WordPress translation plugin review from G2

Localize’s WordPress plugin was custom-built for software companies, SaaS platforms, and ambitious businesses expanding into new global markets. It goes far beyond basic plugins by offering:

  • Quick, no-code setup for WordPress with support for WooCommerce and WPEngine.
  • Unlimited languages, collaborators, and phrases.
  • Automatic browser locale detection and seamless visitor experience.
  • Auto-identify new strings as you update your site.
  • SEO optimization in multiple languages, boosting your international search visibility.
  • Integrated ordering of professional human translations.
  • Translation analytics to monitor performance and engagement.

If you’re serious about international growth, building software or apps for a global audience, or just want more control and scalability in your localization workflow, Localize was built for teams like yours.

Localize WordPress Translation FAQs

Is Localize’s WordPress translation plugin free?

Yes, the plugin is included in all Localize plans, including the free trial. 

Can I try Localize before buying a plan?

Yes, Localize has a 15-day free trial—no commitment, no credit card required—that everyone can use to test Localize on your WordPress.com site. After the trial, you can upgrade to keep your translations and expand your multilingual content. 

What can you translate with Localize?

Localize lets you translate all your WordPress and WooCommerce content, from the obvious parts like your homepage, blog posts, and landing pages to behind-the-scenes elements like metadata and multilingual SEO.

What should a WordPress translation look like for my site visitors?
Visitors should experience your site in their preferred language automatically, with browser locale detection. We also recommend an easy-to-use language switcher widget, ensuring a frictionless experience no matter where your users are.

How does the WordPress translation process work?

  1. Sign up for a Localize account to start your 15-day free trial.
  2. Download the Localize plugin from the WordPress directory.
  3. Choose languages and enjoy your new multilingual WordPress website!
Ready to get started?
Connect with our team to see for yourself how to effortlessly translate in minutes with Localize.
Author
Devin Vinson
Devin Vinson
Product Management

Devin Vinson is the Product Manager at Localize and an expert in localization and translation products. His strategic approach and focus on user-centric improvements for saas products have consistently enhanced product performance and user satisfaction.

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