Looking for tech to simplify multilingual website translation? With a range of proxy services, APIs and CMS connectors available, you must choose wisely to avoid limiting your localization process and site’s performance. Below, we’ll go over these technologies and what to bear in mind when making decisions for your business.
APIs and CMS connectors
Most websites are stored in a content management system (CMS), like WordPress or Marketo, at the back end. A good CMS for website localization should support:
- Unicode and scalable edits/updates in any language
- On-demand translation and scheduled batches
- E-commerce requirements in each market
- Content import/export via an application programming interface (API) integration or CMS connector
Connectors link translation software to your CMS to transfer content for smooth and fast localization. Similarly, APIs allow you to access, edit and publish content to speed up your time to market.
Selecting the right translation API and CMS connectors depends on the amount of content on your site, customization and frequency/complexity of updates. Connectors are useful for websites with a lot of new content. Since they are pre-built, they require no maintenance on your end. These automated solutions are less error-prone and save your teams’ time. You can easily track progress, review and publish content for all markets.
Translation proxies
A translation proxy is another option to serve new markets. When visitors land on your site, the proxy will act as a layer on top of your original pages, displaying the content in their language.
Proxy website translation leverages professionally adapted content from a translation memory (TM) and makes it available in real time. It works with your current website infrastructure, meaning your CMS doesn’t have to support multilingual content. Plus, developers aren’t needed; it can be set up without code or complicated file formats.
This solution is particularly suitable for static websites that weren’t developed with localization in mind. You’ll still need a localization partner’s care and expertise to ensure that localized versions are on brand, appear in search engine results pages and can be customized to provide country-specific information. Any multimedia content would also be localized separately to ensure optimum user experience.
Considerations for your website
All technology has its purpose. Once set up, proxy website translation or API and CMS connectors are a great way to save time and money, removing the stress of maintaining a multilingual website.
Companies often find that they haven’t chosen the best solution once localization is underway. Most IT teams are aware of the technical aspects of web localization but not the language-related intricacies, like handling a multilingual user interface. That’s why IT consulting with localization specialists early on is key to reviewing your content creation process and needs so that you can find the right fit for your business.
Select the right technology with expert advice
When making your website multilingual, CMSs and integrations such as connectors are fundamental elements. Attached’s suite of connectors and APIs will ensure fast, secure and scalable website localization. If you’re unsure which options to choose or are thinking of switching, get in touch with our consultants.
Find more recommendations on multilingual websites or see how we can localize your pages.