As the website development industry continues to evolve, the demand for customizing digital experiences according to the needs of customers in different regions continues to grow.
Responding to this, Webflow unveiled the highly anticipated feature of Localization at the last Webflow annual Conference in October.
The introduction of Webflow Localization sets a new standard in the no-code website development industry. This further solidifies Webflow's position as a leading platform for creating impactful websites that can be personalized and crafted with native features.
In this article, we'll explore the concept of Webflow Localization, its importance in website development, and what to expect from this powerful feature.
Webflow Localization is a recently added feature that adapts websites created on the Webflow platform to specific languages, regions, and cultures.
One can say that it is an extension of the already present Multi-language feature that uses Webflow Integrations, but with Webflow Localization being a native solution that will take the adapting possibilities even further.
This new feature will involve translating and customizing content, design elements, and functionality to ensure a personalized user experience for target audiences.
Multilingual localization is essential for businesses aiming to reach customers beyond their language and cultural boundaries. It enables enhanced engagement, trust, and connection with diverse audiences.
By embracing Webflow Localization, developers can unlock new markets and provide localized experiences that resonate with users, or as Webflow put it; you can “meet your visitors where they’re at”.
Although there were previously other platforms, JavaScript-based solutions, and third-party tools available for customers who wanted to use Webflow, the introduction of native localization in Webflow now allows users to make necessary changes. These changes can be made directly within the Webflow Designer
Localization and Multi-language features despite being related concepts, they have distinctions in between.
While the multi-language feature brings to the table the ability for a site to display its content in multiple languages reaching global audiences, the localization feature encompasses much more than that.
With Webflow Localization not only is the user given the possibility to display the content in a region's specific language, but also the entire site structure like images, styles, and layout, are to be adapted to that region's specific culture and context.
This way a more authentic and seamless experience is created that resonates with the local market audience.
Another key difference is also in the way they operate when it comes to translation.
While the multi-language feature is possible through Webflow Integrations and a more complex process to put to work, Webflow localization is a native Webflow solution providing much more easier implementation directly in the Webflow Designer.
Webflow’s concept and commitment to having everything you need for design in your visual canvas just got enhanced further with this October update.
These features facilitate the process of adapting websites to the language and culture of your target markets. Here is what Webflow Localization offers to its users in three main categories:
In the process of designing and building your website, Webflow offers several features to enhance localization. You can preview and switch between locales, allowing you to see how your site will look in different regions before publishing.
Translating static pages and CMS content is made easy, and you can customize images and alt text to provide a tailored experience for each locale. Additionally, Webflow enables you to customize element visibility, showcasing different content based on the visitor's region.
You can also customize styles per locale to ensure optimal design for each region.
For content and translation management, Webflow also offers various tools. Within the Designer, you can directly translate content, granting you granular control and the ability to edit static elements and CMS content.
For users with existing translation management systems, Webflow offers flexible API options to connect their site programmatically. This allows for customization of static content, CMS content, images, and more. More here about API-s.
Webflow has also developed machine-powered translation integration options to streamline the language localization process, enabling quick translation of individual elements. Moreover, Webflow has established direct integrations with translation management systems and collaborated with technology partners to enhance the language localization experience for users.
When it comes to publishing and delivering your localized website, Webflow offers several features to optimize the process. You can toggle locale publishing, giving you control over when different locales go live. This allows you to work on new locales as drafts before launching them.
Customizing URLs and subdirectories helps optimize your site's SEO profile, allowing you to structure localized pages with locale slugs and serve them in subdirectories. You can also localize SEO titles and descriptions for each locale to improve search engine visibility.
The automatically generated sitemap includes hreflang tags, ensuring search engines understand the relationships between different localized pages. Webflow provides a fully customizable locale switcher element, allowing visitors to select their preferred language during navigation. This element's design can be customized to match your site's aesthetics.
To effectively localize your Webflow website for a global audience explore the tips and strategies below for maximum impact and engagement.
To add and manage your locales in Webflow, begin by accessing the Settings panel and navigating to Localization. Set your primary locale, specifying display names, subdirectories, and publishing status. Save changes, then use the "Add new locale" option to create additional locales. Webflow supports RTL(right-to-left) scripts for specific locales.
For additional information about managing your Webflow locales; building a locale switcher, localizing SEO, page settings, and more, visit the full Webflow University guide.
Now that Webflow Localization is here you might be wondering “Is Webflow Localization free, and if not how much does it cost?
Without getting too excited, the answer is that Webflow localization is a premium option offered to Webflow users. Still, the nice thing about it is that you can try it for free, with the caveat that you won’t be able to publish the localized content.
The advantage is that it allows you to explore its benefits and gives you the option to contemplate whether those benefits are worth the price for you or not. In other words, as the saying goes, you can “look before you leap and see before you go”.
When it comes to the price, there are 3 pricing plan options. Here is a breakdown with their features included:
As the name indicates, this plan is for your small sites and businesses that you want to bring to the localized market. The price is +$9 per locale/mo if it is billed yearly, and +$12 if it is billed monthly.
It is available as an add-on to Basic, CMS, and Business Site plans and includes these features:
This plan is a “middle selection,” ideal for those of you with bigger localization needs and a desire for advanced features without upgrading to “the” premium plan. The price is +$29 per locale/mo for the yearly billing plan, and +$35 for the monthly one.
The features include:
The enterprise plan is for those of you out there that want to scale your businesses worldwide. This plan is only available as an add-on to the enterprise site plan, and the price is to be discussed with the Webflow team.
The features include:
Webflow Localization represents a game-changing solution for businesses seeking to expand their global reach and connect with diverse audiences. By providing a native feature that adapts websites to specific languages, regions, and cultures, Webflow enables personalized user experiences and fosters engagement on a global scale.
As you integrate Webflow Localization into your web development strategy, empower your brand with stunning Webflow templates to thrive in the global digital landscape.
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