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Shopify Multilanguage Strategy for Seamless Customer Experience

In today’s global marketplace, businesses are no longer confined by geographical boundaries. For CMOs, CEOs, and customer service managers in big businesses, implementing a multilingual Shopify store is a strategic move to enhance accessibility for international customers and streamline the shopping experience. Here’s how you can achieve this and leverage tools like Askly to break language barriers.

person using laptop. Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash

Why Go Multilingual on Shopify?

Expand Your Global Reach

Over 75% of the world’s population doesn’t speak English. By offering content in multiple languages, you tap into a vast global audience. In fact, 72.4% of customers prefer to purchase from websites that provide information in their native language. This preference can significantly boost your international sales and open up new markets. The numbers don’t lie – localization is no longer a luxury but a necessity for growth-focused businesses.

Improve Customer Retention and Satisfaction

Localization isn’t just about language—it’s about connecting with customers on a cultural level. 79% of marketers report improved customer retention after localizing their content. When customers can navigate your store and understand product details in their native tongue, they’re more likely to trust your brand and complete purchases. This emotional connection translates directly to your bottom line, with research from BCG showing that companies with high customer satisfaction scores generate twice the shareholder value.

Enhance SEO and Organic Visibility

Multilingual stores improve your search engine rankings in different regions. Shopify automatically adds meta and hreflang tags, helping search engines recognize and index your localized pages more efficiently. This optimization leads to increased organic traffic from diverse markets. With proper URL structures (like subdirectories or subdomains), your international SEO efforts become much more effective, creating multiple entry points to your store from various regional search engines.

How to Implement a Multilingual Shopify Store

Step 1: Choose the Right Translation Tools

Utilize native translation apps like Translation Lab that integrate seamlessly with Shopify’s multi-language feature. These apps eliminate the need for additional code and offer both manual and automatic translations, covering everything from product descriptions to checkout pages. For large enterprises, consider a hybrid approach – using automation for high-volume content while employing professional translation services for brand-critical messaging.

Step 2: Set Up Language Options in Shopify

  • Add Languages: In your Shopify admin panel, go to Settings > Languages and add the languages you want to support.
  • Assign Languages to Markets: Use Shopify Markets to assign specific languages to different regions.
  • Customize Language Settings: Ensure your theme supports a language selector or use apps like Geolocation by Shopify to help customers switch languages easily.
  • Review Theme Compatibility: Not all themes support multilingual features equally – verify that yours includes proper language selectors and responsive design elements.

Step 3: Translate Your Content

Leverage translation apps to translate:

  • Products and Collections: Start with your best-sellers and most viewed products.
  • Blog Posts and Pages: Focus on content that drives conversions and brand storytelling.
  • Checkout Pages and System Messages: These crucial touchpoints often get overlooked but significantly impact conversion rates.
  • SEO Elements: Don’t forget meta titles, descriptions, and alt text for images.

Remember to also translate URL slugs for better SEO performance in local markets. After automated translation, always have a native speaker review key content to catch cultural nuances that machines might miss.

Step 4: Integrate Multilingual Customer Support with Askly

A multilingual store isn’t complete without equally versatile customer support. Askly offers a multilingual live chat solution that breaks language barriers, providing real-time translation in over 100 languages. This ensures customers receive support in their preferred language, enhancing their shopping experience and trust in your brand.

As McKinsey research highlights, personalization elements like native language support can boost customer satisfaction by 20% and increase conversion rates by 10-15%.

Benefits of Using Askly for Multilingual Support

Real-Time Translation

Communicate effortlessly with international customers. Askly’s real-time translation means your support agents can interact with customers without language proficiency in every language. Imagine a Spanish-speaking customer chatting with your English-speaking agent – both typing in their native languages while Askly handles the translation invisibly in the background. This seamless experience removes friction at a critical customer touchpoint.

Increased Efficiency with Automation

Askly’s automation features streamline customer inquiries, reducing response times and improving satisfaction rates. It’s like having a multilingual support team available 24/7. The tool can handle routine questions automatically while escalating complex issues to your team, all while maintaining the customer’s language preference. This efficiency aligns with Bain’s research on the importance of scalable AI architecture to support personalized customer journeys.

Customizable and Easy Integration

Customize the chat widget to match your brand identity. Askly integrates seamlessly with Shopify and requires zero development effort, saving you time and resources. The plug-and-play nature means you can launch multilingual chat support within days rather than months, without taxing your IT department or requiring extensive training.

Analytics and Insights

Track customer interactions and gather valuable data to improve your support services continuously. Askly’s analytics dashboard shows which languages are most frequently requested, common customer questions by region, and satisfaction scores – giving you actionable intelligence to refine your international strategy.

Additional Tips for a Multilingual Shopify Store

  • Use Language and Currency Switchers: Enhance the user experience by allowing customers to view prices in their local currency. This combination is particularly powerful for reducing cart abandonment in international markets.
  • Auto-Detect Customer Language: Utilize tools that detect a customer’s preferred language based on their browser settings or location. This small touch creates an immediately welcoming experience.
  • Optimize for Local Search Engines: Tailor your SEO multilingual website strategy to target local keywords and search behaviors. Remember that Google isn’t the dominant search engine in every market.
  • Test Different Approaches: Implement A/B testing for multilingual stores to determine which translations and layouts perform best in different markets.

Addressing Common Questions

Can Shopify be bilingual or support multiple languages?

Absolutely. Shopify supports multiple languages, and by using the right apps and settings, you can make your store bilingual or multilingual. Large enterprises often support 5-10 languages based on their key markets.

Does Shopify automatically translate languages?

While Shopify doesn’t automatically translate your content, it provides the infrastructure to add translations using apps like Translation Lab or Shopify Translate & Adapt. This built-in framework makes language management considerably easier than on other platforms.

How do I add translations to a Shopify theme?

You can add translations to your theme by accessing the language editor in Shopify or using translation apps that sync with your theme’s content. For larger businesses, working with Shopify Plus Partners who specialize in enterprise-level multilingual websites can provide more tailored solutions.

The Competitive Edge

Implementing a multilingual Shopify store sets your business apart in the crowded e-commerce landscape. It not only caters to a wider audience but also demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction and cultural sensitivity. Companies implementing comprehensive multilingual strategies typically see 30-50% growth in international markets within the first year.

three people sitting in front of table laughing together. Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Conclusion

Breaking language barriers is essential for any big business aiming for international success. By making your Shopify store multilingual and integrating powerful tools like Askly’s multilingual chat support, you enhance the customer experience, build brand loyalty, and drive global growth.

Interested in exploring more about multilingual e-commerce solutions?

By embracing multilingual strategies, you’re not just translating words—you’re translating your brand’s value across cultures, building global customer relationships that drive sustainable growth.