How to Create a Multilingual Website on Squarespace: Manual Setup Guide

How to Create a Multilingual Website on Squarespace: Manual Setup Guide

By Michael Turner

March 18, 2025 at 12:56 AM

A manual approach to creating a multilingual Squarespace site requires careful planning and structure. While Weglot integration is recommended for version 7.1, here's how to set up multiple languages manually:

Site Structure Requirements

  • Single language for embedded text (checkout pages, blog dates)
  • One currency for all products
  • Same domain/subdomain for all languages

Basic Setup Steps

  1. Create a homepage with language selection options
  2. Organize content using either:
    • Multiple pages for each language
    • Single scrolling page with language sections
  3. Add language-specific navigation menus

Detailed Implementation

  1. Homepage Setup:

    • Create blank homepage
    • Move to "Not Linked" section
    • Add language selection links/buttons
  2. Navigation Structure:

    • Create dropdown menus for each language
    • Name menus according to languages (e.g., "English," "Español")
    • Maintain consistent page order across languages

Navigation menu highlighting store

Navigation menu highlighting store

  1. Content Organization:
    • Add pages to first language dropdown
    • Duplicate pages for second language
    • Translate content manually
    • Maintain consistent page order

Alternative Approaches

  • Use Not Linked section for all pages with custom navigation
  • Create separate sites for different languages (separate billing required)
  • For version 7.0:
    • Use index pages for scrolling content
    • Implement cover page as language selector
    • Utilize template-specific features

SEO Considerations

  • Content must be optimized for multiple language searches
  • Follow Google Search Console guidelines
  • Consider hiring an SEO expert for proper implementation
  • Implement proper meta tags for each language

This manual approach requires more maintenance but offers full control over your multilingual content. Consider your specific needs and resources before choosing between manual setup and integration tools like Weglot.

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