Multi-language search
We set up a site search that works correctly across several languages: it accounts for the language's morphology, searches in the right language version and finds results even if a word is entered in another form. So that a user finds what they need in their language instead of getting an empty result. Honestly upfront: quality multi-language search noticeably improves findability, but its quality depends on the search engine's capabilities for each language (some languages are easier, others harder) and on the content actually being translated and indexed.
Multi-language search — overview
Multi-language site search is the setup of a search that understands the query language and works over the corresponding language version of the content: accounting for morphology (declensions/conjugations), language stop-words, normalization, searching in the right language version, correct results and highlighting. We choose and configure a suitable search engine/technology for your languages. Honestly about language dependency, this matters: search quality depends on how well the engine supports the SPECIFIC language. Languages with rich morphology (Russian, Arabic, Finnish) are harder than simple ones — they need better language modules/settings, and no one guarantees perfect relevance. We will honestly pick a solution for your languages and say where there will be compromises. Honestly about the prerequisite: search finds only what is translated and indexed — if the content is not localized (776/777) or did not get into the index, search will not find it. Honestly about relevance: good search improves findability, but 'perfectly understands any query' is not about real search engines; there are always borderline queries. Honestly about the effect: better findability → fewer exits, but we do NOT guarantee sales growth by itself. Honestly about maintenance: as content grows, the index must be maintained. Honestly about access: access to the site/content and the search system is needed. Honestly about engine cost: some search solutions (e.g. Algolia/Elastic) are paid or have plan limits — these are separate costs, we will indicate them in advance. Honestly about rare languages: for very rare languages/dialects, industrial search solutions may be absent or work only formally — we will check support for your language. Honestly about the platform: on some SaaS/site builders (Wix/Shopify, etc.) integrating a third-party search may be impossible or limited — we will warn in advance. An important boundary: this is search; multi-language analytics is 789, local SEO (external search) is 790. Picture this: instead of 'a user searches in their language and gets nothing' — relevant results in the right language version. The base price starts from 18,000 ₽ (depends on the number of languages and the engine).
Problems we solve
- Search does not understand the query language and returns nothing.
- Morphology is not accounted for — 'buy' does not find 'purchase'.
- Search mixes language versions or searches in the wrong place.
- The user does not find what they need and leaves.
What's included in the Multi-language search service
- Choosing a search engine/technology for your languages
- Accounting for morphology, stop-words, language normalization
- Searching in the right language version of the content
- Correct results, highlighting, handling of empty results
- An honest assessment of where the language gives relevance compromises
- Indicating boundaries (finds only translated/indexed content)
- Verification on real queries
- Handover and review with you
What you get
- Search works in the needed languages with morphology accounted for
- The user finds what they need in their language version
- Fewer empty results and exits
- Better findability (external SEO and analytics — separate)
How the work goes: steps
- We determine the languages and content nature; collect access
- We set up the engine, morphology, index by language versions
- We verify on real queries, review boundaries and compromises with you
Why PDV Expert
- Fixed price and timeline — no surprises on the invoice.
- Report and recommendations in plain language — clear without a technical background.
- In touch at every step and answering questions about the result.
FAQ
Will search perfectly understand any query?
No, no real search engine gives perfect relevance — there are always borderline queries. We noticeably improve findability (morphology, the right language version), but quality also depends on the language: rich morphology (Russian, Arabic) is harder. We will honestly show where there will be compromises.
Why does search not find something?
Search finds only what is translated and got into the index. If the content is not localized (776/777) or a new page is not indexed — search will not find it. This is honest: search does not 'invent' content, it works over what exists and is indexed; the index must be maintained as the site grows.
Is this the same as SEO?
No. Multi-language search is search INSIDE your site (findability for a user who already arrived). Local SEO (790) is visibility in EXTERNAL search results (Google/Yandex). Different tasks; we will honestly say which you need more.
About the provider
The «Multi-language search» service is provided by PDV Expert — a team specialising in «Site quality». We work under contract and deliver a written report with recommendations.