Multilingual website from scratch
A site in several languages from the start: a language switcher, separate URLs and hreflang for each, all content translated and formats adapted to the region. So clients from different countries see the site in their language and search engines show them the right version.
Multilingual website from scratch — overview
A multilingual website is a site built for several languages from the ground up. Each language has its own URL (for example /ru/ and /en/), a language switcher on every page and hreflang markup that tells search engines which version to show in which country. All content is translated — texts, menus, buttons, meta tags — while dates, currencies and numbers are shown in the regional format. Unlike a site with an auto-translate widget, here each language version is complete and indexed separately.
Problems we solve
- Clients from other countries leave: the site is in one language only and they do not understand it.
- An auto-translate widget (Google) translates poorly and is not indexed — the site does not appear in another country’s search.
- Language versions were added as an afterthought with poor integration: the switcher breaks, some pages have no translation.
- Prices, dates and contacts are not adapted to the region — it looks foreign and lowers trust.
What's included in the Multilingual website from scratch service
- Architecture for several languages: separate URLs (/ru/, /en/…), URL structure, language switcher
- hreflang markup: search engines show the right version in the right country, without duplicates
- Translation of the whole interface and content: texts, menus, buttons, forms, meta tags (translation scope and cost are estimated separately)
- Format localization: dates, currencies, numbers, phone numbers for each region
- Separate SEO foundation per language: title, description, sitemap and hreflang by language
- Per-language content management: an editor maintains each version separately
- Canonical URLs and protection from duplicates between languages
- Domain connection (or subdomains, or folders), per-language analytics and publishing
What you get
- A site in several languages — each client reads it in their own
- Each version is indexed separately and can be shown to users in its country’s search
- Price, date and contact formats are familiar to the region — higher trust
- New languages are added the same way, without rebuilding the site
How the work goes: steps
- You leave a request and name the languages and regions
- We design the language structure and prepare translations and formats
- We build, check every version and publish
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
How is this better than an auto-translate widget (Google Translate)?
A widget translates on the fly, often poorly, and such pages are not indexed — the site does not appear in another country’s search. A full multilingual site has a separate URL per language, correct translation and hreflang, so it is indexed and reads naturally.
Who does the translation and is it included in the price?
We can handle the translation (professional or with your proofreading) or place your ready texts. Translation cost is estimated separately — by volume and number of languages. The base price covers two language versions; extra languages and a large amount of content increase it.
Can another language be added later?
Yes. The architecture is built for expansion — a new language is added the same way, without rebuilding the site.
About the provider
The «Multilingual website from scratch» service is provided by PDV Expert — a team specialising in «Website creation and improvement». We work under contract and deliver a written report with recommendations.