How to Easily Create a Multilingual Knowledge Base Website | Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s globalized world, having a multilingual knowledge base website is essential for businesses to cater to a diverse range of customers from around the globe. 

By providing information in multiple languages, you can enhance the user experience, increase accessibility, & expand your reach to international markets. 

In this article, we will explore how to create a multilingual knowledge base website with WordPress & some popular translator plugins 

Is it Worth Translating a Knowledge Base?

According to statistics from Statistica, Mandarin, Hindi, and Spanish are not far behind English in terms of the number of worldwide speakers. Companies that cater to these languages can significantly expand their customer base, although it requires considerable effort. 

And it’s not only about expanding to diverse markets; look at translating a knowledge base website as an accessibility upgrade. Make your website & its library of knowledge accessible to those not well-versed in English. 

“A multilingual knowledge base website can help businesses to reach a wider audience, to improve customer service, and to build trust and credibility.” – HubSpot.

Why Choose Docy for Your Multilingual Knowledge Base Website?

When it comes to creating a well-structured knowledge-base platform, choosing the right WordPress knowledge-base theme is crucial. You need a theme that can effectively showcase your business knowledge base structure with the right design elements and content organization.

There are several benefits to using a professionally crafted knowledge base theme like Docy:

And much more.

Now that we’ve explored the advantages of using Docy, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of creating a multilingual knowledge base website.

Creating a Multilingual knowledge base with Docy

Let’s go through the step-by-step process of creating a multilingual knowledge website starting with installing our WordPress knowledge base Theme. 

Step 1: Docy Knowledge Base Theme Installation

Start by purchasing the premium documentation theme from ThemeForest. And downloading the theme file. 

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard. (yourwebsite.come/wp-admin
• Go to Appearance > Themes.
• Click the Add New button.
• Click Upload Theme & select the downloaded Docy theme.zip file. 
• Now click the Install button.
• Once the theme has been installed, click the Activate button to use it on your website.

Step 2: Using Docy Knowledge Base Demo for Content Structure

• With most premium WordPress themes users can decide between creating a knowledge base page from scratch or using a preset demo included with the theme.
• And Docy is no different, for seeking this quick tutorial, we’ll be using the Docy knowledge base demo using the One Click Demo Import plugin.
• To do so, simply navigate to WordPress Dashboard Appearance Import Demo Data .
• And click on the Import Demo button on your preferred demo.

Here’s a step-by-step video tutorial on how to work with the Docy knowledge-base WordPress Theme:

If you run into any issues during the installation of the configuration process, you can always refer to WPML resources:

✔️ Docy Documentation Page

✔️ Spider-Themes Forum Page

Translating Your Knowledge Base with WPML

WPML is a popular translation plugin for WordPress sites that offers a user-friendly experience and a range of useful features. It seamlessly integrates with the Docy Knowledge Base, making it easy to create and manage a multilingual knowledge base. 

Here’s how you can install & start translating your content with WPML: 

Translating Your Knowledge Base with WPML

WPML is a popular translation plugin for WordPress sites that offers a user-friendly experience and a range of useful features. 

It seamlessly integrates with the Docy Knowledge Base, making it easy to create and manage a multilingual knowledge base. 

Here’s how you can install & start translating your content with WPML: 

Step 1: Acquiring the OTGS Installer

To kickstart your WPML journey, visit the WPML Downloads page and secure the WPML OTGS Installer plugin. This powerful tool automates the installation process, ensuring your website has all the necessary components to become fully multilingual.

Step 2: Upload & Install the WPML WordPress Plugin

Once you’ve downloaded your WPML OTGS Installer file, simply upload it to your WordPress website.

• Log into your WordPress website.
• Navigate to Plugins Add New
• Click on Upload & select your file & click on Install Now.
• Wait for the plugin installation to complete and click Activate.
• Now go through with the WPML setup wizard.

Step 3: WPML Configuration Wizard

Upon successfully uploading the OTGS Installer or the WPML core plugin, a user-friendly wizard will guide you through the setup process. Let’s dive into the details.

Defining your site’s languages from the first panel. English will be by default your primary language (which can be changed).

Now from the Translation Languages option define additional languages that you want to support on your website. 

For this example, we’ve selected the French & Spanish languages.

Step 4: Optimal URL Structure

WPML you can choose from three distinct language URL formats. Take into account factors such as cost, target audience (language or region), and international SEO strategy to make an informed decision. 

Remember, advanced settings and URL format modifications can be accessed in the WPML → Languages section post-configuration changes.

Step 5: Registering WPML 

Verify your registration with WPML with your Site Key.

Step 6: Choose WPML Translation Mode

WPML offers two translation modes to suit your preferences:

Automatic Translation: Utilize machine translation (DeepL, Google Translate, or Microsoft Azure) to automatically translate your published content. Note that this option requires automatic translation credits.

Selective Translation: Exercise control over the translation process by choosing specific content to translate. Decide whether to handle translations internally, collaborate with translators, or hire a professional translation service. Grant the Translation Manager role to a user for translator selection.

Step 7: Activating Additional WPML Components

In the final step, WPML provides recommendations on add-ons to install based on the plugins present on your site. Remember to prioritize essential components such as String Translation. 

If you have third-party plugins that require WPML extensions to achieve multilingual functionality, this step ensures smooth integration. 

For instance, if you employ the WooCommerce plugin for E-commerce shop functionality, WPML’s WooCommerce extension will be suggested.

If you run into any issues during the installation of the configuration process, you can always refer to WPML resources:

✔️ WPML Documentation Page

✔️ WPML Community Forum Page

Conclusion

Setting up a multilingual knowledge base is not difficult, and you’re not limited to only the WPML translator plugin. There are more options in the market.

The choice of solution depends on factors such as your timeline, budget, and level of perfectionism.

For the best translation quality, manual translation is always the recommended option.

I hope this article has provided valuable insights into setting up additional languages in your knowledge base. If you’re looking for inspiration to build a multilingual knowledge base, check out our article on ”How to Create Professional Documentation”.

Remember, providing multilingual support can greatly enhance your user experience and help you cater to a broader audience.

Happy translating!

Frequently Asked Questions on Multilingual Knowledge Base Websites