Shopify: How to Change Language for Your Online Store

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Language in Ecommerce
3. How to Add a Language to Your Shopify Store
4. Managing Languages for Different Markets
5. Changing the Default Language of Your Shopify Store
6. Best Practices for Multilingual Shopify Stores
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that over 70% of consumers prefer to shop in their native language? In today's global marketplace, having a multilingual Shopify store is no longer just a luxury—it's a necessity. As ecommerce brands expand their reach to diverse demographics, the ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages becomes vital for engagement and conversion. This blog post will guide you through the essential steps on how to change language in your Shopify store, ensuring that your customers have an intuitive shopping experience tailored to their preferences.

At PowerCommerce, we understand the challenges ecommerce brands face when navigating the complexities of language settings and localization. Our mission is to empower you with the right tools and knowledge to enhance your digital presence and drive growth. In this article, we will cover everything from adding languages to your store, adjusting settings for specific markets, to utilizing advanced translation features—all designed to optimize your storefront's performance.

By the end of this post, you will not only learn how to manage language settings seamlessly but also understand how these changes can significantly impact your conversion rates and overall customer satisfaction. Let's embark on this journey to enhance your Shopify experience!

The Importance of Language in Ecommerce

Before diving into the technical details, it’s crucial to appreciate the significance of language in ecommerce. Tailoring your online store to meet the language preferences of your customers is more than just a technical adjustment; it's about creating a welcoming environment. Here’s why it matters:

1. Customer Trust and Loyalty: Customers are more likely to trust a brand that communicates in their language. Offering product descriptions, customer support, and checkout processes in multiple languages builds credibility and fosters loyalty.

2. Increased Conversion Rates: Studies indicate that consumers are more likely to complete a purchase when they can navigate a site in their preferred language. This can directly affect your bottom line.

3. Global Reach: As ecommerce continues to grow, brands that embrace multilingual capabilities can tap into new markets and demographics, enhancing their global footprint.

4. Improved User Experience: A site that speaks the customer's language enhances usability, making it easier for them to find products, read descriptions, and complete purchases.

At PowerCommerce, we believe that understanding your audience is key to success. Leveraging language settings effectively not only aligns with our core value of customer-centricity but also empowers you to deliver exceptional user experiences.

How to Add a Language to Your Shopify Store

Adding languages to your Shopify store is a straightforward process. Here, we’ll walk you through each step to ensure your store is ready to cater to a diverse audience.

Step 1: Access Language Settings

To begin, log into your Shopify admin panel. Navigate to Settings and then click on Languages. This is where you'll manage all language options for your store.

Step 2: Add a New Language

1. In the Languages section, click on Add Language.
2. A dropdown menu will appear, showcasing a list of available languages.
3. Select the language you wish to add and click Next.

Step 3: Publish the Language

Once you’ve added the desired language, you’ll need to publish it to make it available to customers:

1. Still in the Languages section, find your newly added language under Unpublished languages.
2. Click Publish next to the language you want to make live.
3. Click Save to confirm your changes.

Step 4: Customize Translations

After adding a language, you can customize translations for specific content areas:

1. Navigate to Online Store > Themes.
2. Find the theme you are using and select Actions > Edit Languages.
3. Here, you can modify text for various sections of your store, ensuring it resonates with your audience.

By following these steps, you'll ensure that your Shopify store is equipped with the necessary language settings to cater to your global audience. This aligns perfectly with our mission at PowerCommerce to empower businesses with scalable and intuitive solutions.

Managing Languages for Different Markets

As your business expands, you might find that different markets require different language settings. Shopify allows you to manage languages for specific markets effectively. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Set Up International Domains

Before managing languages for specific markets, ensure that you have international domains set up. This may involve using subfolders or subdomains to create distinct URLs for different markets.

Step 2: Access Market Settings

1. In your Shopify admin, navigate to Settings > Markets.
2. Select the market you want to manage languages for.

Step 3: Add Languages to the Market

1. In the market settings, click on Languages and domains.
2. Click Add languages to include new languages specific to that market.
3. Select the languages from the Not added to this market section and confirm by clicking Add.

Step 4: Change Default Language

Each market can have its own default language, which you can change as follows:

1. In the same market settings, locate the Current default language.
2. Click the icon next to it and select Set as default to change it.

Step 5: Remove Languages

If you need to remove a language from a market:

1. Go back to the market settings and click on Languages and domains.
2. Click the icon next to the language you wish to remove and select Remove language.

Managing languages for different markets allows you to tailor your offerings to specific demographics, ensuring that you meet the unique needs of each audience. This level of customization is crucial for driving conversions and fostering customer loyalty—a principle we prioritize at PowerCommerce.

Changing the Default Language of Your Shopify Store

Your Shopify store's default language is crucial as it sets the primary language for checkout and theme. If you need to change the default language, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access Language Settings Again

Return to the Settings > Languages section in your Shopify admin.

Step 2: Change Default Language

1. In the Published languages section, find your current default language.
2. Click the icon next to it, then select Change default from the dialog that appears.
3. Choose the new default language from the dropdown menu and click Save.

Important Consideration

Changing the default language deletes all existing translations for that language. If you have established translations that you wish to retain, consider exporting them before making this change.

This process aligns with our commitment to data-driven decision-making at PowerCommerce, ensuring that you maintain control over your store's language settings and optimize for performance.

Best Practices for Multilingual Shopify Stores

To maximize the effectiveness of your multilingual Shopify store, consider the following best practices:

1. Consistent Branding: Ensure that your brand message and tone remain consistent across all languages. This helps in maintaining brand integrity and customer trust.

2. SEO Optimization: Optimize for search engines by utilizing hreflang tags and localized keywords. This ensures that your store is indexed correctly for multilingual searches.

3. Use of Translation Apps: Leverage third-party translation apps available in the Shopify App Store. These apps can simplify the translation process and offer more robust features.

4. Regular Updates: Keep your translations updated as you add new products or content. Regularly revisit your language settings to ensure everything is current.

5. Test User Experience: Regularly test the user experience in all languages. Solicit feedback from customers who speak different languages to identify areas for improvement.

By implementing these best practices, you can enhance the functionality of your multilingual store and create an inclusive shopping experience for all customers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, effectively managing language settings in your Shopify store is essential for reaching a global audience and enhancing customer satisfaction. By adding languages, customizing translations, and managing settings for different markets, you can significantly improve user experience and conversion rates.

At PowerCommerce, we are dedicated to providing you with the tools and insights necessary to drive ecommerce success. If you’re ready to take your store to the next level, explore our PowerCommerce eStore Suite for innovative solutions tailored to your business needs.

FAQ

How many languages can I add to my Shopify store?

You can add multiple languages to your Shopify store. There is no strict limit, but it's advisable to focus on languages that align with your target markets.

Can I customize translations for specific sections of my store?

Yes! You can customize translations for various sections by navigating to Online Store > Themes > Actions > Edit Languages.

What happens if I change the default language?

Changing the default language will delete all existing translations for that language. It’s recommended to export translations before making this change.

How do I set up international domains for different markets?

You can set up international domains by using subfolders or subdomains. Ensure that your language settings align with these domains for effective management.

Can I use third-party translation apps in Shopify?

Absolutely! There are several third-party translation apps available in the Shopify App Store that can enhance your store’s multilingual capabilities.