The stages of a multilingual web project: Development and integration
Whether you want to launch a multi-country e-commerce platform or adapt a showcase site to different markets, developing a multilingual web project requires much more than just translation. Each market has its own expectations, and a website must be able to respond to these specific needs while offering a fluid user experience. From the initial design to the integration of localised solutions, each stage must be planned and executed meticulously. At Datawords, we take control of every step to allow businesses to roll out high-performance websites and apps that are tailored to the needs of users in every part of the world.
Step 1: Defining objectives and designing the mock-up
The first step in any web project is to define specific objectives. For an international e-commerce platform, such as an online fashion boutique looking to expand into Europe and Asia, the requirements in terms of functionality, navigation and user experience will be different. It is therefore essential to understand the target audience, the specific trends in each market and local expectations.
Once these objectives have been defined, the creation of the site mock-up becomes a crucial stage. Take, for example, a hotel group that wants to adapt its site to ten different markets: a mock-up will allow you to visualise how navigation, reservations and information about each establishment will be displayed in different languages, while keeping local browsing habits in mind. The mock-up also enables you to check design elements and the site's usability before moving on to the development phase. This stage also involves taking SEO specifications into account so that your site is optimised for your strategic keywords.
Step 2: Web development
Once the mock-up has been validated, the technical team moves on to the web development phase. This stage involves transforming the mock-up into a functional site, using programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript for the front-end, and frameworks such as React or Angular to make the site more dynamic and interactive. For example, when redesigning a website for a luxury goods giant, we might integrate interactive elements such as 3D product displays for a more immersive user experience.
Developing a web application or website also involves managing each market’s specific technical requirements. For example, if a company wants to launch its e-commerce app in Europe and in China, payment methods need to be adapted: PayPal for Europe and Alipay or WeChat Pay for China. It’s during this phase that functions specific to local users, such as language management, currency conversion and secure payment gateways, are integrated.
The back-end is often based on technologies such as Node.js, PHP or Python, which allow you to manage databases, oversee server-client interactions and integrate information systems, ensuring that operations (such as transactions or stock updates) run smoothly.
Step 3: Web integration
Web integration is a crucial stage in any multilingual digital project. It involves bringing together a site’s various components (front-end and back-end), while integrating external databases and APIs. Take the example of a cosmetics brand that wants to roll out its online sales site across several international markets: integration will enable the user interface to be connected to the internal management systems, such as stock management, region-specific delivery options and the various local payment gateways. This guarantees a seamless user experience, while respecting the technical and logistical needs specific to each market.
In a multilingual project, it’s also important to integrate content management systems (CMS) like WordPress or Drupal, which enable local teams to easily manage translated content and adapt specific offers or promotions to each country. For example, a technology company rolling out a site in different markets can centralise its campaigns while adjusting its product pages and messages according to the needs of local consumers.
Integration also needs to ensure that all data (including currencies, units of measurement, date formats and time zones) is managed correctly according to local standards. For a company that operates in several countries, this also means ensuring that external systems, such as payment gateways or logistics services, are compliant with varying local legislation.
Step 4: Tests and adjustments
Before launching, it is essential to carry out a series of tests to check that the site or app is working properly. For example, an international e-commerce site for a major fashion brand doesn’t just need to be tested on its technical aspects (loading speed, compatibility with different browsers and devices), but we also need to ensure that navigation in each language is fluid and that localised features, such as the payment system or delivery options, are operational.
Load testing is also crucial to ensure that the site can handle traffic peaks, especially during important periods when sales or international promotional events are on, such as Black Friday or Singles' Day in China. User tests provide feedback on the browsing experience, ensuring that the site meets local expectations in terms of fluidity and usability.
The success of a multilingual web project is based on a structured process, starting by defining objectives and ending with the testing phase. By combining solid technical development and seamless integration, companies can offer a consistent user experience that’s tailored to each market. At Datawords, we support you every step of the way, ensuring that your web project is a success on all fronts. Once global sites have been launched, Datawords supports major brands, particularly in the luxury sector, through a 24/7 webmastering service. Our dedicated teams ensure ongoing platform management by updating content, providing technical maintenance and resolving problems quickly. This integrated management service gives our clients’ teams total peace of mind, allowing them to concentrate on strategy in the knowledge that their sites are constantly being monitored and optimised by our experts. With Datawords, brands benefit from constant support ensuring that their platforms perform optimally, day and night.
Contact us to find out how we can help you develop and integrate high-performance multilingual websites and web apps.
