One URL per language
A folder or a subdomain for each version.
Website design · 2026 edition
Multilingual website: a site that speaks to every country
Translating a website is not enough to sell abroad. You need a URL for each language, texts adapted to each country, prices and delivery times people understand, and tags that tell Google which page to show to whom. Here is how to do it, and what it costs.
- The structure
- Translation
- SEO
Updated October 2026Rules checkedNo jargon
Multilingual websites in 30 seconds
In short
A successful multilingual website gives each language its own page URLs, for example a /fr/ or /es/ folder, rather than a machine translation laid over the page. Each version is linked to the others with language tags (hreflang) so that Google shows the right page to the right visitor. The texts are proofread by someone fluent in the language. Some countries also require their own language when you sell to consumers there.
Language tags
Each page lists its equivalents in the other languages.
A proofread translation
Adapted to the country, not word for word.
A free choice
Visitors switch language in one click, with no forced redirect.
Organising languages in your URLs
Three common ways to separate languages. For a small business, folders are often the simplest.
| Structure | Example | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|
| Folder per language | mysite.co.uk/fr/ | Simple, only one domain to manage |
| Subdomain | fr.mysite.co.uk | Clean separation, a little more to manage |
| Country domain | mysite.es | Very local, several domains to pay for and maintain |
| URL parameter | mysite.co.uk?lang=fr | Not recommended by Google |
| Translation shown without its own URL | Same URL for every language | Other languages are hard to find in search |
Google recommends using different URLs for each language version and not redirecting visitors automatically based on their language or country without giving them a choice.
Building the site one language at a time
Start with two languages done well rather than five half translated.
What a multilingual website costs and what it requires
The cost depends mainly on the amount of text and on proofreading.
Setup
Often a few hundred euros for the structure and tags, depending on the base site.
Translation
Charged per page or per word. Example: 8 pages of 400 words at €0.10 a word = €320 per language.
Updates
Every change must be made in every language. Plan for it in your maintenance.
The local language
Some countries require their official language when you present an offer to consumers. Check the rules in each country you target.
Legal pages
Legal notice, privacy policy and terms of sale should be understandable in the customer's language. Check the language rules in each country you target.
Selling abroad
As a general rule, VAT of the customer's country above €10,000 of distance sales within the EU.
From a one-page site to a website that works for you
Choose the package that fits your business. The price is fixed in advance.
Simple Website · 1 page
A one-page website, simple and professional, to be present online.
- 1 mobile-friendly page
- Your copy and your logo
- WhatsApp button
- 1 round of changes included
- File delivered, ready to publish
Essential Website
For a small business that wants a serious website, fast.
- Up to 5 pages
- Copy written for you
- Basic SEO
- Contact form
- Publishing included
Multilingual Pro Website
To reach customers in several languages.
- 5 to 10 pages
- 2 or 3 languages
- Full SEO
- Form linked to a tracking spreadsheet
- WhatsApp button and direct contact
Website + Automations
For a website that works for you, day and night.
- Everything in the Multilingual Pro Website
- Quotes calculated and sent
- Orders recorded automatically
- Automatic invoices and reminders
Online Presence Pack
Everything you need to exist on Google, set up for you.
- Domain name in your name
- Professional email address
- Business Google account
- Your website registered with Google
Options, for every offer
- €29Domain name purchase and setup
- €49Going live on hosting
- €39Extra page with copywriting
- €59Translation, per language
- €19/monthWebsite monitoring and alerts
The website and the domain name are in your name. Simple Website: text and logo supplied by you, going live as an option. Indicative prices.
Reply to every customer in their language
A website in several languages receives enquiries in several languages. They can be handled with no extra effort.
Enquiries sorted by language
Every form arrives with the language and the country.
Replies in the right language
The acknowledgement goes out in the visitor's language.
Multilingual quotes
One quote template per language, filled in automatically.
WhatsApp per language
A pre-filled message adapted to each version of the site.
Your questions, our answers
How do you build a website in several languages?
Create one version per language with its own URLs, have the texts translated and proofread, add a visible language switcher and hreflang tags between the versions.
Is machine translation enough?
It can be a starting point, but a human proofread is strongly recommended. Mistakes in meaning or tone make visitors lose trust.
What is the hreflang tag?
It is a signal in the code of each page that tells Google about the versions of the same page in other languages or countries. It helps show the right version to the right visitor.
Do I need a domain name for each country?
No, it is not required. One folder per language on a single domain works well for most small businesses.
Do I need a version in my customers' language?
Some countries require their official language when you present an offer to consumers there. Check the rules in each country where you sell. Other languages can be added alongside.
How much does a multilingual website cost?
The base price of the website, plus setting up the languages and translating each page. Translation is often charged per word or per page.
Sources: Google Search Central documentation (multilingual and multi-regional sites, hreflang) · Your Europe, cross-border VAT rules (europa.eu).
General information, up to date as of October 2026. It does not replace advice from a professional.
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