Building a multilingual site allows you to reach international audiences while maintaining SEO effectiveness. Here's how to do it manually on Squarespace:

Site Structure Overview

Create a homepage linking to each language version Build separate page sets for each language Include language-specific navigation menus Ensure consistent organization across language versions

Key Limitations

• Built-in text (checkout, dates) displays in one language only
• Single currency for all languages
• No separate domains/subdomains per language

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Homepage Setup

• Create blank homepage
• Move it to "Not Linked" section
• Add language selection links/buttons

2. Navigation Structure

• Create two dropdown menus (one per language)
• Name dropdowns appropriately (e.g., "English," "Español")
• Delete any demo pages

3. Page Organization

• Add all pages for first language in first dropdown
• Create matching pages for second language in second dropdown
• Maintain identical page order across languages
• Tip: Duplicate first language pages to save time

Navigation Options

Standard Method:

• Language dropdowns visible on all pages

Alternative Approaches:

• Place pages in "Not Linked" section with custom navigation
• Create separate sites for each language (separate billing required)

SEO Considerations

• Optimize content for each language
• Use proper language meta tags
• Follow Google's multilingual site guidelines
• Consider hiring an SEO expert for optimal setup

For Version 7.0 Sites

Additional options include:

• Using index pages for scrolling content
• Implementing cover pages for language selection
• Utilizing template-specific features

Best Practices

• Maintain consistent structure across languages
• Ensure accurate translations
• Keep navigation clear and intuitive
• Regularly update all language versions
• Monitor SEO performance in each language

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