How To Change The Language In Shopify [2024]
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How To Change The Language In Shopify

Last modified: November 1, 2023

FAQ
How To Change The Language In Shopify
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Shopify has a lot of elements that allow you to communicate with customers in most languages across the world. There are also specific translation apps that can convert your current Shopify store into another language to expand your reach. A good example would be Translation Lab.

However, if you’re looking to change the current/default language for your Shopify store to one that better reflects your store, then follow these instructions.

Key Takeaways
1
Shopify supports communication in many global languages and adding more languages can attract a wider audience.
2
Specific translation apps can convert your Shopify store’s language like Translation Lab.
3
To change the default language, follow specific steps like login and selecting languages.

Recommended: 10 Best Shopify Translation Apps – [2024]
# Name Image
1
Pluglin
Pluglin
2
Language Translate ‑ Transcy
Language Translate ‑ Transcy
3
Langify
Langify
4
Easy Language Translate
Easy Language Translate
5
Translate Your Store – Weglot
Translate Your Store – Weglot
6
LangShop - Language & Currency
LangShop - Language & Currency
7
Translate My Store
Translate My Store
8
Translation Lab
Translation Lab
9
ConveyThis
ConveyThis
10
Panda Language Translate
Panda Language Translate
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Step 1 - Login

The first step is to log into your Shopify store using your user credentials.

Step 2 - Online Store

Use the left-hand menu to open the ‘Online Store Theme’ section and then find the ‘Current Theme’ section within the dashboard.

Step 3 - Languages

Within the current theme section there should be an area that is labeled ‘Edit Languages’ in the actions drop-down options. Find the option that reads, ‘Change Theme Language’. Then you can select the language from the drop-down options.

Step 4 - Save

Once completed, you can click on the ‘Save’ button to complete the process and confirm all changes.

Keep Reading

Why Changing The Language In Shopify is Essential

Reaching a Global Audience

In today’s interconnected world, businesses aren’t limited to local audiences. With the internet breaking down geographical barriers, there’s potential to reach customers from different parts of the world.

By offering multiple languages, a Shopify store can cater to a diverse audience, ensuring that language isn’t a barrier to sales.

Enhancing User Experience

Imagine a customer landing on a website and struggling to understand the content because it’s in a foreign language. It’s likely they’ll leave without making a purchase.

By providing content in a user’s native language, the shopping experience becomes smoother, more intuitive, and more enjoyable, leading to increased trust and higher conversion rates.

Staying Ahead of Competitors

In the competitive world of e-commerce, it’s the small details that can set a store apart from its competitors.

By offering multiple languages, a store showcases its commitment to catering to diverse customer needs, giving it an edge in the market.

Boosting SEO Rankings

Search engines prioritize user experience. Websites that cater to users in their native languages are likely to have lower bounce rates and longer session durations, both of which are positive ranking signals.

Additionally, by having content in multiple languages, a store can rank in search engines for non-English queries, tapping into a broader audience.

Advanced Settings and Techniques for Language Change in Shopify

Utilizing Language Files

Every Shopify theme comes with a language file, which is essentially a compilation of all the text elements used within the theme.

By accessing and editing this file, store owners can customize every textual aspect of their store, from button labels to error messages. This ensures that even the minute details align with the language preferences of the target audience.

Geo-Targeted Language Redirects

Instead of waiting for users to select their preferred language, implement geo-targeted redirects.

By detecting the user’s location, the store can automatically redirect them to the version of the site that matches their region’s primary language. This creates a seamless experience for the user, as they are presented with content in their native language without any extra steps.

Consistent URL Structures

When adding multiple languages, it’s essential to maintain consistent and clear URL structures.

For instance, using subdirectories like “/en/” for English or “/fr/” for French can help in distinguishing content for different languages. This not only aids in better site navigation but also provides clear signals to search engines about the language of the content.

Handling Currency Conversions

While language is a primary aspect of localization, currency plays a crucial role too. When changing the language to target a specific region, ensure that the store also offers the option to view prices in the local currency.

This can be achieved by integrating currency conversion tools that automatically update product prices based on current exchange rates.

Regularly Update Translations

Languages are dynamic, and the way people use them can evolve over time.

Regularly review and update the translations to ensure they remain accurate and relevant. This is especially important for dynamic content like product descriptions, blog posts, and customer reviews.

Conclusion: How To Change The Language In Shopify

If you’re looking to add more languages to your store to appeal to a wider audience, you’ll need a translation app. You can find the best translation apps here, or you could use this highly recommended one here.

FAQs
  • Can I switch back to my original language after changing it in Shopify?

    You can switch back to your original or preferred language in Shopify by going to language settings and selecting the desired language, then save the changes to apply them to your store.

  • How does changing the language affect the SEO of my Shopify store?

    You can switch back to your original or preferred language in Shopify by going to language settings and selecting your desired language. Don’t forget to save the changes for them to take effect on your store.

  • Is there a limit to the number of languages I can add to my Shopify store?

    The number of languages you can add on Shopify depends on your plan and any third-party translation apps you’re using. To find the details, check your Shopify admin or the app’s documentation.