"I am in the process of developing a new website for my company. I have set up a new WordPress + WooCommerce site with 2 blog posts and 3 products as a demo to test the platform, and so far it is working and looking great. I wanted to add English language support as well, so I tried using GTranslate and found it to be effective in translating Dutch to English with a good user experience for language switch. However, after hearing feedback on the SEO implications of using GTranslate from other users, I decided to remove it. Now I am unsure of the best approach moving forward. I experimented with Polylang, which seemed promising but would require more effort for translation. Despite this, I noticed that GTranslate has a large user base, prompting me to reconsider its effectiveness. Given that the company is based in the Netherlands where most individuals are fluent in English and Dutch, I am still weighing whether to write the website content in English or Dutch. Initially, I opted for Dutch to emphasize the company's origin in Holland, but I am open to exploring other options."
While GTranslate might seem appealing due to its ease of use, it’s crucial to consider the potential downsides. Many have expressed concerns about its SEO impact, which could negatively affect your website’s visibility in search engine results. This is because GTranslate often produces inaccurate translations, making it difficult for search engines to understand your content.
Alternatively, Polylang, while requiring more effort upfront, provides more control over the translation process. This allows you to ensure high-quality translations that are optimized for SEO.
Considering your target audience, it’s important to balance the benefits of emphasizing your company’s Dutch origin with the potential reach of having a bilingual website. If most of your target audience is fluent in English, translating your website into English could increase your reach and engagement.
Ultimately, the best approach depends on your specific needs and priorities. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.