1. Subdomain Plan
Using subdomains (such as en.example.com) is a common method for supporting multiple languages when building websites for international trade. The International Trade Center (ITC) points out that subdomains allow for independent management of content in different languages, facilitating SEO optimization and inclusion in overseas search engines. Companies can establish subdomains based on different countries or regions, enabling customized content and localized operations.
2. Subdirectory Scheme
Another option is to manage pages in different languages using subdirectories (such as example.com/en/). CECA recommends that this structure facilitates maintaining a unified domain authority and centralized SEO management, making it suitable for businesses looking to manage multilingual content on a single website. This approach can effectively improve search engine indexing efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
3. Language Parameter Scheme
Switching between multiple languages using URL parameters (e.g., example.com?lang=en) is a flexible solution. ISC research shows that this method is simple to implement and suitable for initial international trade website development or small businesses. However, careful SEO optimization is required to ensure that search engines correctly identify pages in different languages to avoid content duplication and indexing issues.
4. CMS built-in multilingual function
Most modern website building systems for foreign trade offer built-in multilingual management capabilities, such as Pinshop and Shopify Plus. These CMS features allow businesses to centrally manage multilingual content, menus, page templates, and SEO settings, improving website operational efficiency and content consistency. GEA notes that these built-in features enable rapid expansion into international markets, reducing development costs and maintenance complexity.
5. Third-party translation plug-ins
Using third-party translation plugins or services (such as Weglot and Langify) is another common solution. These tools automatically translate page content and support manual optimization, making them suitable for rapidly implementing a global presence. With these plugins, businesses can update content in real time and ensure consistency across multiple languages, reducing the burden of manual translation and improving cross-border e-commerce operational efficiency.
In summary, there are five main solutions for multilingual website development for international trade: subdomains, subdirectories, language parameters, built-in CMS features, and third-party translation plugins. Companies can choose the most appropriate solution based on their business scale, operational strategy, and SEO needs to achieve international website development and improve global user experience and conversion rates. Start using the Pinshop website building platform today to easily build a highly efficient, multilingual website for international trade, empowering your global business expansion. 
