DEV Community: Bijal Shah

Top WordPress Translation Plugin for Creating a Multilingual Site

Bijal Shah — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:23:34 +0000

Creating a multilingual site on WordPress sounds like a big task—but it doesn’t have to be. The key is choosing the right translation plugin. And trust me, there are plenty of options out there. Some are fast and automatic. Others give you full control over every word.

I’ve tried a bunch of them while building sites for clients and my own projects. Here’s a look at the best WordPress translation plugin that actually make the process smooth and stress-free.

*1. Weglot – Best for Quick and Easy Setup
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Weglot is hands-down one of the fastest ways to get your site translated. You install the plugin, pick your languages, and within minutes, your site is available in multiple languages.
What I like most is that it handles everything automatically. It even creates separate URLs for each language, which is great for SEO.

You can still edit the translations manually if you want to fine-tune things. But if you're short on time and need something that just works, Weglot is a solid choice.

*2. WPML – Best for Full Control and Advanced Features
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WPML is like the all-in-one translation toolkit. It’s been around for years and is packed with features.

You can translate every part of your site, including menus, custom fields, themes, and plugins. It works well with WooCommerce, too.

It does take a little more time to set up. But once it’s running, it’s super powerful. If you're building a large or professional site, WPML gives you all the tools you need.

*3. TranslatePress – Best for Visual Translation
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This one is great if you like to see what you're doing as you translate. TranslatePress lets you work from the front end of your site. You click on text and change it right there.

It supports automatic translation via Google Translate or DeepL, but you can also go in and make edits yourself. The interface is clean and beginner-friendly.

I’ve used this on a few smaller business sites, and it always feels smooth and intuitive.

*4. Polylang – Best Free Option for Manual Translations
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Polylang is perfect if you’re on a tight budget but still want to make your site multilingual. The free version lets you add multiple languages and translate content manually.

It doesn’t offer automatic translation, but it’s lightweight and doesn’t slow your site down. There’s also a Pro version if you need more features or WooCommerce support.

I recommend this if you’re comfortable doing the translations yourself and want a clean, no-fuss setup.

**5. GTranslate – Best for Automatic Translations on a Budget
**GTranslate uses Google Translate to automatically convert your site into over 100 languages. The free version gives you basic translation and a language switcher.

If you upgrade to the paid version, you get SEO-friendly URLs and the ability to manually edit translations. It’s a good way to get started without spending too much upfront.

This plugin works well if you just need to offer quick language access and aren't too worried about perfect translations.

Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick way to decide:
Want something fast and automated? Go with Weglot or GTranslate.
Need full control and detailed features? WPML is your guy.
Like visual editing? Try TranslatePress.

Working with a small budget and fine doing translations yourself? Polylang is ideal.

I’ve used all of these at different times, depending on the project. No plugin is perfect for every site—but the right one will make going multilingual so much easier.

Summing Up
Going multilingual isn’t just about reaching more people—it’s about making your visitors feel at home. With the right WordPress translation plugin, you don’t need to be a developer or spend weeks figuring things out.

Pick the tool that fits your workflow. Keep it simple. And always test a few things before you launch. You’ll be surprised how quickly your site can go global with the right setup.

Top 7 WordPress Development Agencies Based in the USA

Bijal Shah — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 11:02:12 +0000

If you’ve been looking for a reliable WordPress development company in the USA, you’re not alone. With so many agencies out there, it’s tough to know who actually delivers. Some promise fast results. Others claim to be the “#1 in the world.” But what really matters is finding a team that understands your goals, listens, and builds with care.

To help you out, I’ve listed top WordPress development companies in the USA. These companies are known for their experience, creative work, and a strong record of happy clients.

1. WPWeb Infotech
WPWeb Infotech has built a solid name in the WordPress space. Based in the U.S., they work with global clients and specialize in building custom themes, plugins, and high-performing websites. What stands out is how they blend design with functionality. You’re not just getting a website—you’re getting a business tool.

2. Site Nine Studios
This Los Angeles-based firm brings creativity front and center. Site Nine Studios works closely with startups and brands that want a standout digital presence. Their WordPress work is clean, modern, and user-focused. Plus, they genuinely care about how the site performs post-launch.

3. DevriX
DevriX is a WordPress powerhouse. They focus on long-term partnerships, which means they don’t just build and disappear. Their team works with enterprise clients, offering full-stack solutions and support. If you need a WordPress development company in the USA that truly scales with you, they’re a smart choice.

4. TinyFrog Technologies
Based in San Diego, TinyFrog is known for creating secure, conversion-driven WordPress websites. They also have a strong UX process. So, if user experience matters to you—and it should—this team knows how to deliver sites that both look good and work well.

5. Curotec
Curotec is a tech-focused firm with a strong hand in custom WordPress development. They’re more technical than most, which is helpful if your project has complex needs. Their team also supports integrations and backend logic, which many others avoid.

6. Tekglide
Tekglide brings reliability to the table. They’ve worked across industries—fashion, healthcare, electronics, and more. Their developers are good at balancing speed with quality. Whether you’re updating an old site or building from scratch, they know how to get it done.

7. Alpha Efficiency
This Illinois-based agency goes beyond basic development. Alpha Efficiency looks at your entire digital footprint. Their WordPress builds are performance-driven, mobile-friendly, and SEO-ready. They’re a smart choice if you want results and not just a pretty website.

Let’s Summarize

Choosing the right WordPress development company in the USA can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Each of these firms brings something unique to the table. Whether you need creative design, strong development skills, or a long-term tech partner—you’ve got solid options here.

Start by shortlisting the names that match your goals. Check out their portfolios. Talk to them. And go with the team that feels like the best fit for your brand.

How to Build a Custom WooCommerce Theme from Scratch?

Bijal Shah — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:08:11 +0000

Building a WooCommerce theme from scratch might sound uneasy but it’s not as complicated as you’d think. When I first gave it a shot, I had the same doubts: “What if I mess up?” or “Do I need to be an expert developer?”

Truth is, if you’re comfortable with WordPress and have a basic grasp of HTML, CSS, and a little PHP, you’re already halfway there. The rest is just knowing the steps.

So, here’s how I went about creating a custom WooCommerce theme from scratch—in plain English.

1. Set Up Your Local Environment

First things first: don’t build directly on your live site. I use LocalWP (you can also try XAMPP or MAMP) to create a local setup where I can safely experiment.

Install WordPress, WooCommerce, and set up a test store with a few fake products. This helps you see your design in action as you build.

Create Your Theme Folder
Go to your WordPress installation > wp-content/themes/
Make a new folder—let’s call it my-woo-theme.
Inside, create two basic files to start:

style.css – contains the theme info at the top (theme name, author, etc.) index.php – even a blank file works for now With just these two files, WordPress will recognize your theme.

3. Add Essential Theme Files

To build a working theme, you’ll need the standard structure:
header.php
footer.php
functions.php
page.php
single.php
sidebar.php

You can copy these from a starter theme or code them yourself. I usually take a minimalist theme like Underscores and strip it down.

In functions.php, enqueue your styles and scripts using wp_enqueue_style() and wp_enqueue_script(). This keeps everything neat and conflict-free.

Enable WooCommerce Support
To make your theme WooCommerce-ready, add this to your
functions.php: add_action( 'after_setup_theme', 'mytheme_add_woocommerce_support' ); function mytheme_add_woocommerce_support() { add_theme_support( 'woocommerce' ); }
This simple line tells WooCommerce, “Hey, I’m ready to play.”
Copy WooCommerce Template Files

Want to customize the product page, cart, or checkout? Copy WooCommerce’s templates into your theme.

Go to: /wp-content/plugins/woocommerce/templates/
Then paste the files you want to edit into: /my-woo-theme/woocommerce/

For example, to change the product page layout: /my-woo-theme/woocommerce/single-product.php

Now you can safely edit without touching the core plugin.

Start Customizing

Here’s where your design comes to life. Tweak the layout, change how products are displayed, edit buttons, add custom sections—the possibilities are endless.

Use your own CSS, play with WooCommerce hooks, and style each part to match your brand.

Just remember to keep things:
Mobile-friendly
Lightweight
Easy to navigate
Less clutter = better performance and conversions.

Test Everything

Before moving to a live site, test it like a real user would:
Add products to cart
Complete a purchase
Try it on mobile
Check browser compatibility
You’ll catch a lot of small things you might otherwise miss.

Move to Live

Once it all looks and feels good, you can upload your theme to your live store via FTP or your hosting control panel. Make sure to back up your site before replacing your theme. Safety first.
Final Thoughts

Building a custom WooCommerce theme from scratch isn’t just for coders or big agencies. If you know the basics and follow a step-by-step approach, it’s totally doable even for solo store owners like me.

The good part is you end up with a store that looks, feels, and functions exactly how you imagined it. And honestly, that freedom? It’s worth every bit of the effort.