What level of WPML expertise do I need for setting up a basic multilingual business website versus a complex e-commerce store?
A basic business site needs intermediate WPML skills - someone who can handle page translation, menu setup, and basic SEO. For e-commerce, you need advanced expertise covering product translation, multilingual checkout flows, currency switching, and complex taxonomy management. The e-commerce setup is significantly more complex and requires understanding WooCommerce-specific WPML features.
How can I tell if a candidate actually knows WPML well versus just listing it on their resume?
Ask them to explain how they'd handle custom post type translation, resolve conflicts with page builders, or set up hreflang tags for SEO. Real WPML experts can discuss translation memory, string translation for themes, and performance optimization strategies. They should have specific examples of troubleshooting WPML issues and integrating with translation services.
Can WPML automatically translate my content, or do I still need human translators?
WPML offers automatic translation through integrations with services like DeepL and Google Translate, but these work best for basic content. For business-critical content, marketing copy, or technical documentation, you'll still need human translators. WPML's strength is managing the translation workflow, not replacing professional translation quality.
How well does WPML work with other WordPress tools I'm already using like Elementor, Yoast SEO, or WooCommerce?
WPML has official compatibility with major WordPress tools including Elementor, Yoast SEO, WooCommerce, and Advanced Custom Fields. However, integration quality varies, and some combinations require specific configuration or workarounds. An experienced WPML developer knows these compatibility nuances and can ensure smooth integration with your existing tool stack.
How long does it typically take to set up WPML for an existing WordPress site with 100+ pages?
Initial WPML setup takes 1-2 days, but translating 100+ pages depends on your translation method. Using automatic translation might take a week including review and optimization. Professional human translation could take 2-4 weeks depending on languages and translator availability. Factor in additional time for testing, SEO optimization, and resolving any theme/plugin conflicts.
What ongoing maintenance does a multilingual WordPress site need after WPML setup is complete?
Expect regular WPML updates, monitoring for plugin conflicts after WordPress/theme updates, managing translation workflows for new content, and maintaining multilingual SEO performance. You'll also need ongoing translation costs for new content and periodic review of automated translations. Budget for 2-4 hours monthly for basic maintenance, more for high-traffic or frequently updated sites.