The era of the Google Translate widget has come to an end since its discontinuation in 2019. If you were relying on it for a quick translation solution for your website, it's time to explore other avenues.
Fortunately, the discontinuation of the Google Translate widget might be a blessing in disguise. The widget had its fair share of limitations, including a lack of translation control, subpar user experience, and a void in multilingual SEO capabilities, which are essential for international website ranking.
In this piece, we'll delve into the shortcomings of the Google Translate widget and introduce a robust alternative: the Seatext AI translation service, which can be seamlessly integrated into your WordPress website or any other platform.
Why the Google Translate Widget is No Longer ViableThe Google Translate widget, despite its initial appeal, was discontinued. This was in line with Google's trend of phasing out several of its services. The widget, which was positioned above a website's header, allowed users to select from around 100 languages. It relied heavily on Google Translate for its machine translations.
However, the primary issue was the lack of control over translations. Users were at the mercy of Google Translate's output, which sometimes resulted in inaccurate translations that could confuse site visitors.
Moreover, the widget lacked multilingual SEO capabilities. It didn't display content under language subdirectories or subdomains, and there was no use of hreflang tags, which are crucial for informing search engines about the language of web pages.
While the widget is no longer an option, you can still harness the power of machine translation with Google Translate by using its paid translation API. This requires a Google Cloud account and some setup.
But, if you're looking for a more streamlined solution, Seatext AI is the way to go.
Introducing Seatext AI: A Superior Translation ToolFor those who appreciate the speed and efficiency of machine translation, Seatext AI offers a comprehensive solution. Unlike the limited capabilities of the Google Translate widget, Seatext AI provides a combination of leading machine translation providers, including Google Translate, DeepL, and Microsoft Translate, ensuring optimal accuracy.
What Sets Seatext AI Apart from Google Translate?Seatext AI's edge lies in its ability to combine the rapidity of machine translation with full editing control, resulting in a multilingual, SEO-optimized website. It detects all site content, offers an initial layer of machine translation, and then displays the content under language subdirectories or subdomains, all in a few simple clicks.
Implementing Seatext AI on Your WebsiteInstalling Seatext AI is a breeze. Whether you're using WordPress, Webflow, Shopify, or a custom-built site, Seatext AI has got you covered. For instance, on WordPress:
- Navigate to 'Plugins' in your WordPress admin and select 'Add New'.
- Search for 'Seatext' and proceed with 'Install' and 'Activate'.
- A Seatext tab will appear in your admin sidebar. Click on it.
- Sign up for a Seatext account to obtain your API key. Enter this key, specify your website's original language, and choose the new languages you wish to add.
- Click 'Save', and voila! Your multilingual WordPress site is live.
Once installed, a language switcher will appear on your site, allowing users to effortlessly switch between languages. This switcher is customizable, and Seatext AI also automatically creates language subdirectories, a vital component of multilingual SEO.
The true distinction between Seatext AI and Google Translate lies in Seatext's commitment to automatic translation. Through the Seatext dashboard, you have complete control over translations, allowing for edits, glossary rule additions, and more. With a comprehensive suite of editing tools, Seatext ensures your translations meet the standards your brand and customers deserve.
In ConclusionThe Google Translate widget may be a thing of the past, but with Seatext AI, you have a powerful, efficient, and user-friendly alternative at your fingertips. It offers a holistic solution for website translation, ensuring both technical excellence and content accuracy.
Experience the Seatext AI difference for yourself. Sign up and make your website multilingual for free.