In current times, classified websites are no longer limited to one country or language. Buyers and sellers from different parts of the world come to these websites and they want to use these platforms in their own language. That is why it has become necessary for startups and entrepreneurs to build a multi-lingual classified website.
If you are looking to launch your own online classified marketplace, a big question arises – which technology should you use for building it? If you choose the wrong technology, it will lead to performance issues, high costs, and of course frustrated users! On the other hand, when you make the right choice, it helps your website grow faster, attract global users, and keeps your platform ahead of the competition.
Here, in this blog, we will discuss the options available and guide you in choosing the right technology for your multi-language classified platform. Read on for further insight.
Why is Multi-Language Important for Your Classified Website?
Let’s take an example here. Let’s assume a user from Germany visits your site but finds everything in English. They may know some English, however, they may find it difficult to post ads and make a purchase in this foreign language. Similarly, if a visitor from the UAE visits your site and finds it does not support Arabic, they will not make any transactions. Thus, keeping your classified marketplace monolingual will cost you a large user base.
That is why it becomes necessary for you to introduce multiple languages in your marketplace, so that users from around the world can confidently use your platform in their own language.
Technology Options Available for Your Multi-Lingual Website
When it comes to choosing a technology for your multilingual classified website, you have the following options:
WordPress (With Plugins)
- You can easily set up and manage
- Comes with large network of plugins along with multi-lingual features
- Ideal for small to medium size classified websites
- Does not support large traffic or heavy customizations ( a limitation)
Custom PHP Scripts
- These scripts are particularly designed for classified websites
- Offers better performance and scalability
- Comes with built-in multi-lingual support. Also allows you to integrate it if does not come already installed
- Ideal solution for businesses that want long term growth
Frameworks (Such as Laravel, Django, Ruby on Rails)
- Offers complete flexibility. However, it involves more time and money to build your classified site with these frameworks
- Ideal solution for enterprises that have big budgets and teams
WordPress vs. PHP Script: Which One is Better?
Here comes the most challenging part- choosing the right technology for your multi-language classified website. Most startups get stuck wondering whether they should choose WordPress or a PHP script. At this point, a question may come to your mind “which is the best system to build a multi-lingual system on, WordPress or a PHP script?” Let’s decide which one would be the right option for you.
- If you are just looking to enter the market, want faster results, and not expecting to have a large number of visitors, you can go with WordPress.
- On the other hand, if you want to scale up your business, want to build a website that is particularly designed for classifieds, and do not want to depend on too many plugins, then a PHP script is the ideal option for you.
Now, whether you should use WordPress or a PHP script will depend upon your business goals. If you are looking to simply test the market and start your business quickly, you can choose WordPress. On the other hand, if you want to build a functional classified platform that is stable, scalable, and supports your long term business goals, a PHP script would be the best choice.
Features to Look for in Your Classified Platform Technology
Regardless of whether you are choosing WordPress or a PHP script, make sure it has the following features.
- Easy Translation Mechanism- The technology should easily translate languages without interrupting the design.
- RTL(Right-to-Left) Support- This feature is essential to support languages such as Arabic and Hebrew.
- SEO-Friendly URL– The system should be optimized for search engines.
- Mobile-Responsive Design – Make sure the system has a mobile responsive design. Most users browse classified sites through their mobile phones.
- Powerful Admin Control– The system should allow the admin to smoothly manage languages, users, and listings.
Final Thoughts
Building a successful multi-language classified website is not only about the design. Choosing the right technology that supports growth and scalability plays the most vital role here. For a startup or a small business, WordPress is good enough. But, for entrepreneurs who want to build a serious business with long term-results, a PHP classified script offered by a reputable vendor would be the best solution.
