‍Multilingual Product Import in Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide

When managing a Shopify store, expanding your business into different regions often requires offering product information in multiple languages. Handling translations manually for large inventories can be time-consuming and error-prone. However, Shopify apps like Polydata make multilingual product import smooth and efficient. This guide walks through the process of setting up multilingual imports in Shopify, providing the essential details to get your store translated effortlessly.

The Importance of Multilingual Support for Shopify Stores

In today’s global marketplace, consumers prefer interacting with content in their native language. According to studies, over 70% of online shoppers are more likely to purchase from a website that offers content in their own language. Multilingual support can significantly improve user experience, boost conversion rates, and expand your customer base across different countries. However, managing and updating product listings in multiple languages can quickly become overwhelming without the right tools.

Shopify, with its robust eCommerce platform, supports multilingual stores, but the default options are limited. That’s where external tools like Polydata come in, enabling bulk import of translations for products, collections, and metafields, streamlining the process for large stores.

Using Polydata for Shopify Product Import

Polydata is a specialized tool designed to manage and import product translations into Shopify seamlessly. With Polydata, you can bulk upload translations using CSV sheets, ensuring that your product listings are updated across various languages.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to use Polydata for multilingual product import:

Exporting Your Shopify Content

The first step in the import process is to export your current product data. Polydata provides an easy way to export your existing product and collection details into a CSV format. This step is essential because it creates a baseline that you can modify with translated content before importing it back into Shopify.

Navigate to the export section within Polydata. Here, you can export either products or collections. While the export feature is limited in scope, it gives you the necessary fields like product ID, handle, and title to start your translation process. Once exported, this CSV file can be opened in Excel or Google Sheets for editing.

Setting Up the Import Sheet

Polydata uses a specific template for import sheets, which you can download directly from the app. The sheet is organized into several tabs, each corresponding to different content types such as products, product options, metafields, and collections.

In each tab, there are columns for important details like shopify_product_id, Product SKU, locale, title, body_html, meta_title, and meta_description. These fields allow you to insert translations for each product attribute.

For example, if you want to add translations for a product’s description, simply find the relevant row and column, and insert the translation under the appropriate language code (locale). Make sure that all entries are aligned correctly, as any mismatch can result in import errors.

Importing Translations Back into Shopify

Once the translation sheet is ready, the next step is importing it back into Shopify via Polydata. In the Polydata app, go to the “Import” section, upload your CSV file, and initiate the import process. Polydata will take care of updating your store’s content with the translated data.

During the import, Polydata tracks the process and alerts you if there are any issues, such as misaligned fields or missing data. The import tool is designed to handle bulk updates, saving time compared to manual translations.

Benefits of Using Polydata for Multilingual Imports

Polydata offers several advantages for Shopify merchants who need to manage translations:

• Bulk Import Support: Handling hundreds or thousands of products becomes efficient with Polydata’s bulk import feature.

• Localized Content: By translating key elements like product descriptions, titles, and metadata, you can provide localized content that resonates with international customers.

• Error Tracking: The app alerts you to potential errors during the import process, ensuring smooth uploads.

• Integration with PIM Systems: Polydata is designed to work with Product Information Management (PIM) systems and tools like Airtable, making it easy to manage large inventories.

Best Practices for Multilingual Shopify Product Import

To ensure a smooth import process and avoid errors, follow these best practices:

Prepare a Clean Import File

Ensure that your CSV file is free from any formatting issues or incomplete rows. Each row should correspond accurately to a product or collection, with translated data properly placed under the correct locale.

Use Consistent Locales

When importing translations, make sure that the locale codes (e.g., en, fr, de) are consistent throughout the file. Inconsistent locale codes can lead to import failures or incorrect language displays on your Shopify store.

Double-Check Product IDs

Since Polydata relies on product IDs, SKUs, or handles to match translations with the correct products, double-check that these fields are accurate and correspond to the right products. This ensures that translations are applied correctly.

Test the Import on a Small Batch

Before importing a large set of translations, it’s a good idea to test the process with a small batch of products. This allows you to identify any potential issues without affecting your entire store.

Regularly Update Translations

As your store grows and you add new products or update existing ones, it’s important to regularly import new translations to keep all content up to date.

FAQs

What is Polydata and how does it help with Shopify translations?

Polydata is an app that allows bulk importing of translations for Shopify stores. It simplifies the process of managing multilingual content by enabling bulk uploads via CSV files.

How do I prepare my CSV file for import?

You can download the Polydata import template, which has predefined columns for product IDs, titles, descriptions, and other fields. Add your translations under the relevant columns and ensure that all fields are properly aligned.

Can I use Polydata to import translations for collections and metafields?

Yes, Polydata supports importing translations for both product collections and metafields, allowing you to translate all aspects of your store.

What happens if there’s an error during import?

Polydata tracks the import process and provides error messages if there are any issues, such as missing data or incorrect fields. This allows you to correct the issues before re-importing.

Is Polydata compatible with third-party tools?

Yes, Polydata integrates with tools like Airtable and PIM systems, making it easy to manage and import translations from external sources.

How often should I update translations on my Shopify store?

It’s best to update translations regularly, especially when adding new products or making significant changes to existing content. This ensures that your store remains accessible to international customers.

Conclusion

Managing a multilingual Shopify store can be a challenge, but with the right tools like Polydata, the process becomes much more manageable. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily import product translations, ensuring your store is ready to cater to customers across multiple languages. With the global eCommerce landscape growing more competitive, providing localized content is a key differentiator that can help you succeed in new markets.

Learn more:

• Shopify Multilingual Support

• Polydata App on Shopify

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