I18N site: welcome page with links to translated pages, or translatable content type?
Not sure what you mean by "automate" the translation page but I think you're on the right track for what I think you're trying to accomplish.


First make sure you have at least the Multilingual content module enabled.
You likely want to also go to admin/config/regional/i18n/strings
        and make sure that Filtered HTML is translatable
Then go to admin/structure/types/manage/page and then Publishing options and choose Enabled, with translation under the Multilingual support option.


You should now have a basic page that is translatable. There will be a Translate option next to the Edit option on the node that should allow you to do the translation. Enabling the Language switcher as well as translating menus and paths is also recommended.