If you prefer not to rely on plugins or if you work on a platform other than WordPress, setting up multilingual SEO manually can be a powerful alternative . This method allows you to have full control over every aspect of your website, from URLs to hreflang tags. However, it does require a certain level of technical knowledge .
To implement multilingual SEO manually, it is essential to handle hreflang tags correctly. Below is an example of how to do this in your website code:
Explanation of the Code
hreflang=»x-default» : This tag is used to indicate the «default» version of ecuador telegram data website. That is, if the browser cannot determine the user’s preferred language or if the requested language is not available, this version will be displayed.
hreflang=»es» : Indicates that this URL is the Spanish version of your website. It should point to the URL specific to that language.
hreflang=»en» : Indicates the English version. It is important to ensure that each language is properly specified and that the URL corresponds to the structure you have configured (subdomain, subfolder, etc.).
hreflang=»fr» : The same applies to French or any other language you are using.
HOW TO CREATE LANGUAGE SELECTOR FOR WEB
Advantages of Doing It Without Plugins
Complete control : You can customize every aspect of your multilingual setup without the limitations of a plugin.
Optimization : By not relying on a plugin, the site can be faster as no additional layers of processing are added.
Zero Cost : There are no additional costs when using this approach, making it an economical option.
Disadvantages of Doing It Without Plugins
Requires technical knowledge : This method is not for everyone; you need to know how to manipulate and edit your website's code.
Longer implementation time : Setting up everything manually can take longer than simply installing and configuring a plugin.
Risk of errors : An error in the configuration of hreflang tags or in the URL structure can affect the visibility of your site in search engines.
Conclusion: Which Method Is Better?
The answer depends on your needs and skills . If you're looking for speed and ease , and you work in WordPress, a plugin like WPML or Polylang may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you're technically savvy and prefer full control over your website, manual configuration will allow you to optimize every detail without relying on external tools.
Advice
Use the correct language and country for the default page: Always use an “x-default” hreflang tag . This tag indicates which version to display if the user’s language or country doesn’t match the versions you have. This can be a general English page or a global version of your site, so you ensure there is always a clear option for all users.
Anecdote: The Company That Expanded Its Borders with Multilingual SEO
A while back, I worked with a tech company that only had an English-language site, despite having clients in Europe and Latin America. They decided to expand their international presence and, at first, only translated their content into French and Spanish. However, they noticed that they weren’t getting any traffic from these regions and that conversions were still low.
After analyzing the issue, we discovered that they were not using hreflang tags properly . In addition, the Spanish content was targeted at a general audience, without taking into account the differences between Spain and Latin American countries. We made the necessary adjustments, including creating specific content for each region and correctly implementing hreflang tags. Within months, traffic and conversions in those regions increased by 60% . This experience reinforces the importance of a well-structured and adapted multilingual SEO.
How to configure multilingual web
Dare to Master Multilingual SEO and Take Your Business to New Frontiers
Multilingual SEO may seem like uncharted territory, but with the right strategy and good implementation, it becomes a powerful tool to reach global audiences . It’s not just about translating words, but about building a solid bridge between cultures, languages, and markets.
Are you ready to optimize your site and expand your boundaries? If you have questions or need help, consult with multilingual SEO experts and discover how your website can reach further than you imagine. The world is big, but your reach can be even bigger .
SEO consultant Tenerife
Are you interested in knowing more?
If you want more details on how to optimize your multilingual website or which method best suits your business, feel free to consult with an SEO expert or explore our detailed guides on multilingual SEO. Optimizing your site for different languages and regions can be the key to connecting with global audiences and increasing your reach exponentially. The world is just a click away, make sure you take advantage of it!