This HTML attribute is used to specify the language and geographical targeting of a webpage.
Hreflang is an HTML attribute that tells search engines which language and region a webpage is meant for. Websites that serve different audiences (for example, English speakers in the United States and Spanish speakers in Mexico) often create separate pages for each language or region. By adding hreflang tags to those pages, website owners can guide search engines to show the correct version to each user.
Below is a detailed look at what hreflang does, why it matters, and how to implement it effectively.
Why Does Hreflang Matter?
Many websites reach audiences across various regions and languages. If a site doesn’t clearly let search engines know which page is intended for which region, search engines might show the wrong page to users. That leads to confusion and can harm the user’s experience.
Example
Consider a large company that sells the same products in the United States, Canada, and France. They might have pages like:
•example.com/us/ (English for the US)
•example.com/ca/ (English for Canada)
•example.com/fr/ (French for France)
Without hreflang, search engines might show a French page to someone in Canada who only speaks English. This mismatch can push visitors away or make them leave the site. Hreflang helps avoid these issues by making sure the right page appears for each user’s location and language settings.
Basic Hreflang Format
The hreflang attribute is placed inside the <head> section of a webpage’s HTML. It usually looks like this:
<linkrel="alternate"
href="https://example.com/us/"
hreflang="en-us">
<linkrel="alternate"
href="https://example.com/ca/"
hreflang="en-ca">
<linkrel="alternate"
href="https://example.com/fr/"
hreflang="fr-fr">
•href: The exact URL of the alternate page.
•hreflang: The language and optional region code. The first two letters are the language code (for example, “en” for English, “fr” for French), and the last two letters after the dash are the country code (for example, “US” for the United States, “CA” for Canada).
When a website uses these links, a search engine knows that each URL is an alternative page for a different group of users. It then tries to deliver the best match based on language and location.
Different Ways to Use Hreflang
1. HTML Link Tags
This is the most common way. Pages declare their alternate versions in the <head> section. If a user is in France, search engines aim to display the French version of the site.
2. HTTP Header
If you cannot edit the page’s <head> section, you can declare hreflang in the HTTP header. This method is often used for files like PDFs, where you can’t modify the document’s HTML.
3. Sitemaps
You can also include hreflang information in your XML sitemap. This is usually best for large sites, as it’s simpler to maintain one file rather than editing multiple pages.
Tips for Implementation
1. Use Correct Language Codes
Stick to the ISO language codes (for example, “en” for English, “es” for Spanish). If you’re also specifying a region, include the appropriate country code (for example, “en-us”, “en-ca”).
2. Confirm You Have a Self-Reference
Each page’s hreflang tags should include a link back to the page itself. That helps search engines confirm that all alternate pages reference one another.
3. Match Your Page Content to the Language
If a page is marked “en-us,” it should be written in English and fit the interests of users in the United States. Mixing languages or having the wrong content can confuse visitors.
4. Keep Consistent URL Structures
If possible, keep the site layout consistent across languages. This often looks like example.com/en-us/, example.com/en-ca/, and so on. It helps both users and search engines find related pages.
5. Avoid Duplicate Content
Search engines sometimes see alternate language pages as duplicates of each other if there aren’t enough differences. Translate text accurately and adapt the content so it’s clear why each version exists.
Common Mistakes
• Incorrect Codes: Confusing regional codes or skipping the language part can result in search engines ignoring your tags.
• Missing a Self-Referencing Tag: Every page should include a tag for itself to close the loop.
• Misaligned Content: Using “en-us” for a page that’s mostly in another language can harm user experience.
Benefits of Using Hreflang
1. Better User Experience
People find the right language or regional version of your site faster.
2. Higher Search Ranking in Target Regions
Search engines reward websites that provide the correct content to the right audience.
3. Lower Bounce Rates
If a visitor gets a page in their language, they’re less likely to leave immediately.
4. Stronger Brand Reputation
Showing content that fits the local culture and language can build trust with international audiences.
Hreflang is a crucial feature for websites aiming to reach a multilingual or multinational audience. It tells search engines which version of a page should appear for different users, resulting in a more accurate and user-friendly experience. By following best practices and ensuring your code is correct, you can help visitors find the right content, wherever they’re located.
When planning to expand your site globally, make hreflang part of your strategy. It keeps your content organized and makes sure audiences see exactly what they need in the language that suits them best.