What is hreflang?
TL;DR
hreflang is an HTML attribute that tells search engines which language and regional version of a page to show to users.
Definition
hreflang is an HTML attribute that tells search engines which language and regional version of a page to show to users. It is essential for websites that serve multiple languages or regions (e.g., English Canada vs English US).
Why It Matters
For businesses serving multiple regions or languages, hreflang ensures the right version of your content appears to the right audience. Without it, users may see the wrong regional version, and AI systems may be confused about which content to retrieve.
Examples
- A Canadian business with English and French versions: hreflang='en-CA' and hreflang='fr-CA'
- A business serving Canada and the US: hreflang='en-CA' and hreflang='en-US'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hreflang?
hreflang is an HTML attribute that tells search engines which language and regional version of a page to show to users. It's essential for websites serving multiple languages or regions (e.g., English Canada vs English US).
When do I need hreflang tags?
You need hreflang when you serve the same or similar content in different languages or to different regions. Without it, users may see the wrong regional version, and AI systems may be confused about which content to retrieve.
How do I implement hreflang?
Add hreflang link elements to each page's HTML head, specifying the language and region for each alternate version. Include a self-referencing tag and an x-default tag. Ensure bidirectional links - each alternate page must link back to the others.
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