Tips to optimize URL structure for better search engine visibility in multilingual websites

Before diving into URL structure Optimization, Let’s see what is a multilingual website

Multilingual Website is a website that can offer content in more than one language.

When determining the URL structure for multilingual websites, there are several important approaches to consider.

1. Separate Domains or ccTLDs: This involves using separate domain names or country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) specific to each language or country version of the website.

For example, domainname.es, domainname.fr, and domainname.com represent the Spanish, French, and English versions, respectively.

2. Subdirectories with gTLD:

This approach utilizes subdirectories within a single domain (with a generic top-level domain, or gTLD) to represent different country or language versions. For instance, domainname.com/es, domainname.com/fr, and domainname.com/en represent the Spanish, French, and English versions.

3. Subdomains with gTLD:
This approach employs subdomains to indicate different country or language versions while maintaining the same gTLD for the main domain. Examples include es.domainname.com, fr.domainname.com, and en.domainname.com.

4. URL Parameters: This approach involves using URL parameters to specify the country or language version.
For example, domainname.com/page?lang=fr, domainname.com/page?lang=es, and domainname.com/page?lang=en represent the French, Spanish, and English versions, respectively. Using URL parameters allows for flexibility but it may result in longer and less user-friendly URLs.

Consider these approaches carefully when deciding on the URL structure for your multilingual website. These approach allows search engines and users to quickly identify the targeted content for specific countries in multilingual Websites.