If your website has versions that cater to users in different languages and regions, hreflang tag becomes a critical SEO element that allows accurate content to reach the right audience. In this guide, what the hreflang tag is, why it is important for SEO and we explain how to use it correctly.


What is Hreflang Label?

Hreflang tagThe search engines are an HTML attribute that states which language and region of a web page is private. For example, English speaking US users are used to show English version of a page, German version for users in Germany.

  • Basic Structure:htmlCopy Run HTML tr-TRTurkish language and region code, en-US English (US) refers to the version.

Importance of Hreflang Tag for SEO

  1. Prescribed Contents:
    When there are different language/section versions of the same content, search engines can mark these pages as "copying content". Hreflang tagThis problem by clarifying which version belongs to.
  2. Improves User Experience:
    Users are automatically redirected to the page in their language or regions. This reduces bounce rate and increases conversions.
  3. Provides International Traffic Boosts:
    When used correctly, it increases organic traffic and rankings in targeted countries.

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How to Use Hreflang Tag?

1. Accurately Identify Language and Regional Code:

  • Language codes ISO 639-1 standard (e: tr), region codes ISO 3166-1 standard (e: TR) must comply.
  • Sample:
    • English (Turkey): tr-TR
    • English (Global): en
    • German (Germany): de-DE

2. Apply with Three Different Methods:

  • Add HTML Page Title:htmlCopyRun HTML
  • With HTTP Headers (for HTML files like PDF):httpCopyLink: ; rel="alternate"; hreflang="tr-TR"
  • Adding to XML Site Map:xmlCopyRun HTML

3. Remember the Relative Links:
All versions must mark each other. For example, if the Turkish page shows the English version, the English page should also show the Turkish version.

4. Define Default Page (x-default):
Set a general page that will be redirected when the language/region matches:

html

Imprint

<link rel="alternate" hreflang="x-default" href="https://orneksite.com/" />

Run HTML


What Should Be Attention When Using Hreflang

  • Conquer with Canonical URLs:
    Canonical URLs with Hreflang should be consistent. Every page must mark the canonical itself.
  • Error Language/Internal Codes:
    en-UK Home en-GB Use. To check codes ISO language/region lists review.
  • Defending Tags:
    If all versions do not show each other, search engines can not take into account the tag.

Conclusion

Hreflang tagis one of the basic stones of international SEO. When used correctly, it prevents technical errors while increasing traffic and conversions. carefully select language and region codes, check mutual connections and regularly monitor scan errors.

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