Google is remembering website owners and SEO professionals on the benefits of using the hreflang x default, an underutilized feature that can improve user experience.
The x-default hreflang value helps direct users to the appropriate language and region-neutral URL when the site does not support their preferred language and region.
This feature can improve URL discovery, increase conversions, and better serve your audience.
The role of Hreflang x-default in the user experience
Hreflang x-default is used in conjunction with other hreflang values that specify the URL version for content targeting a specific language and region.
For example, if a page has hreflang annotations for English and Spanish versions, along with an x-default value pointing to the English version, French-speaking users would be directed to the English page because of the x annotation -default.
This can result in a more seamless experience for website users, regardless of language or location.
Advantages of using Hreflang x-default
There are two main benefits to implementing the x-default hreflang value on your site:
URL discovery: URLs specified in hreflang annotations, including x-default, can be used for URL discovery. This can be useful for large sites with complex structures, ensuring that all localized URLs are well linked and accessible.
Conversions: The goal of site owners is to convert users. With the default hreflang x value, you can direct users to a page where they’re more likely to convert if your content isn’t available in their preferred language.
Hreflang x-default implementation
To implement the x-default hreflang value, you need to add a series of link elements to the header section of your HTML page, specifying the different languages and region URLs along with the x-default value.
The process includes the following steps:
Identify the different language and region versions of your page. Create a unique binding element for each version, including the x-default value. Add the link elements to the header section of your HTML page.
Here’s an example of how to add hreflang annotations, including the default value x, to a web page:
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In this case, there are three link elements: an English version, a Spanish version, and a default x-value that points to a language selection page.
Users with unsupported language preferences are directed to the language selection page using the default x.
For a complete guide on embedding hreflang values, including x-default, see Google official documentation.
Best practices and common mistakes
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using the hreflang x default:
Consistency between pages: Ensure that hreflang annotations are implemented consistently across all versions of the page. Each language and region version of the page must include the same set of hreflang annotations, including the x-default value.
Using absolute URLs: Always use absolute instead of relative URLs when specifying href attributes in hreflang annotations. This helps avoid potential problems with URL resolution.
Canonical tags: Be sure to include a canonical tag for each language and region version of the page, pointing to the self-referencing URL. This helps search engines understand the preferred version of the page.
Language and region codes: Use ISO 639-1 language codes and ISO 3166-1 Alpha 2 country codes when specifying language and region values in the hreflang attribute. This ensures consistency and compliance with the standard.
Sitemap implementation (optional): If you have a large site with many language versions and regions, consider implementing hreflang annotations in your XML sitemap instead of in the header section of your HTML pages. This can help with site management and organization.
Avoid the following common mistakes:
Missing default value of xo is incorrect: Make sure the x-default value is implemented correctly and points to the appropriate language selection or language neutral page.
Incomplete hreflang annotations: Ensure that all relevant language and region versions of a page are included in hreflang annotations. This helps search engines index and serve the right content to users.
Inconsistent hreflang annotations: Avoid using different hreflang annotations on different versions of the same page. This can confuse search engines and lead to indexing and ranking problems.
Incorrect language or region codes: Check your language and region codes to make sure they are correct and meet the ISO standards mentioned above.
Duplicate content issues: Be aware of potential duplicate content issues when implementing hreflang annotations. Make sure each language and region version of a page has unique content to avoid potential SEO issues related to duplicate content.
To sum up
The hreflang x default is a valuable but underutilized tool that can improve user experience and increase conversions.
By directing users to a language- or region-appropriate URL when their preferred language is not supported, this feature can provide a more seamless browsing experience.
Implementing the x-default hreflang value involves consistent annotations, correct language and region codes, and adherence to best practices to avoid common mistakes.
Taking advantage of this feature helps ensure that your content is accessible and well-linked for users around the world.
Featured image generated by the author via Midjourney.
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