Using hreflang tags correctly ensures that search engines serve the right language or regional version of your page to the right users. This simple attribute prevents duplicate content issues and improves user experience across different regions.
🛠 What is an hreflang Tag?
An hreflang tag is an HTML <link> attribute (or alternative via XML sitemap or HTTP header) that signals to search engines which language and/or region a page is intended for . For example:
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="en-US" href="https://example.com/us/" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="en-GB" href="https://example.com/uk/" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="es-ES" href="https://example.com/es/" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="x-default" href="https://example.com/" />- Language codes follow ISO 639-1 (e.g.,
en,es) - Region codes use ISO 3166-1 alpha‑2 (e.g.,
US,GB) - The
x-defaultversion acts as a fallback for users whose region doesn’t match other tags
Correct implementation ensures users see the most relevant version of your site, reducing bounce rates and avoiding duplicate content penalties .
1. Use Accurate Language & Region Codes
Always validate your ISO codes thoroughly. A common error is using wrong codes like en-UK instead of en-GB . Acceptable formats include:
- Just language:
fr - Language + region:
fr-CA,en-GB - Never use country-only codes .
2. Mutual and Self-Referencing Tags
Every version must list itself and all its alternates:
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="en-US" href="https://.../us/" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="en-GB" href="https://.../uk/" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="x-default" href="https://.../" />Both the U.S. and U.K. pages should include identical tags—including self-references—to establish a fully bidirectional relationship . Without reciprocity, search engines may ignore them .
3. Select One Implementation Method
You can implement hreflang via HTML <head>, HTTP headers, or XML sitemaps. Choose only one method to avoid confusion and errors .
- HTML tags: Best for most CMSs
- HTTP headers: Useful for non-HTML files (PDFs)
- XML sitemaps: Ideal for large sites to reduce page-level overhead
4. Use Absolute URLs & Canonicals
All href values must be full, absolute URLs with correct protocols (e.g., https://...) . Also, always pair with a self-referential canonical tag:
<link rel="canonical" href="https://example.com/uk/" />Matching canonical and hreflang prevents indexing conflicts .
5. Include the x-default Tag
Use the x-default tag for global homepages or language selectors to guide users who don’t match any region-specific version . Example:
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="x-default" href="https://example.com/" />6. Regular Auditing & Avoiding Pitfalls
Common issues to monitor:
- Broken or redirected URLs: These invalidate your tags
- Robot-blocked or noindex pages: Make sure all language versions are crawlable
- Missing bidirectional links: Ensure every alternate page points back
- URL mismatches or incorrect formats: Even trailing slashes matter
Tools like Screaming Frog or Search Console help detect and report these errors .
7. Integrate with Broader International SEO
hreflang is only one part of an effective global SEO strategy. It works best when paired with:
- Unique, localized content—language, currency, references, and UX tailored to region
- Clear URL structure—using ccTLDs, subdirectories, or subdomains, with possibility of better regional signals from ccTLDs
- Site architecture—consistent internal linking between versions, proper sitemap inclusion
A Redditor’s insight sums this well:
“Will not having hreflang damage your current traffic? Not necessarily… but adding hreflang won’t hurt your traffic—it’ll help ensure that the right pages show up in the right places.”
Conclusion
Correctly implemented hreflang tags guide search engines to serve the appropriate language or regional version of your site. Follow these key steps:
- Use accurate language/region codes
- Implement only one hreflang method
- Ensure mutual, self-referencing tags with canonical links
- Always employ absolute URLs and include
x-default - Audit regularly and integrate
hreflanginto a wider international SEO framework
When done right, hreflang improves user experience, avoids duplicate content issues, and ensures your site reaches international audiences effectively.
