Website Localization and SEO: A 10-Point Checklist

Many companies translate their website and then wonder why traffic does not follow. Search engines and readers need clear signals about which page is for which language and market. Use this checklist before and after you launch.

1. Research keywords in each language

Do not translate keywords literally. People search differently in each language, and often mix English terms. Start with local keyword research and map terms to pages.

2. Choose a URL structure and stick to it

The usual options are country domains (example.in), subdomains (hi.example.com) or subfolders (example.com/hi/). Subfolders are often the simplest to manage. Whatever you choose, keep it consistent.

3. Add hreflang tags

Hreflang tells search engines which version suits which language and region. Each page should reference all its alternates, including itself, and the references must be reciprocal.

4. Translate the metadata

Page titles and meta descriptions appear in search results. Write them natively and keep within length limits, remembering that some scripts take more space.

5. Localize URLs and slugs

Where it suits the script and audience, use readable, translated slugs. Keep them short and avoid characters that break in links.

6. Localize images and alt text

Text inside images needs translating. Alt text should describe the image in the target language, which also helps accessibility.

7. Check formats and currency

Dates, numbers, phone formats, addresses, units and currency should follow local conventions, including in forms and checkout.

8. Test fonts and layout

Confirm the fonts support the script, text fits buttons and menus, and right-to-left languages mirror the layout correctly.

9. Keep content in sync

Outdated translated pages hurt trust. Use a translation memory and a clear process so updates to the source reach every language.

10. Review before and after launch

Have a native speaker read the pages in the live site, not only in a document. After launch, track rankings, traffic and conversions by language and improve the pages that underperform.

Planning a multilingual site? Our website localization team can handle the content, metadata and testing together.