What Is Hreflang?
Hreflang is an HTML attribute and sitemap signal that identifies the language and regional version of a webpage for search engines. It helps search systems select the most suitable URL for a searcher’s language or location. Hreflang connects equivalent pages across markets without treating those pages as duplicate content.
Quick Facts About Hreflang
Category
Technical SEO signal
Used for
Language and regional URL targeting
Common confusion
It does not translate content
Also called
Hreflang Tag, hreflang attribute
Often discussed with
Technical SEO, SEO Audits
Key Takeaways About Hreflang
- Hreflang connects equivalent URLs across language or regional versions.
- Each version should identify the other relevant versions.
- Hreflang does not translate page content.
How Hreflang Works
Hreflang tells search engines which URL serves a particular language or regional audience. A page can identify its equivalent versions through HTML link elements in the head or through sitemap annotations. Each relevant version normally refers back to the connected versions, which helps search engines understand the relationship.
Related glossary terms: Canonical URL, Google Search Console, Sitemap.
The language and region code must match the page’s intended audience. For example, an English page for Australia can point to an English page for the United Kingdom when the content or service information differs. Canonical URLs still identify the preferred version of each page, while hreflang describes audience targeting. Search Console and crawl reviews can help check whether the signals are present, reciprocal and consistent.
Expert Note
When we review Hreflang, we compare the language and regional codes against the visible page content and URL structure. Our team also checks reciprocal references, canonical signals and sitemap entries so connected pages do not send conflicting instructions.
Hreflang in Practice: A Real-World Example
A Sydney law firm may publish separate English pages for Australian and United Kingdom audiences because the legal information differs by jurisdiction. Hreflang connects those equivalent pages while signalling which regional version suits each audience.
Related Services
Related Terms
Canonical URL
Canonical URL is the preferred address for a webpage when similar or duplicate versions exist. A…
Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a free Google service that helps website owners monitor how Google discovers…
Sitemap
Sitemap is a file or page that lists the important URLs on a website and describes…
Jurisdiction Page
A Jurisdiction Page is a website page tailored to a specific geographic area where a law…
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