2 replies to this topic

[doughayman]

I have searched this forum and Google itself, and I have come up with several articles that state that you can geo-target subdirectories via GWT. Hence, I could have:

www.example.com/en/ -> Geo-Target US
www.example.com/de/ -> Geo-Target Germany
.
.
etc.

I do NOT see any facility currently, to facilitate geo-targeting at a sub-directory level. Have I missed something, or does Google no longer support this ?

For several reasons, I would prefer to have a multi-lingual site architected via sub-directories, rather than have separate TLD's for each.

Thanks in advance, for any information that can be provided on the above.

[hittjw]

Doug,

How you handle multiple languages depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Some handle visitor language in the application (like message boards), others use sub-directories, sub-domains, or even different local domain names. It doesn't really matter what Google wants, do what makes it easy for your visitors and site management.

If you are worried about Google, I've seen separate sub-domains or domains each individually registered with Google Webmaster -- and Local Search. This can be costly because you'll do the same work multiple times, but in the case where you're foreign divisions are really separate, it can be most effective for optimization across the board.

Most of my sites and back-end commerce has a user option language selection. Advertising is delivered using geo-targeting. With content specific for a particular country on it's own domain.

Best,

Justin

[sofomor]

I have searched this forum and Google itself, and I have come up with several articles that state that you can geo-target subdirectories via GWT. Hence, I could have:

www.example.com/en/ -> Geo-Target US
www.example.com/de/ -> Geo-Target Germany
.
.
etc.

I do NOT see any facility currently, to facilitate geo-targeting at a sub-directory level. Have I missed something, or does Google no longer support this ?

For several reasons, I would prefer to have a multi-lingual site architected via sub-directories, rather than have separate TLD's for each.

Thanks in advance, for any information that can be provided on the above.

Hello doughayman,

Pretty simple. You need to add each "domain sub folder" as a "new site" in your WMT panel, then individually GEO target them to your specific area. Also, if your main domain "www.example.com" is verified with your WMT, you'll get your other "domain sub folder" automatically.

Hope this answers your query.

Regards,