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This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.

Problem:
The client re-purchased WPML and completed the translation of their website. However, they are experiencing numerous SEO errors and problems, including over 2400 pages pointing to a URL that results in a 404 error. The client is unsure if these issues are remnants from previous translations.
Solution:
We recommend first consulting with an SEO agency to identify the specific issues with the links on your website. It appears that the problem might be related to the default language link, which may no longer exist but still has active links across the website. You should fix these issues in the default language and then re-translate to ensure that the translations do not replicate the same errors. Although this situation does not seem to be directly related to WPML, if you have further doubts or need assistance with WPML, feel free to contact us.

Please note that this solution might be outdated or not applicable to your specific case. We highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If the issue persists, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

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This topic contains 3 replies, has 1 voice.

Last updated by Dražen Duvnjak 1 week ago.

Assisted by: Dražen Duvnjak.

Author Posts
November 17, 2024 at 10:41 am #16411567

jackZ-3

Background of the issue:
I used WPML to translate my website partially, then canceled the translation, refunded WPML, and deleted some translated files. I re-purchased the WPML package and completed the translation. My website is now open for Google crawling and indexing.

Symptoms:
My website has a lot of errors and problems in the SEO tool Ahrefs.

Questions:
How can I fix the errors and problems identified by Ahrefs?
Are the site problems, including link errors, remnants of previous translations?
How do I remove and fix these issues?
How do I optimize my site?

November 18, 2024 at 11:54 am #16414616

Laura
Supporter

Languages: English (English ) Italian (Italiano )

Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+01:00)

Hi,

thanks for contacting us.

I'm sorry, but the information you gave us is too generic, Ahrefs error can be of various kinds so without more specifics we are not able to help.

I see there are some 404 references, did you check if the pages mentioned are actually 404?

November 18, 2024 at 12:06 pm #16414726

jackZ-3

Hello, thank you for your reply, why do I have over 2400 pages pointing to
hidden link but this page is 404, can you log into my WPML account and help me to see what exactly is wrong with my site?
It could be that I had a break and many errors in translating the site in the past and I don't know how to fix it?Thank you!

November 19, 2024 at 9:03 am #16418207

Dražen Duvnjak
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+01:00)

Hello,

as I can see, I am afraid you should first check with SEO agency or similar on what is wrong with those links on your website, not sure how this is related to WPML. As I can see from the error you shared, it is happening for your default language link, page probably does not exist anymore, but still, there are links across your website. You would probably need to re-check fix it in the default langauge and re-translate, so translation is also updated and not having the same issue.

But as said it does not look like a WPML issue or something that we can help, hope my advise is helpful. If you need anything else from us or have any issue doubts about WPML feel free to contact us.

Regards,
Drazen