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

Problem:
The client wants to convert their bilingual website, which is currently in English and French, into a unilingual French site. They are also interested in adding new pages in French only and are concerned about potential SEO impacts.
Solution:
To make the site appear only in French, we recommend activating the browser language redirect. You can set this up by following the guide here: Automatic Redirect Based on Browser Language. Additionally, remove any language switchers from the site to prevent access to the English version. It's important to note that using browser language redirect might have potential SEO implications.

As for adding new pages in French, you can do this without affecting the site negatively. Simply go to Pages, filter by French, and proceed to add your new pages. This action will not adversely impact your SEO.

If this solution does not apply to your situation, or if it seems outdated, please check the related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verify the version of the permanent fix, and confirm that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If issues persist, we highly recommend opening a new support ticket at WPML support forum for further assistance.

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This topic contains 3 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Carlos Rojas 1 month ago.

Assisted by: Carlos Rojas.

Author Posts
May 26, 2025 at 6:53 am #17071054

ronaldT-5

Background of the issue:
My site was created in English and then translated into French. I aim to attract regional site visitors north of Montreal. Currently, 72% of visitors are from the U.S.A. I believe having the site only in French might help attract regional visitors.

Symptoms:
I want to know if it's possible to only have the translated-into-French pages show up.

Questions:
How to turn my bilingual site into a unilingual site?
Is it possible to only have the translated-into-French pages show up?

May 26, 2025 at 10:22 am #17072526

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)

Hello,
Thank you for contacting us

To achieve this, you can activate the browser language redirect as described in this guide: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/automatic-redirect-based-on-browser-language/ and remove any language switcher.

Important note: The browser language redirect has potential SEO issues.

Regards,
Carlos

May 26, 2025 at 7:59 pm #17075028

ronaldT-5

I do not think you understood me well. Let me ask another question, I need to add about a dozen more pages. Is there a way to create them in French only? Would that screw up something? SEO or otherwise?

May 27, 2025 at 9:10 am #17076682

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)

Hi,

Yes, you can create the pages in French by going to Pages -> Filter by French and adding the pages. This won't have any negative impact.