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

Problem:
The client moved their site to a new domain and wanted to target Google.com (USA) instead of Google UK. They changed the hreflang tag for the English site from 'en' to 'en-us' in WPML settings but were unsure if it was the correct setup and how long it would take for the changes to affect their Google rankings.

Solution:
1. We confirmed that the hreflang tag needs to be set to 'en-us' in WPML > Languages > Edit languages to target the USA audience.
2. We advised the client to clear any server or plugin caches to ensure the changes are reflected on the site.
3. We confirmed that the changes were correctly showing in the code after the client cleared the cache.
4. We informed the client that it is their choice to target a specific language version and provided an example of Apple.com using 'en-us'.
5. We addressed the error/suggestion about adding non-region hreflang alternates for 'en' by confirming that it is up to the client to decide if they want to target a broader audience.

Please note that the solution provided might be irrelevant due to being outdated or not applicable to your case. If the issue persists, we highly recommend checking related known issues, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If you still need assistance, please open a new support ticket.

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This topic contains 5 replies, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Mihai Apetrei 1 year, 3 months ago.

Assisted by: Mihai Apetrei.

Author Posts
February 5, 2024 at 2:51 pm #15266745

jamieb-2

Hi there,

I recently moved my site over to a new domain hidden link and have noticed that my page was ranking well on google UK but not on google.com (USA). All my clients are from the USA so I want to target google.com instead of the UK.

I then checked my hreflang tags in wpml settings and noticed that the hreflang for the English site was set as 'en'. I have now changed it to en-us (see screenshot)- is this the right way to have it set up?

I have checked the hfreflanf tags with an online checker but it still shows the hreflang tag as 'en'

How long does it take for the changes to take affect and when will I notice an uplift in rankings on google.com (USA)?

Thanks!
Jamie

Screenshot 2024-02-05 at 14.49.32.png
Screenshot 2024-02-05 at 14.47.36.png
February 5, 2024 at 3:32 pm #15267089

Mihai Apetrei
WPML Supporter since 03/2018

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Bucharest (GMT+03:00)

Hi Jamie.

I still see it as "en" in the code of the site.

Is there any server caching or plugin caching that you have active? You might need to clear that first.

Did you save it to what you want in WPML > Languages > Edit languages?

Please let me know.

Mihai Apetrei

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February 5, 2024 at 3:40 pm #15267136

jamieb-2

Hi there Mihai, thanks for getting back to me.
I have definitely saved it in wpml/languages/settings.
I have just cleared the server cashe- not sure about plugin caches?

Is just changing the Hreflang Tag to 'en-us' the correct way to show gogole I want to target the USA?

February 5, 2024 at 3:48 pm #15267181

jamieb-2

It seems to be working now- can you confirm?

It also shows an error/suggestion and says 'Add non-region hreflang alternates for en'

Would you recommend doing this?

Screenshot 2024-02-05 at 15.48.10.png
February 5, 2024 at 3:49 pm #15267196

jamieb-2

This is my setup now

Screenshot 2024-02-05 at 15.49.26.png
February 5, 2024 at 9:43 pm #15268423

Mihai Apetrei
WPML Supporter since 03/2018

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Bucharest (GMT+03:00)

Hi there.

Yes, it shows correctly in the code now, too.

It is up to you what language version you are targeting.

Apple.com for example is using the "en-us" hreflang tag for the apple.com domain. 🙂

Mihai

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