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

Problem:
The client removed the WPML plugin and needs to inform Google that the site's SEO structure has reverted to the original without language URLs.
Solution:
If you're experiencing issues after removing the WPML plugin and need to restore your original SEO structure, we recommend you:
1. Implement 301 Redirects from the old language-specific URLs (e.g.,

/el/

) to the new URLs without language identifiers. This will guide both visitors and search engines to the correct pages.
2. Update your sitemap to only include the new URLs without language identifiers.
3. Use Google Search Console to submit the updated sitemap. This action will notify Google of the changes and encourage the re-crawling and indexing of the new URLs.

By taking these steps, you'll let search engines know that your site's structure has changed and the original SEO settings are now in place.

If this solution doesn't look relevant or you need further assistance, please open a new support ticket.

This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.

Everyone can read, but only WPML clients can post here. WPML team is replying on the forum 6 days per week, 22 hours per day.

This topic contains 1 reply, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Mateus Getulio 1 year, 8 months ago.

Assisted by: Mateus Getulio.

Author Posts
November 24, 2023 at 3:41 am #14913137

nikolaosT-12

Hello, I decided that translating the whole site is futile so I deleted the wpml plugin but now my whole seo is based on the language url (/el/) in this instance. How do I let Google know that my original SEO is back in place?

November 24, 2023 at 7:53 pm #14920741

Mateus Getulio
Supporter

Languages: English (English ) Portuguese (Brazil) (Português )

Timezone: America/Sao_Paulo (GMT-03:00)

Hello there,

Thanks for your contact.

First of all, it's important to note that while WPML is a tool for managing multilingual content, specific aspects related to SEO and search engine indexing fall outside its direct control.

Regardless, to restore your original SEO structure after deleting our plugin, you'll need to take a few steps to inform search engines like Google about the changes:

Implement 301 Redirects:
Set up 301 redirects from the old language-specific URLs (e.g., /el/) to the new URLs without language identifiers. This will ensure that visitors and search engines are directed to the correct pages.

Update Sitemap:
Update your sitemap to reflect the new URL structure. Ensure that the sitemap includes only the new URLs without language identifiers.

Google Search Console:
In Google Search Console, submit the updated sitemap to notify Google of the changes. This will prompt Google to crawl and index the new URLs.

By following these steps, you'll effectively communicate to search engines that the structure of your site has changed, and the original SEO is back in place.

If you need further assistance or have additional questions, feel free to ask.

Best regards,
Mateus.