Split: Using different domain or folders for language?

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

Problem:
The client had previously hidden the language flags on their mobile menu and wanted to know how to make them visible again. Additionally, the client was seeking advice on whether to use a separate domain or a directory for their English language version of the site.
Solution:
To make the language flags visible again, we recommend checking the WPML language switcher options or the custom CSS that might have been used to hide the flags. If custom CSS was used, it would need to be removed or modified.
Regarding the choice between using a separate domain or a directory for the English version of the site, we informed the client that both options are good for SEO purposes. However, if the client opts for a different domain, they must be aware of certain domain-related settings that need to be configured on their hosting. We provided links to our documentation for further guidance:

Please note that the solution provided might be irrelevant if it's outdated or not applicable to your case. If the issue persists, we highly recommend checking the 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. For further assistance, you can reach out to us on the WPML support forum.

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 is split from https://wpml.org/forums/topic/moving-the-flag-around/

Tagged: Documentation request

This topic contains 1 reply, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Christopher Amirian 1 year, 3 months ago.

Assisted by: Christopher Amirian.

Author	Posts
January 31, 2024 at 1:43 pm #15249579
marcoA-32	Hi Christopher. Yes exactly, the flags are not there. They were hidden sometimes years ago. That's why I wanted to check the previous tickets but I can't find what I'm looking for. I believe that by default wpml shows the flags inside the opened menu (on mobile). I had hidden them. How do I make them visible again? Then I have a question which is about something else and I would like to have your opinion. As you can see I translated the Italian website to English. Created a new domain etc. I always think what's better between having a fully translated site with its own domain or to keep the original domain plus /eng at the end of the URL for the English translation. If I consider that my website is Italian because the services are mainly for Italian people, probably the site in English shouldn't have another domain but only a /eng? What do you think about? Thanks, Marco
January 31, 2024 at 1:49 pm #15249630
Christopher Amirian WPML Supporter since 07/2020 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Asia/Yerevan (GMT+04:00)	Hi Marco, It totally depends on you when it comes to use the different domain or the directory mode regarding language URL format mode. Both are good for SEO purposes. Just be aware of some domain-related settings that you need to do on your hosting before using the different domain mode: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/language-url-options/how-to-use-wpml-with-different-domains-per-language/ I also suggest that you read this documentation which gives a good comparison between three modes: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/language-url-options/ Thanks.