Background of the issue:
I am developing a multi-language website with two languages, English and German, using WPML. The site is currently under development, and I am trying to determine the best practice for handling the homepage URL structure for SEO and usability.
Symptoms:
The homepage currently defaults to the English version, and I am unsure how to handle the homepage URL (ending with /) effectively.
Questions:
What is the best practice for handling the homepage of a multi-language website using WPML?
How can I implement a solution that is good for both SEO and usability for the homepage?
Should I use a big language switcher in a window for the homepage?
We recommend keeping the default language (e.g., English) assigned to the root URL (/) for best SEO and usability. At the same time, the translated homepage (e.g., German) can use a language-specific path like /de/. This setup is both search engine–friendly and easy for users to navigate.
We also suggest using WPML’s built-in language switcher, which is placed in a visible area such as the header or menu. This allows users to switch languages easily without interrupting the user experience. Using a full-screen language selector window on the homepage is generally not recommended, as it may negatively impact both SEO and usability.
If you are using SEO plugins like Yoast, please use the WPML SEO plugin. Refer to the following documentation for more details, and let us know your feedback.
