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[Resolved] Switch from domain to directory on an already working site

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

Problem:
The client is using WPML to manage language mutations on multiple domains and wants to switch from using multiple domains to a single domain with language directories. The main concerns are related to SEO authority, functionality, speed, and adjustability.
Solution:
We recommend updating the main domain in WordPress to use the .com domain. Once this is done, you can change the default language in WPML under WPML → Languages and set Czech (CZ) as a secondary language. It's important to consider that this change might require additional SEO adjustments, such as setting up redirects, to prevent any negative impact on your current search rankings.

If this solution seems outdated or not applicable to your case, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If further assistance is needed, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

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This topic contains 3 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Marcel 4 months ago.

Assisted by: Marcel.

Author Posts
February 16, 2025 at 9:19 am #16710233

radimH-2

Background of the issue:
I am currently using WPML to manage language mutations on my site using multidomains. The original site is damwebdesign.cz for CZ, with additional domains damwebdesign.at for DE and dam-webdesign.com for EN. I want to switch from using multiple domains to a single domain with language directories. The main domain with the WP installation is damwebdesign.cz, and I want to switch to dam-webdesign.com, using directories for DE and CZ (e.g., dam-webdesign.com/de/...).

Symptoms:
I am not happy with the current domain setting due to issues with SEO authority, functionality, speed, and adjustability.

Questions:
Is it possible to switch from multiple domains to a single domain with language directories on dam-webdesign.com, when my primary site and WP installation are running on damwebdesign.cz?

If not, can I change the multidomains to directories on damwebdesign.cz, replicate the site on dam-webdesign.com & setup language mutations in directories, and then redirect damwebdesign.cz to dam-webdesign.com with language mutations on the directory level?
February 17, 2025 at 3:45 pm #16715427

Marcel
Supporter

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch )

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

Hi,

Yes, this is possible. You just need to first update the setting under WPML → Languages. You can find detailed instructions here: WPML Language URL Options.

Your main WP domain will remain unchanged, while subfolders can be used for specific languages, e.g., .cz/de or .cz/en.

A full domain switch of your main WP installation to .com is not required.

Best regards,
Marcel
February 20, 2025 at 7:34 am #16727675

radimH-2

Hi Marcel,

thanks for your response. Is it possible to have the switch in such a fashion, that the primary domain is .com with directories such as .com/de or .com/cz ...?

Thanks!
Radim
February 20, 2025 at 9:39 am #16728464

Marcel
Supporter

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch )

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

Hi Radim,

Yes, but first, you need to update the main domain on WordPress. Once WordPress is configured to use .com, you can change the default language in WPML under WPML → Languages and set Czech (CZ) as a secondary language.

Keep in mind that this change may require additional SEO adjustments, such as setting up redirects, to prevent any negative impact on your current search rankings.

Best regards,
Marcel