[Resolved] Problem with page visibility on Google with WPML
This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: The client launched their store in two languages using WPML and performed a 301 redirect from a previous domain. Despite being indexed by Google, the site is not visible on google.pl under its proper name 'kavotti'. The client questioned if WPML could be causing the visibility issue on Google and why the site is not visible on google.pl despite being indexed. Solution: We reviewed the client's website configuration and sitemap, confirming that everything appears correct from the WPML side. We recommend that the client double-checks their sitemap for accuracy and initiates a new indexing request through Google Search Console. It's important to note that WPML does not influence Google's ranking decisions or indexing outside of providing multilingual support.
If this solution does not resolve the issue or seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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 the problem persists, 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.
Background of the issue:
I launched the kavotti.com store in two languages (PL and EN) using WPML about a year ago. The site is indexed in Google, but it's not visible on google.pl, even under the proper name 'kavotti.' I performed a 301 redirect from the previous domain, kavya.com.pl, but that didn't help. I have hidden the additional English language in WPML, but the issue persists. Here is the link to the page where the issue can be seen: hidden link
Symptoms:
The site is indexed in Google but not visible on google.pl, even under the proper name 'kavotti.'
Questions:
Could WPML be causing the visibility issue on Google?
Why is the site not visible on google.pl despite being indexed?
Languages: English (English )Spanish (Español )German (Deutsch )
Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)
Hi,
based on your description, I don’t have the full picture of your previous configuration. From what I understand, you previously had a multi-domain setup and now switched everything to kavotti.com. So the old kavya.com.pl domain is no longer in use — is that correct?
Just to clarify: WPML itself does not negatively affect Google visibility if it’s configured correctly. Google can crawl multilingual sites without issues as long as:
- Each language version has its own unique URL.
- Proper hreflang tags are implemented.
- No accidental noindex or canonical misconfigurations exist.
From a quick check, Ahrefs shows a Domain Authority of 1.6, which is still quite low. I’d recommend re-activating the English version, making sure your sitemap at hidden link is complete, and requesting a re-crawl in Google Search Console.
From a technical perspective, your setup looks fine. The visibility issue is more likely related to domain authority and geo-targeting rather than WPML itself.
Languages: English (English )Spanish (Español )German (Deutsch )
Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)
Hi,
Thanks for the information. With the current setup, there’s nothing further I can verify on our end to explain why Google isn’t ranking it as expected. I also can’t confirm whether the redirect may have caused an issue with the deregistration of the Polish content or why it was never indexed in the first place, as this happens outside WPML.
I recommend double-checking that the sitemap is correct and then initiating a new indexing request through Google Search Console.
Languages: English (English )Spanish (Español )German (Deutsch )
Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)
Hi,
Your website configuration looks fine. You’ve already provided the WPML debug info, and I also checked your sitemap. However, I can’t confirm whether your previous setup—when the old domain was active—might have caused any issues.
At this stage, there’s nothing further I can check from the WPML side. I recommend reviewing your Google Search Console to see if anything is preventing indexing. Please note that we have no influence over whether Google chooses to rank your content or not.
