Website Development
Multilingual Website: Subdirectory, Subdomain or Separate Domain
The three common approaches are:
- domain.com/en/;
- en.domain.com;
- a separate country or language domain.
For many corporate WordPress websites, a subdirectory is the simplest option because all languages remain within one CMS and one domain.
A subdomain can make sense when the localized version is technically a separate product. A separate domain is more suitable for an independent local brand with its own marketing and infrastructure.
Regardless of structure, equivalent language pages should use correct hreflang, self-canonicals and a clear language switcher.
FAQ
Is a subdomain bad for SEO?
Not inherently, but it usually increases operational complexity.
Do translated pages need hreflang?
Yes, when you have equivalent localized versions intended for different languages or regions.
