How to Validate Hreflang Tags and Fix Missing Reciprocals
To validate hreflang tags, use tools like Google Search Console and Hreflang testing tools to check for syntax errors and mismatches. Fix missing reciprocals by ensuring every language version links back to all others, including the original, with consistent hreflang annotations.
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Key Takaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are hreflang reciprocals required?
Yes. You can specify hreflang in your XML sitemap, which is often easier to manage at scale and avoids cluttering HTML head sections.
Can I implement hreflang in XML sitemaps instead of HTML?
Yes. You can specify hreflang in your XML sitemap, which is often easier to manage at scale and avoids cluttering HTML head sections.
What happens if I miss a reciprocal hreflang?
Google may ignore your hreflang annotations, leading to potential indexing of the wrong language version. This can reduce user satisfaction and lead to higher bounce rates.
How often should I check hreflang tags?
Run a hreflang validation monthly, especially after site migrations or content expansions. Regular checks help maintain SEO integrity across languages.
What tools can help fix hreflang issues?
Free tools like Merkle's tester and paid tools like Screaming Frog are great for spotting and fixing common hreflang errors including missing reciprocals, typos, and incorrect URLs.
Step by Step Plan
Check Existing Hreflang Tags
Use browser extensions or inspect HTML to assess current hreflang annotations on each page.
Use Hreflang Validation Tools
Analyze your URLs with tools like Merkle’s Hreflang Tags Testing Tool or Screaming Frog SEO Spider (paid version) to find issues like syntax errors, missing return links, or improper language codes.
Identify Missing Reciprocals
Look for pages that link out to other language versions but are not linked back—this breaks the required mutual reference expected by Google.
Identify Missing Reciprocals
Update hreflang annotations on the missing reciprocal pages so that each one references all others in the same group, including itself. Use 'x-default' appropriately for generic or global versions.
Submit and Monitor
Resubmit your sitemap with hreflang data via Google Search Console, and regularly monitor for crawl errors or indexing issues.
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