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1. Subfolders or Subdomains for Multilingual Sites: Which Path
Should You Take?
Businesses are increasingly looking to expand their reach and engage audiences across
international borders. A key element of this strategy involves creating a multilingual website
that caters to diverse languages and cultural preferences. However, a critical decision arises
when structuring a multilingual website: should you utilize subfolders or subdomains to house
your different language versions?
This blog delves into the pros and cons of both approaches, empowering you to make the most
informed decision for your multilingual website.
Understanding Subfolders and Subdomains
Before diving into the specifics, let's establish a clear understanding of subfolders and
subdomains:
● Subfolders: These are directories within your main domain that further categorize
website content. For instance, a website with the domain name "[invalid URL removed]"
could have subfolders like "/blog" or "/products" to organize different sections of the
website.
● Subdomains: These are prefixes added before the main domain name, essentially
creating a separate website with its own unique address. For example, a subdomain for
a French version of the website might be "[invalid URL removed]."
Subfolders: A Unified Approach
Utilizing subfolders within your main domain to house different language versions presents
several advantages:

2. ● SEO Benefits: Search engines like Google generally favor subfolders for multilingual
websites. This is because all content resides under the same domain, allowing for the
consolidation of website authority and backlinks across all languages. Subfolders also
make it easier for search engines to understand the relationship between the different
language versions of your website.
● Simplified Management: Managing a multilingual website with subfolders can be more
straightforward. You can utilize a single content management system (CMS) and apply
changes to all language versions simultaneously, streamlining your workflow.
● User Experience: Subfolders often provide a more seamless user experience. Users can
easily navigate between language versions by simply clicking through different
subdirectories within the same domain. This reinforces the perception of a unified
website experience.
● Cost-Effectiveness: Implementing subfolders typically involves minimal additional cost
compared to setting up and managing separate subdomains.
However, subfolders also have some drawbacks to consider:
● Limited Branding Opportunities: With subfolders, each language version inherits the
branding of the main domain. This can limit opportunities for creating unique branding
elements for specific languages or regions.
● Scalability Considerations: As you add more languages to your website, the subfolder
structure can become cluttered and difficult to manage. This can be especially
challenging for websites catering to a vast number of languages.
Subdomains: A Path to Regional Autonomy
Subdomains offer a distinct approach to structuring multilingual websites, with its own set of
advantages and disadvantages:
● Enhanced Branding and Localization: Subdomains allow for greater flexibility in
branding and localization efforts. Each subdomain can have its own unique design

3. elements and messaging tailored to specific regional or cultural preferences.
● Clear Separation for Different Audiences: Subdomains visually differentiate the
language versions of your website, making it clear to users that they are accessing a
distinct regional version of the website.
● Content Management Options: While subdomains typically require separate
installations of your CMS, this can also be an advantage. It allows for tailored content
management strategies for each language version, potentially catering to specific
regional regulations or content requirements.
Here are some key considerations when evaluating subdomains:
● Increased Complexity: Managing separate subdomains can be more complex than
managing subfolders. This includes maintaining separate CMS installations and
potentially facing additional technical challenges.
● SEO Considerations: While subdomains can still rank well in search results, they may
not benefit from the same level of SEO authority consolidation as subfolders. Building
backlinks and domain authority for each subdomain can require more focused effort.
Making the Right Choice: A Decision Framework
So, subfolders or subdomains? The optimal choice depends on your specific website goals,
target audience, and long-term vision. Here's a framework to guide your decision:
Factors Favoring Subfolders:
● SEO is a Top Priority: If maximizing search engine ranking across all languages is your
primary concern, subfolders offer a clear advantage. They benefit from consolidated
domain authority and a more streamlined structure for search engines to understand
your website's content hierarchy.

4. ● Simplified Management: For websites with limited resources or a small number of
languages, subfolders offer a more manageable approach. Utilizing a single CMS
allows for efficient content creation and updates across all languages.
● Unified Website Experience: If maintaining a consistent brand image across languages
is crucial, subfolders provide a seamless user experience. Users can easily navigate
between language versions while still recognizing the overarching brand identity.
Factors Favoring Subdomains:
● Strong Regional Branding: If you plan to develop distinct regional brands or cater to
specific cultural norms for different languages, subdomains offer greater flexibility. Each
subdomain can have a unique design and messaging tailored to the target audience.
● Large-Scale Multilingual Expansion: For websites with aspirations to cater to a vast
number of languages, subdomains can provide a more scalable structure. Managing
numerous language versions within a single subfolder structure can become unwieldy.
● Content Management Autonomy: If the content for each language version requires
significant tailoring due to regional regulations or content needs, separate subdomains
with independent CMS installations can offer greater control and flexibility.
Additional Considerations:
● Technical Expertise: Managing subdomains might require a higher level of technical
expertise compared to subfolders. Consider your team's capabilities and resources
when making your decision.
● Target Audience Research: Understanding your target audience's expectations and
preferences can be beneficial. If cultural norms favor a clear distinction between
regional versions of a website, subdomains might be a better fit.

5. Beyond Subfolders and Subdomains: Additional Considerations
While subfolders and subdomains offer the two primary approaches to structuring multilingual
websites, it's important to acknowledge additional factors that contribute to a successful
multilingual strategy:
● High-Quality Content Translation: Accurate and culturally relevant translations are
essential for effective communication with your target audience. Investing in
professional translation services can significantly enhance user experience and
engagement.
● Technical SEO Optimization for Multilingual Websites: Implementing best practices
for multilingual SEO goes beyond simply structuring your website. Optimizing meta
descriptions, title tags, hreflang tags, and internal linking for each language version is
crucial for improved search engine visibility.
● Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting cultural nuances is vital throughout
the content creation and website design process. Tailoring visuals, messaging, and even
website layout to resonate with specific regional preferences can make a significant
difference.
By combining the right structural approach with a commitment to high-quality content
translation, technical SEO optimization, and cultural sensitivity, you can create a multilingual
website that effectively engages your global audience and drives international success.
Conclusion
There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing between subfolders and
subdomains for your multilingual website. By carefully considering the factors outlined above
and aligning your choice with your website's goals and target audience, you can select the
approach that best facilitates your global expansion efforts. Remember, the key lies in making

6. an informed decision that optimizes search engine visibility, user experience, and the long-term
success of your multilingual website.