Non-200 Hreflang URLs: Untangling International SEO Roadblocks

When Hreflang Goes Awry: Decoding Non-200 Errors in International SEO

For businesses with a global reach, crafting a seamless international SEO strategy is like navigating a complex maze of languages, regions, and cultural nuances. Hreflang tags, those little snippets of code that tell search engines which language and region a page is intended for, are essential for guiding users to the right version of your website.

But what happens when your carefully crafted hreflang tags lead to dead ends, returning error status codes instead of the welcoming “200 OK” signal? That’s when you encounter the dreaded “non-200 hreflang URLs,” a problem that can throw a wrench in your international SEO efforts.

These errors indicate that the URLs specified in your hreflang tags are returning status codes other than 200, signaling that the pages are not accessible to search engines or users. This can be due to various reasons, such as broken links, incorrect redirects, or pages that are blocked from indexing.

The consequences? Imagine sending a French visitor to a page in Japanese! Non-200 hreflang URLs create a confusing experience for both users and search engines, hindering your website’s ability to rank effectively in different language versions of search results.

Fixing Hreflang Hiccups: Steps to Resolve Non-200 URLs

Resolving non-200 hreflang URLs requires a systematic approach that combines website analysis, error identification, and targeted solutions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you untangle those international SEO roadblocks:

1. Unleash the Power of Website Crawlers

Website crawlers, like Creeper SEO Audit, are your secret weapons for uncovering the source of non-200 hreflang URLs. These tools simulate search engine behavior, crawling your website and identifying any URLs returning error status codes. Creeper’s detailed reports provide a clear overview of any affected pages, making it easier to pinpoint the issues.

2. Identify the Error Culprits

Once you’ve run a crawl, carefully examine the list of URLs returning non-200 status codes. Look for patterns or commonalities that might help you understand the root cause of the errors. For example:

• Broken Links: Check if the URLs specified in your hreflang tags are actually broken or lead to non-existent pages.
• Redirect Chains: Look for redirect loops or chains that might be causing delays or errors. Remember, excessive redirects can confuse search engines and hinder your SEO efforts.
• Indexing Issues: Ensure that the pages linked in your hreflang tags are not blocked from indexing by robots.txt or meta robots tags. If pages are unintentionally blocked, search engines won’t be able to access them, rendering your hreflang tags ineffective.
• Server Errors: If the URLs are returning 5xx server errors, refer to the solutions outlined in the 5xx Server Error Learn page.

3. Implement Targeted Solutions

Now that you’ve identified the culprits, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and implement solutions:

• Fix Broken Links: Update broken links with the correct URLs or remove them entirely if the target pages no longer exist. For permanent changes, implement 301 redirects to guide users and search engines to the new page location.
• Streamline Redirects: Minimize redirect chains and ensure all redirects point directly to the final, correct URL. Avoid redirect loops that can lead to endless cycles and frustrate users.
• Review Indexing Settings: Double-check your robots.txt file and meta robots tags to ensure the pages linked in your hreflang tags are accessible to search engines. If you’re unsure about how to use meta robots tags, Google Search Central provides a helpful guide.
• Address Server Errors: If the non-200 status codes are caused by server-side issues, investigate and resolve the underlying problems. Check server logs for specific error messages and consult with your hosting provider if necessary.

Unlocking Global Reach: The SEO Rewards of Error-Free Hreflang

Resolving non-200 hreflang URLs isn’t just about fixing technical glitches; it’s about unlocking the true potential of your international SEO strategy. By ensuring your hreflang tags are error-free, you pave the way for a smooth, user-friendly experience and reap a host of SEO benefits:

• Clear International SEO Signals: Error-free hreflang tags send strong, unambiguous signals to search engines about the language and regional targeting of your pages. This helps search engines understand the structure of your multilingual website, improving its chances of ranking well in different language versions of search results. This clarity in signaling is particularly important for websites targeting multiple regions with the same language, as Google’s guidelines on localized versions emphasize the need for accurate hreflang implementation to prevent confusion and ensure proper indexing.
• Enhanced User Experience for Global Visitors: Hreflang tags play a crucial role in guiding users to the most relevant version of your website based on their language and location. When these tags lead to errors, users might land on pages in the wrong language, creating confusion and frustration. By resolving these errors, you provide a seamless and personalized experience for global visitors, increasing their engagement and encouraging them to explore your site further. A study by CSA Research found that a majority of consumers prefer to purchase products from websites in their native language, highlighting the importance of accurate language targeting for international businesses.
• Improved Organic Traffic from International Markets: When your hreflang tags are working correctly, search engines are more likely to display the appropriate language version of your pages to users in different regions. This can lead to increased organic traffic from international markets, expanding your reach and boosting your brand’s global visibility. A case study by Neil Patel demonstrates how proper hreflang implementation can significantly increase traffic and rankings for international websites.
• Reduced Bounce Rates: When users land on a page in the wrong language, they are more likely to bounce back to the search results, increasing your bounce rate and sending negative signals to search engines. By resolving hreflang errors, you reduce the chances of this happening, keeping visitors engaged and improving your website’s overall performance. Crazy Egg’s guide to reducing bounce rates offers valuable insights into improving user engagement and website performance.

Non-200 Hreflang URLs: Your International SEO Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ‘non-200 hreflang URLs’ mean?

It means that the URLs specified in your hreflang tags are returning an error status code, anything other than a ‘200 OK’ signal, indicating that the linked pages are not accessible.

Why are non-200 hreflang URLs bad for SEO?

They disrupt the flow of international SEO signals, confusing search engines about the language and regional targeting of your pages. This can hinder your website’s performance in different language versions of search results.

How can I fix non-200 hreflang URLs?

Start by identifying the URLs causing errors using a website crawler like Creeper SEO Audit. Then, address the underlying issues – fix broken links, resolve redirects, or ensure the pages are properly indexed.

Do I need hreflang tags if my website is only in one language?

No, hreflang tags are only necessary if you have multiple language versions of your website. If your site is only in one language, you don’t need to use them.

What’s the difference between hreflang and canonical tags?

Hreflang tags indicate the language and regional targeting of a page, while canonical tags specify the preferred version of a page when there are duplicates. They work together to ensure search engines understand the structure and intent of your website.