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Google Considering Adding Hreflang Issues to Webmaster Tools

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hreflang gwtMess up hreflang?  Google Webmaster Tools might be adding a feature that would show when they feel there might be an error in a site’s usage of hreflang on their pages.

At SMX Sydney Wednesday, Gary Illyes did a session on hreflang and dropped a few tidbits including the possibility of showing potential errors.  The example he used was es-la doesn’t mean “Spanish in Los Angeles”.

Hreflang is one of the areas I know newer webmasters struggle with, as the consequences of making a mistake can be pretty significant and is one of the reasons some are reluctant to start using it.  Google offers lots of information on how to use it here.

I definitely hope this is one that makes it into GWT.

Added: Google does currently show syntax errors from implementation in Webmaster Tools (Search Traffic -> International Targeting).  This would be specifically for errors where the implementation is correct, but they think there might be an error in what you chose for hreflang.)

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Jennifer Slegg

Founder & Editor at The SEM Post
Jennifer Slegg is a longtime speaker and expert in search engine marketing, working in the industry for almost 20 years. When she isn't sitting at her desk writing and working, she can be found grabbing a latte at her local Starbucks or planning her next trip to Disneyland. She regularly speaks at Pubcon, SMX, State of Search, Brighton SEO and more, and has been presenting at conferences for over a decade.

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