Website operations
What is easy to miss when creating English and Chinese pages?
Adding a translation is only part of the work. Check language-specific URLs, corresponding pages, and consistent practice information together.
Define the translation scope first
Before adding a language button, list the original pages. Decide whether to translate only visit information or also treatment explanations and inquiry screens, and assign an owner to each page. The addresses and workflow below are examples for a fictional dental website, not an account of a real practice or its results.
Give each language version its own address
Google recommends separate URLs for different languages. If three fully translated pages are each maintained as their language’s primary version, their canonical URLs should point to themselves. Check that the English and Chinese pages have not both been assigned the Korean URL as canonical.
| Language | Fictional page URL | Canonical target |
|---|---|---|
| Korean | https://example.com/ko/visit/ | The same Korean URL |
| English | https://example.com/en/visit/ | The same English URL |
| Simplified Chinese | https://example.com/zh/visit/ | The same Chinese URL |
Connect corresponding pages in both directions
Each page’s hreflang entries should include itself and the corresponding pages in the other languages. Make the relationship reciprocal rather than linking in only one direction. Use full URLs including https. Language switches should also lead to the translation of the same topic; if a translation is unavailable, explain its status.
Do not stop after translating the menus
Google identifies a page’s language from its visible content. English headings and menus are not enough for readers to complete a task if the body and error messages remain in Korean. Compare these items with the original:
- Check for missing sentences in the body, tables, notes, and image alternative text.
- Translate dynamic messages, including no search results, input errors, and copy confirmations.
- Keep the meaning of cost conditions, precautions, and privacy information consistent across languages.
A translated page must still identify the same practice
Manage the practice name, branch, address, and telephone number in one reference sheet. Connect translated names with the registered Korean name so readers do not confuse branches. Do not add claims of English consultations, Chinese-language care, or interpretation simply because translated pages exist. Include only services and conditions whose availability has been verified.
Complete one task before publishing
In the fictional example, open the English visit guide, switch to the same page in Chinese, and find the contact details. Assign responsibility and a review date for updating other languages whenever the Korean information changes.
- Open each URL directly and check that the content and navigation use the intended language.
- Check that canonical and reciprocal hreflang URLs match the actual pages.
- Confirm that switching languages keeps the same branch and topic.