Do you also work with international clients? Then an English version of your website is a logical step. To benefit from it in search engines too, the technical setup has to be right.
Give every language its own URL
Search engines index pages, not switches. Make sure each language has its own address, for example /nl/diensten and /en/services, or /nl/ and /en/. A website that only changes language via a button or cookie often shows search engines just one language.
Tell search engines which pages belong together
With hreflang tags you indicate that the Dutch and English pages are translations of each other. That way Google shows the right language to the right visitor and does not treat the two versions as duplicate content. Include the language versions in your sitemap as well.
Translate, and write for the reader
Machine translations are a fine starting point, but always have them reviewed. Pay attention to terminology, tone and keywords: English-speaking clients search with different words than Dutch ones. Adapt titles and meta descriptions per language too.
Make switching easy
- Place the language switcher in a fixed, visible spot.
- Let the switcher go to the same page in the other language, not to the homepage.
- Optionally redirect new visitors based on their browser language, but always let them choose.
Think of everything that isn't on the page
Forms, error messages, confirmation emails, the 404 page and the social sharing image are part of it too. A forgotten Dutch message in an English flow is immediately noticed by an international client.