Subdomains vs subdirectories vs PHP for choosing site language

Discussion in 'Search Engine Optimization' started by hvalle98, Oct 28, 2009.

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  1. #1
    Please help me, which of these options is better for SEO? Visitor will be able to choose the language of the site (English, Spanish and German), but I don't know which method to use.

    1st option:

    http://mysite.com (English)
    http://es.mysite.com (Spanish)
    http://de.mysite.com (German)

    2nd option:

    http://mysite.com (English)
    http://mysite.com/es/ (Spanish)
    http://mysite.com/de/ (German)

    3rd option:

    http://mysite.com (English)
    http://mysite.com?lang=es (Spanish)
    http://mysite.com?lang=de (German)


    BTW,I know a similar question has been asked before but NOT for site language so this is not a duplicate thread.
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2009
    hvalle98, Oct 28, 2009 IP
  2. webwest

    webwest Peon

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    #2
    My votes (and Google's) goes to 2nd option
     
    webwest, Oct 28, 2009 IP
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  3. Pixelrage

    Pixelrage Peon

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    #3
    I agree with webwest. I wouldn't make much sense to use subdomains for something like this. Make sure you're using the canonical tag for those foreign language sites, and point them to the .com.
     
    Pixelrage, Oct 28, 2009 IP
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  4. hassan_ali

    hassan_ali Peon

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    #4
    option 2... and you can redirect the folder to your subdomain..
     
    hassan_ali, Oct 28, 2009 IP
  5. Toon-c

    Toon-c Well-Known Member

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    #5
    I'm for the second choice also ... Just check other known websites that have translations and you will get the answer yourself ........
     
    Toon-c, Oct 28, 2009 IP
  6. hassan_ali

    hassan_ali Peon

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    #6
    well to be honest most big websites go for sub domains.. so option 2 isnt what they go for.. however u can do that if u do a 301 redirect from your folder to the subdomain alot of big websites do that.
     
    hassan_ali, Oct 28, 2009 IP