Multilingual website construction strategy analysis: independent domain name vs. subdirectory, SEO optimizer essential guide

Release Date:2024-05-17

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With the advancement of globalization, multilingual websites have become an important means for enterprises to expand into international markets. When building a multilingual website, enterprises face an important decision: whether to use independent domain names or subdirectories to display content in different languages. This article will analyze and compare these two strategies in detail.

1. The difference between subdomains and subdirectories

It is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Concept Definition :

A subdomain (or subdomain) is a domain that belongs to a higher level domain in the DNS hierarchy. For example, mail.example.com and calendar.example.com are two subdomains of example.com .
A subdirectory is a directory within a parent directory. A subdirectory can also contain subdirectories, and these subdirectories are unlimited. In a computer, for example, C: is the parent directory, C:Windows is a subdirectory of C: ; C:WindowsSystem32 is a subdirectory of C:Windows .

Structure composition :

A subdomain is the next level of a top-level domain (first-level domain or parent domain). The entire domain name usually includes two "." or one "." and one "/".
There is no specific domain name format requirement for the subdirectory structure. It is just an organizational form in the file system.

Use scenarios :

Subdomains are often used to split multiple parts of a website or provide services in different languages. It can give a website an advantage in search engine optimization (SEO) because each subdomain can be ranked as an independent website. However, if subdomains are abused, they may be considered cheating by search engines.
Subdirectories are often used to organize website content, making it easier for users to find relevant information. Compared with subdomains, subdirectories are more likely to inherit the authority of the main domain, so the quality of subdirectory content will affect the score of the entire site.

Management and Maintenance :

Subdomains need to be set up and managed separately, including domain name resolution, server configuration, etc. Each subdomain can have independent website structure and content.
The management of sub-directories is relatively simple because they are all located under the framework of the same website and only require linking and content adjustment within the website.

In summary, subdomains and subdirectories are significantly different in definition, structure, usage scenarios, and management and maintenance. When choosing which method to use, you need to weigh it based on your specific needs and goals.

2. Analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of independent domain names and subdirectories

1. Advantages and disadvantages of independent domain names

advantage :

High brand recognition : Independent domain names can create independent brand images for websites in each language, improve brand recognition, and help companies establish localized brand images in different countries and regions.
Good search engine optimization (SEO) effect : Independent domain names are more easily identified as independent websites in search engines, which is conducive to SEO optimization of websites in each language in their respective markets and avoids the problem of weight dispersion.
Flexible content management : Independent domain names allow websites in each language to be managed independently without affecting each other, making it easier for companies to flexibly adjust content according to the needs of different markets.
High security : Independent domain names usually have higher security because they can be configured with independent SSL certificates to ensure the secure transmission of website data.

shortcoming :

High technical difficulty : Independent domain names require configuring servers and domain name resolution for each domain name, which increases technical difficulty and cost. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain multiple websites, which also requires higher human resources.
High resource consumption : Independent domain names require independent server resources to be allocated for each website, which may lead to high resource consumption, especially when the traffic is large.

2. Advantages and disadvantages of subdirectories

advantage :

High brand consistency : Subdirectories can maintain brand consistency, and websites in all languages are under the same domain name, which is easy for users to identify and remember.
Resource sharing : Subdirectories allow websites in different languages to share the same server and domain name resources, reducing technical difficulty and cost. At the same time, it also facilitates website management and maintenance.
Easy operation : The operation of sub-directories is relatively simple. It only needs to be configured and managed in the background, without the need to set up additional domain names and servers.

shortcoming :

Limited SEO effect : The sub-directory strategy has the problem of dispersed weight in SEO, which may affect the overall website ranking. At the same time, since all language websites are under the same domain name, it may lead to increased competition for certain keywords.
Limited content management : Under the sub-directory strategy, all language websites are in the same management interface, which may increase the complexity of content management. At the same time, since all websites share the same resources, they may be affected by other websites.

Summary: Independent domain names and sub-directories each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Enterprises should make comprehensive considerations based on their own needs and market environment when choosing. If an enterprise plans to enter multiple markets, and each market has an independent brand image and marketing strategy, it is recommended to use an independent domain name strategy; if an enterprise focuses on brand consistency and resource sharing, and the market environment is relatively simple, it can consider using a sub-directory strategy.

3. Analysis of independent domain name strategy

Brand recognition : Using separate domain names can create a separate brand image for each language, improving brand recognition. This is essential for entering new markets and building localized brands.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) : Independent domain names are more easily recognized as independent websites in search engines, which is conducive to SEO optimization of websites in each language in their respective markets. At the same time, it can avoid the problem of weight dispersion caused by the use of subdirectories.
Content management : Separate domain names allow websites in each language to be managed independently without affecting each other. This helps to flexibly adjust content according to the needs of different markets.
Technical challenges : However, using independent domain names requires configuring servers and domain name resolution for each domain name, which increases technical difficulty and cost. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain multiple websites, which also requires higher human resources.

4. Analysis of Subdirectory Strategy

Brand consistency : Using subdirectories can maintain brand consistency. Websites in all languages are under the same domain name, which is easy for users to identify and remember.
Resource sharing : The sub-directory strategy allows websites in different languages to share the same server and domain name resources, reducing technical difficulty and cost. At the same time, it also facilitates website management and maintenance.
SEO Challenge : Although the sub-directory strategy has the problem of dispersed weight in SEO, it is still possible to achieve good rankings in search engines through reasonable internal links and keyword optimization.
Content management : When using a sub-directory strategy, websites in all languages are in the same management interface, making it easier to manage and adjust content in a unified manner.

5. Strategy Selection Suggestions

When choosing a separate domain name or subdirectory strategy, companies should make comprehensive considerations based on their own needs and market environment. Here are some suggestions:

If a company plans to enter multiple markets and each market has an independent brand image and marketing strategy, it is recommended to use an independent domain name strategy.
If the company focuses on brand consistency and resource sharing, and the market environment is relatively single, it can consider using a sub-directory strategy.
When choosing a strategy, factors such as technical difficulty, cost, and human resources must also be considered.

Independent domain names and subdirectories are both effective strategies for building multilingual websites. Independent domain name strategy helps improve brand recognition and SEO effects, but it faces technical challenges and cost issues; subdirectory strategy focuses on brand consistency and resource sharing, but requires more effort in SEO. When choosing a strategy, companies should make comprehensive considerations based on their own needs and market environment to achieve the best results.

If you have any questions about the construction and operation of foreign trade websites, welcome to contact Yiyingbao Technical Customer Service WeChat: Ieyingbao18661775736, and the staff will answer you wholeheartedly!