READ Me First – Quick Start

HREFLang Builder has many features that can make setting up your first project seem like a challenge. The following are the items that you must consider and the minimum initial settings. You can skip any item on the setup screen that is not on this list since it is set to the default option. Once set up, you can return to the system and configure any other settings necessary for your unique situation.  

Step 1 – Create a Country Language Matrix

Before logging into Hreflang Builder, we suggest you develop a Country Language Matrix to organize your websites and decide on your language and regional (country/market) targets. This information will be beneficial when for later steps. Start by downloading the sample Country Language Matrix template and reviewing each field’s suggestions. The country/language matrix will help organize most of the elements we need to set up the project.

Step 2 – Project name

Please add a descriptive name for your project. This is typically the company’s name or the site’s domain. If you have multiple projects, name them logically so you know which is in your project list.

Step 3 – What Country and Languages do your sites represent?

One essential function of Hreflang Builder is understanding your different sites’ URLs and domain structures. You will select the format matching most of your website’s domain variations during setup. If you have multiple domain variations, that is OK; it just means that you may need to manually set the country or language or need us to adjust the configuration for your needs.

Multiple domain variations may require a custom-developed filter to help segment them. The country/language matrix makes these patterns easy to identify. If you have numerous variations, please submit a help ticket, and we can write the custom regex filter for you.

Step 4 – Where will you put the XML sitemap files?

Consider where you will store the XML index and country XML site maps. Typically, the root domain is the typical location. If you are unsure or want to have it in multiple locations, add the main domain, and you can adjust later. We use this location to create an XML sitemap index file that lists the location for each country XML site map. If you are unsure, just add your main domain, and you can change it later.

Step 5 – How do you want your hreflang XML Sitemaps Delivered?

This option tells us how you wish to receive your completed XML site map files. You can have them emailed as an attachment, link, or uploaded to a storage destination of your choice. This guide reviews the different delivery options.

Step 6 – URL Import Sources

One of the items on the Country/Language Matrix is a placeholder to add the source files for each website. After the initial settings, the system will ask for your source files to be imported into Hreflang Builder. We can import URLs from multiple sources, the most common being existing CMS-generated XML sitemaps or APIs from one of the SEO diagnostic tools. Feel free to review our guide on defining your URL sources for more information.

Step 7 – Create your Project!

Once you have these answers, you will be ready to create your project by going to Hreflang Builder and logging in a going through the setup process. If you have questions on any of these items please complete a help ticket, and we can help you resolve it.

Step 8 – Create a Manual Mapping Matrix (If Needed)

If you have consistently named URLs, Hreflang Builder can identify and map the alternate URLs. If your URL names vary or are localized, you will need to use one of the dynamic mapping rules or, worst case, create a manual mapping matrix. Feel free to review our guide on alternate mapping methods and creating a manual mapping matrix for more information.