SEO fall & WPML: My case study
We often think that adding a language to our site is a mere technical formality. For Julie Web Concept, the arrival of the English version with WPML caused an unexpected earthquake: my home page went from the 1st to the 5th page of Google in just a few days.
Unexpected confusion for the Google algorithm
Analyzing my data, I quickly realized: Google was dizzy. When it discovered my new English pages and my “Agence” page, it created what’s known as SEO cannibalization. It no longer knew which page was the most relevant for the keyword “Création site internet Annecy”. As a result, he put my main page “in the corner” while he worked out the new structure.
My action plan to correct the situation
To regain my position, I activated three immediate levers:
Surgical clarification: I’ve rewritten my SEO tags to clearly differentiate my service (Creation) from my entity (Agency). Each page now has its own mission.
Internal link optimization: I’ve strengthened the logical links between my pages to guide Google’s robots to my home page.
Local targeting reaffirmed: I’ve specified my preferred areas: Annecy, Haute-Savoie (74) and Geneva.
Things to remember
SEO is not a fixed science, it’s a constant adaptation. Adding language is like redecorating a house: you have to make sure that guests (and Google!) always find their way around. I’ll keep you posted on the results of these adjustments in the coming days!
Need a multilingual site without losing your SEO?