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 are the minimum initial settings.  Any item on the setup screen not on this list you can skip since it is set to the default option.  Once set up, you can go back into the system and configure any other settings necessary for your unique situation.  

Step 1 – Project name

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

Step 2 – What Country and Languages do your sites represent?

One of the key functions of Hreflang Builder is to understand the URL and domain structures of your different sites. During the setup process, you will select, from the list of common variations, the format that matches the majority of the URLs for each country. 

We suggest you develop a Country Language Matrix to capture this information when answering this question. Start by downloading the sample Country Language Matrix template and review the suggestions for each field. The country/language matrix will help organize most of the elements we need to set up the project.

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

Step 3 – Where will you put the XML sitemap files?

Think about where you will store the XML index site map and the country XML site maps. Normally the root domain is the typical location. If you are unsure or want to have it in multiple locations just 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 of the individual country XML site maps. If you are not sure just add your main domain and you can change it later.

Step 4 – 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 have the option to have them emailed as an attachment or as a link as well as upload them to a storage destination of your choice. You can review the different delivery options in this guide.

Step 5 – 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 import into Hreflang Builder. We can import URLs from multiple sources with the most common being existing CMS-generated XML sitemaps or via API to one of the SEO Diagnostic tools. Feel free to review our guide on URL Source options for more information.

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.