Should I make second language site as a subdomain or separate?

[bigvibes]

I want to build a French site that will be a different WP installation from my first site, which is in English. What is best, to create a separate domain for it or build it onto the first site as a subdirectory or subdomain?
Is there any real difference when it comes to how it's viewed by search engines? Is there any benefits or problems with doing it one way or another?

[not2easy]

Google offers information about the various ways to implement international language variations to a site, I do not know how they might handle different, but identical domains. You can read more about their recommendations here: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/specialty/international/localized-versions

[phranque]

if you ever plan to host the second site locally to where the second language is spoken, you will have to use a different hostname (i.e., a subdomain or a separate domain)

[bigvibes]

Thanks for the info, I'll check it out.

[bigvibes]

But why though would I need a different hostname like a subdomain or separate domain? I see many sites that have their additional languages in subdirectories?

[not2easy]

I don't think that the suggestion was to use a different hostname/domain - unless - you might plan to host the second language site locally to where the second language is spoken.

if you ever plan to host the second site locally to where the second language is spoken

[phranque]

I see many sites that have their additional languages in subdirectories?

it is possible to structure your site this way but all the subdirectories must be served from the same server (IP address)

[JennyWilson]

All three options- separate domain, subdomain, or subdirectory- can work, though each has its pros and cons.

> Separate domain (example.fr): Best for branding and local SEO in France, but requires separate SEO efforts.
> Subdomain (fr.example.com): Treats it as a separate site from search engines; therefore, more work will have to be done.
> Subdirectory (example.com/fr/): It's not easy as the authority of the main site will work for this, making SEO easier.
If most of your audience is in France, then a .fr domain will help. If it's just language and not meaning, generally subdirectory is better for SEO. I hope this helps!