What is the issue with Webflow's new sitemap changes and how is it affecting the hreflangs definitions on the website?

Webflow's new sitemap changes and its impact on hreflangs definitions

Webflow recently introduced changes to its sitemap functionality, which has had an impact on the hreflang attribute used for indicating language and regional targeting on websites. This change affects the way hreflangs are defined and displayed across a website using Webflow's platform. Here's a breakdown of the issue and its implications:

1. Missing hreflang tags on the sitemap

• One of the main issues with Webflow's new sitemap changes is that it no longer includes hreflang tags within the sitemap XML file by default.
• The absence of these tags can impact search engines' ability to understand the language and regional targeting of your website's content.
• Without the hreflang tags, search engines may not be able to properly index and rank your website's pages for the intended language or region.

1. Hreflang definitions within individual page settings

• With the new changes, Webflow now suggests defining hreflangs within each individual page's settings.
• This means that instead of using a centralized method within the sitemap, you have to manually define hreflang tags for each page.
• This can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially for larger websites with multiple languages or regions.

1. Custom code or third-party plugins workaround

• Considering the limitations of Webflow's native sitemap and hreflang feature, some users may choose to implement custom code or rely on third-party plugins.
• This can require technical expertise and might not be an ideal solution for users who are not familiar with coding or reluctant to rely on external plugins.
• Additionally, using custom code or plugins can add complexity and potential maintenance issues.

1. Impact on SEO and international ranking

• The absence or incorrect implementation of hreflangs can have a negative impact on the SEO performance of your international or multilingual website.
• It can lead to incorrect language or region-specific search results, lower organic visibility, and reduced traffic from the targeted audience.
• Properly implemented hreflangs help search engines understand your content's language and regional targeting, maximizing your website's visibility and relevancy in the right markets.

To mitigate the issues caused by Webflow's new sitemap changes and its impact on hreflang definitions, Webflow users should consider the following recommendations:

• Manually add hreflang tags within individual page settings, ensuring accurate language and region specifications.
• Regularly test and validate hreflang implementations using SEO tools or Google Search Console to ensure proper indexing.
• Monitor and analyze your website's performance in different markets to identify any potential issues or opportunities for improvement.
• Stay updated with Webflow's announcements and documentation to stay informed about any future changes or enhancements to their sitemap and hreflang features.

Additional Questions:

1. How to add hreflang tags in Webflow?
2. Are there any Webflow plugins available for managing hreflang tags?
3. What are the best practices for implementing hreflang tags on a multilingual website in Webflow?