How to optimize WordPress site for international SEO?

@laverna_hirthe 

Optimizing a WordPress site for international SEO involves several steps. Here are some key strategies to follow:

1. Choose a Multilingual Plugin: Install a reliable multilingual plugin (such as WPML or Polylang) to enable you to create language versions of your website.
2. Use hreflang Tags: Implement hreflang tags in the head section of your website's HTML code. These tags inform search engines about the language and regional targeting of your content.
3. Translate Content: Translate your website's content into the languages you are targeting. Use professional translators or translation services to ensure accurate and culturally appropriate translations.
4. Create Separate Language-Specific Pages: Ensure each language version of your website has its own dedicated pages. This will help search engines to understand the language and regional relevance of the content.
5. Use Country-Specific Top-Level Domains (TLDs): Consider using country-specific top-level domains (e.g., ".de" for Germany or ".co.uk" for the United Kingdom) to target specific countries. This can help improve your site's visibility in local search results.
6. Optimize URL Structure: Ensure that your URLs reflect the language and country targeting. For example, use "example.com/en" for English content and "example.com/de" for German content.
7. Implement Hreflang Sitemaps: Generate and submit hreflang sitemaps to search engines. These sitemaps provide a comprehensive list of language versions and help search engines understand your multilingual website structure.
8. Provide Language Switcher: Include a prominently visible language switcher on your website to allow users to switch between different language versions easily.
9. Localize Metadata: Optimize meta titles and descriptions, headings, image alt tags, and other meta data for each language version. Ensure keywords and local search terms are appropriately integrated.
10. Localize Content and Keywords: Research relevant keywords and phrases specific to each country or language you are targeting. Use them in your content naturally to enhance your website's visibility in local search results.
11. Promote Globally: Develop international backlinks by promoting your content in relevant international forums, social media groups, and directories. This can help improve your website's international SEO visibility.

Remember, international SEO is an ongoing process. Regularly monitor your website's performance, make necessary adjustments, and adapt your strategy to cater to changing international markets and search engine algorithms.