Quick Reference
Element Code: HR-001
Issue: Hreflang annotations don't have matching return tags on target pages
Impact: Search engines may ignore hreflang without confirmation
Fix: Add reciprocal hreflang tags on all related language versions
Detection: Screaming Frog, Sitebulb, hreflang checker tools
What Is This Issue?
Hreflang requires bidirectional confirmation. If Page A says it has an alternate in French at Page B, Page B must confirm by pointing back to Page A. Without this reciprocal relationship, search engines may ignore the hreflang entirely.
Why This Matters
Hreflang without return tags is like sending a friend request that's never accepted. Google needs both pages to agree they're related before it trusts the relationship.
Correct Implementation
On English Page (example.com/en/):
On French Page (example.com/fr/):
Both pages must have the same set of hreflang tags, including self-referencing ones.
TL;DR (The Simple Version)
Your hreflang tags point to other language versions, but those pages don't point back. Both pages need to confirm the relationship. Add matching hreflang tags on all language versions of a page.
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