Is it bad for international SEO to redirect CcTLDs and install Google website translator plugin to the primary domain (UK)?

[Tom_Rocks_Off]

We've bought lots of country extensions, e.g. .es, .fr, .in, .me, etc. Rather than employing translators, will it be acceptable for SEO to install the google translate plugin to the site, and 301 redirect the country extensions to the .com address?

[robmarsden]

Hi

From an SEO perspective there are no risks in taking this approach, but you will be limiting your overall visibility in local markets because Googlebot will only see the English version of your content. It will not see any of the translated versions at all and therefore you will struggle to rank in your local markets such as Spain, France, India etc.

In order to take full advantage of available local search volume you'll need to set up separate URLs with fully translated content (do not use Google Translate!) for your target markets.

But in the meantime, no it's not bad for SEO (in so far as there are no risks), but it is not beneficial.

Hope this helps and good luck!