Geo Pulse #49 — ccTLD vs subfolder vs subdomain for multi-GEO sites

Geo Pulse #49 — ccTLD vs subfolder vs subdomain for multi-GEO sites
This week: the structural choice you can't easily undo later.

— ccTLD (example.de) → strongest local trust signal and clearest geo-targeting, but every domain starts authority from zero and they're a maintenance burden. Choose when you have budget per market and brands per market.
— Subfolder (example.com/de/) → consolidates authority on one domain, easiest to manage, best default for most. The catch: GSC geo-targeting per folder plus airtight hreflang is on you.
— Subdomain (de.example.com) → middle ground, but Google treats it closer to a separate site than folders do, so authority sharing is weaker. Rarely the best of either world.

Rule: subfolder unless a specific market needs its own brand, legal entity, or hosting — then ccTLD. Subdomain only when infra forces it.

Credit: the perennial ccTLD-vs-subfolder debate, with John Mueller's repeated 'subfolder is fine' nudges.