As businesses continue to expand globally via the Internet, many companies and websites are now operating multilingual websites in order to reach users around the world. However, it is important not only to support multiple languages, but also to ensure that the website appears at the top of search engine results.
This is where international SEO comes in. In this article, we will explain the basics of international SEO and the key points necessary for creating a multilingual website. Companies and website operators aiming to expand globally are encouraged to refer to this article.
What is International SEO?
International SEO refers to search engine optimization (SEO) from an international perspective. By having your website searched by search engines around the world and optimized for each language and region, you can achieve a global marketing strategy.
International SEO includes choosing keywords for the languages and regions used by search engines, setting language tags, optimizing URL structure, creating local sitemaps, and obtaining external links. These tasks play an important role in expanding a website’s international horizons and achieving higher search engine rankings.
Sites Suitable for International SEO
International SEO is suited for sites with an international perspective, such as companies and brands targeting global markets, multilingual sites, and companies with an international presence. Specifically, the following types of sites fall into this category
Sites that want to do business around the world
International SEO is an essential element for companies seeking to expand globally. By promoting your company’s products and services to users overseas, you can expand your global business opportunities.
Websites whose access comes from all over the world
Websites that are accessed from all over the world require multilingual support and region-specific SEO. For example, information sites on tourist attractions and overseas travel sites are often accessed across national borders, so implementing international SEO is effective.
Sites whose target audience uses other languages
International SEO is essential for sites whose target audience speaks multiple languages. For example, online language learning sites and job information sites for foreigners must be multilingual.
Key Points for International SEO
The following points should be kept in mind when implementing international SEO. By checking each point, you can develop a more solid strategy.
Keyword research in various languages
Keyword research is an essential part of SEO. Basic SEO strategies are also essential in international SEO. Specifically, these include setting appropriate title tags and meta descriptions, proper page structure, and internal linking. By implementing these basic SEO strategies, you can provide a superior user experience for search engines.
Create Regional and Language-Specific Content
One of the most important aspects of international SEO is the creation of regionally and linguistically relevant content. For example, if you are creating content for English-speaking users, you need to use expressions and keywords that are common in English-speaking countries. If you are creating content for native Japanese speakers, you will need to use appropriate honorifics and Japanese expressions.
Submitting Your Site to Search Engines
When conducting international SEO, it is necessary to submit your site to search engines. For example, you can use Google Search Console to submit a sitemap for each language version. This allows search engines to properly crawl each language version of the page.
Optimize Site Structure
Optimizing site structure is also an important part of international SEO. For example, placing each language page in its own language subfolder will ensure that each language page is indexed correctly. In addition, creating language-specific menus and sitemaps will ensure that users can easily access the information they need.
International SEO will help you achieve effective global expansion!
International SEO is an essential measure for companies and sites that are expanding globally. By supporting multiple languages, you can reach users from various countries and regions, thereby expanding your business opportunities.
However, it requires more than just translation; it also requires appropriate keyword research, content creation, and page structure optimization for each language and region. It is also important to understand the culture and customs of each region and language.
Hiring an agency that specializes in international SEO is one option, but you can also work on your own. However, operating a multilingual site takes time and effort, so it is important to have a well-defined plan and operational structure in place. By developing a solid strategy and implementing it, you can achieve effective global expansion through international SEO.
