What is international SEO?
International SEO is the web optimization strategy designed to position a site in the major search engines globally. Its focus goes beyond local borders, targeting audiences in different countries and cultures. The goal is to improve visibility in search results, ensuring that the site appears to users in various regions and languages.
INTERNATIONAL SEO POSITIONING
Who needs an international SEO strategy and when to apply it?
An international SEO strategy is essential for any company wishing to expand its reach beyond local borders. It is especially relevant for:
Companies with Global Audience
If your company offers products or services that may be relevant to a global audience, international SEO is essential to capture the attention of potential customers in different countries.
Negocios en Crecimiento
When you are in an expansion or growth stage, it is the right time to consider an international SEO strategy. Establishing your presence in foreign markets early on will give you a significant advantage.
Companies with presence in various countries
If you already have a physical or digital presence in several countries, it is crucial to optimize your online presence for each specific location.
Companies with Multilingual Sites
If your website is available in several languages, it is essential to optimize it for each of them to maximize its visibility in searches in those languages.
E-Commerce Platforms
For online stores wishing to sell internationally, an international SEO strategy is essential to attract qualified traffic and increase sales in different countries.
What to consider in the structure for international SEO?
When it comes to setting up a structure for international SEO, it is essential to take into account several key aspects to ensure effective optimization for global audiences. Here’s what you should consider:
Multilingual Keyword Research
Perform a thorough keyword analysis in each language and country you are targeting. Identify the most relevant keywords and use specialized tools to understand linguistic and search variations in different regions.
Cultural and Linguistic Adaptation
Adjust your content according to the culture and language of each audience. This involves not only translating, but also understanding cultural nuances that may affect the perception and reception of the content.
International URL Structure
Use a URL structure that clearly reflects the geolocation and language of each page. For example, by subdirectories “/es/” for Spanish or “/fr/” for French. This makes it easier for search engines to understand and display the correct page to users in each region.
hreflang tags
Properly implement hreflang tags to tell search engines which version of the page to display based on the user’s location and language. This avoids duplicate content and improves relevance for each market.
Content Optimization
Adjust the content of your site to the particularities of each market. Adapt currency, units of measurement, timetables, and any other relevant details for each region. Also, localize metatags and descriptions.
Easy Navigation
Design an easy and clear navigation structure for international users. Make sure they can easily find content specific to their region and language without confusion.
Mobile User Experience
Prioritize the mobile experience. With a significant number of international users accessing through mobile devices, mobile adaptability is critical for international SEO.
Geolocation and Geo-Targeting
Use geolocation and geo-targeting tools to direct visitors to the appropriate version of your website based on their geographic location.
Analysis and Continuous Improvement
Monitor your site’s performance in different regions and adjust your strategy according to data and trends. Continuous improvement is key to maintaining effectiveness in International SEO.