Are you seeing success in your local market? If the answer is yes, you may want to expand your brand into global markets. You will need to spend time and effort on search engine optimization (SEO) to launch your business successfully. How do you go about it? Learn more about multilingual SEO. It will increase your visibility and organic reach abroad. This article will discuss multilingual SEO and how you can get the most out of it.
What is multilingual SEO?
Multilingual SEO is something you know. But what exactly is it? Multilingual SEO refers to optimizing website content for ranking in multiple languages and places. It would be great to translate your content into French if you plan to market your products or services in France. Even though English is the most widely used language globally, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to market your company to non-English speakers.
What are the problems with separate websites for translations? And how can multilingual SEO help you? Duplicate content is a problem on many multilingual websites. Google will detect duplicate content and lower the page’s ranking. It can be avoided by creating a solid SEO strategy that avoids duplicate content.
You will also need to do keyword research in a specific language or for a particular continent. Many people believe that simply translating the website is sufficient. Direct translations of phrases and words may have a different meaning depending on the culture. It is essential to translate your content for international users. It can be used to promote websites and also include SEO, PPC, and social media.
These are just a few of the problems that a multilingual SEO can help solve for your global company.
Why should a small business use multiregional search engine optimization?
Many small business owners believe that multiregional SEO is too late. There is no such thing as “too soon” for expanding your brand into new markets. It is easier than ever to connect with customers via your website, mainly if your website can be adequately localized.
Here are some benefits of multiregional SEO for small businesses:
- International expansion is possible. You can also partner with other businesses.
- It is possible to discover a customer base that isn’t being served in countries other than yours.
- Targeting other countries and regions can help increase website traffic.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with customers who are not in your target area.
What makes it different from a regional and region-specific SEO?
It’s easy to confuse multilingual SEO and multiregional. Both are targeting different audiences and locations. How are they different? It is where the key lies in the use of languages. Multiregional does NOT necessarily require multilingual translations. It focuses instead on the localization and adaptation of your website to different geographical regions.
If you have a website with a US base and want to expand your market to the UK and other English-speaking countries, then you don’t have to translate the content. To target a different area, you need to localize the content and use multiregional SEO techniques. If you own a website based in the United States and wish to target Spanish-speaking users, you will need to translate your content. Multilingual SEO is used to promote Spanish-speaking websites.
Small businesses can use region-specific SEO to target a specific geographic area. Localizing your content to the language and prioritizing trends specific to a region will help you earn more points with locals. You can search for keywords that are commonly used in that area when you market in Spain. Instead of generalizing your article, you can use the names and addresses of public figures.
Even though the meanings may differ, it is crucial to use them when your business targets international customers. According to the 2019 Web Globalization Report Card, there are 33 languages global websites use to reach their international goals.
What can a multilingual campaign do to promote websites?
Multilingual SEO is, as you probably know by now. The translation is critical. Localization is the first step. The next step is promotion. Promoting websites will increase traffic to your site and make you more visible in search engines. Your visitors will be able to easily navigate your website and see the products or services you offer. How is this possible with a multilingual SEO?
1. Make a plan to implement your SEO strategy
Planning is the first step to promoting your website using a multilingual strategy. You can easily get lost on your journey, so it is essential to plan your strategies. Start by analyzing your website to identify the areas where your visitors are coming from. It will allow you to identify the languages you should prioritize for your website.
Further market research can help you identify your target audience. Start by creating buyer personas. Next, look at the current and potential customers of your competitors. It is essential to analyze the traits, trends and cultures of your competitors. It will help you identify the right approach, imagery, and language for them.
2. Use specific URLs
Duplication of content is a common problem for multilingual websites. Google may not distinguish the original content from duplicates on your page, which could cause problems in ranking. It can also confuse your target audiences, as they may be directed to pages dedicated to another language.
It is essential to have unique URLs marked with language indicators to distinguish your pages from each other.
For example, instead of just saying “www.dedicated-url.com,” you can use “www.dedicated-url-fr.com” for your French page.
It will allow the search engine to recognize the language used by a page.
You can customize the HREF Lang attributes you see in the HTTP header or sitemap. It will allow Google to determine which language and whereabouts you are targeting with your pages. This applies even if you’re targeting a different language user. It can be more complex and requires professional coding skills than dedicated URLs.
3. Translate your metadata
Do not forget to include your meta-data if you plan to translate or localize your website content. It includes localizing title tags, descriptions and keywords. These are the search engines that crawl data and show it to users. It is essential to rank for the exact location you are targeting. Do not just translate your data. Use the right keywords that have high searches and are less competitive in a specific location.
4. Partner with translation agencies
Partnering with a translation agency specializing in this area will ensure that your content and metadata are translate accurately. You can also get technical assistance from them for multilingual SEO.
It can seem not very easy to think about multilingual SEO and localizing your website. It will pay off in the long term, as it increases traffic and conversions and improves your company’s brand.
Disclaimer. The opinions and views expressed in this article are the authors Judge Napolitano.