How To Apply International SEO To Your Multilingual Web Content

Do you want to prepare your website for international markets? Do you want to generate traffic to your website on come out on top in the search results in your target language? Then SEO localization is definitely something you need to incorporate in your expansion strategy. When you are optimizing for International SEO, you are making your multilingual website easy to detect by Google and other Search Engines in terms of language, country, and user intent.

The role of a Language Service Provider (LSP), becomes crucial in the process of obtaining and implementing the correct set of multilingual keywords with a keen eye on both linguistic and cultural integrity. Let us expand on the best practices when it comes to Keyword Localization, and how to best employ SEO localization to start gaining authority in your target market(s).?

The role of a Language Service Provider (LSP), becomes crucial in the process of obtaining and implementing the correct set of multilingual keywords with a keen eye on both linguistic and cultural integrity. Let us expand on the best practices when it comes to Keyword Localization, and how to best employ SEO localization to start gaining authority in your target market(s).?

Keyword Localization Best Practices

Choosing the right keywords is an essential part of SEO Localization. Let’s have a closer look at what that actually means, and which steps you need to take to apply effective Keyword Localization.

Create A Term-base

Start by extracting key terms from your source text that you wish to be localized. These should include:

• Specific product keywords and, if needed, comments that clarify their context and usage. Remember that context can be essential for linguists to determine which translation would work best.
• Keywords that are unique to the identity of your brand. Here, you can also provide some feedback on what you are looking to communicate specifically.
• Informational keywords you’d like to see localized that effectively describe the features of your products, services, and solutions. These often include specific adjectives or nouns.
• Transactional and navigational keywords that will guide your users in the purchasing process, if it is applicable. It is important to create an authentic buyer experience by developing the an appropriate terminology database. Especially since the majority of internet users feel more comfortable purchasing products in their own language, you don’t want to lose credibility by using poorly translated keywords for these crucial buyer actions.

With SEO Translation, Commit To Human Translation Exclusively

It might be tempting to just run the keywords through a Machine Engine, but note that the generic translation produced by these engines, is rarely the optimal one to use. While Machine Translation has its place within a well developed content strategy, it should be avoided when performing SEO Localization. The benefits of working with highly trained linguists include:

• The best linguists are native, in-country professionals. They understand your audience and will select the keywords that are most familiar and most appropriate to the local market. This means that they will never settle for a generic translation, but rather apply one that suits the country and region.
• Experienced linguists can take both language and culture into account. For example, if you need to translate the word “car†in Spanish, “coche†is often used in Spain while in Argentina, this word can also refer to a baby stroller, and the word “auto†might be more appropriate.
• A skilled linguist, especially one employed by an LSP, knows how to effectively utilize a Language (CAT) Tool. This allows for glossaries and a Translation Memory (TM) to streamline the process for this and any future projects, and also adds a level of Quality Assurance.

Perform Reliable Keyword Testing

Make sure your keywords are accurate to (local) search engines. Test the keywords’ difficulty score and, if it first your strategy and content goals, consider using the low-frequency long-tail keyword, or so-called “low hanging fruitâ€, that will shape your authority even on more specific topics in your niche.

But remember, the quality and success of your keywords don’t only depend on how you measure up to your competition. They should follow the internal logic of the corresponding pages on your website and always strive for quality and relevance.

Pro Tip! One of the most useful and reliable tools to use during the keyword translation and localization process is Google Trends. You can use it to see how your localized keywords are performing against the user queries and searches, ensuring that you are choosing the translation that is accurate and also has high user search volume.

SEO Localization And Content Strategy

So, you have your localized keywords. What now? Proceed by committing to the SEO Best Practices that also define your source language optimization. What is really different here, is the fact that your content, not just your keywords, will need to be geared towards your new audience. Remember, an effective International SEO Strategy requires you to utilize the SEO Blueprint in a way that is invisible to readers.

The same is true when it comes to the rest of your content. Localization is all about allowing your reader to experience the content as if it was only ever written for them. Insert expressions and sayings they are familiar with. Think about which colors, photos, or even structure would appeal.

Pro Tip! While localizing your content is all about tweaking the source content to fit your target audience, Transcreation is a service that goes further than that, and creates content that will engage with them in a highly original and altogether more emotional way. Learn More About The Value And Application Of Transcreation.

Keep Other Search Engines In Mind In Your SEO Localization Strategy

Google may be the powerhouse of Search Engines, but it is not the only one out there.1 Note that for example in China, one of the fastest-growing markets, Baidu is the dominant engine.

But, you shouldn’t only think country-specific. If you are a Mobile App Developer looking to localize your content, SEO Localization is just as important for you. App Stores are a specific kind of Search Engines themselves and ranking in those, will vastly increase your download potential.