What is international SEO and how to start.?

The world is getting smaller and smaller. More and more businesses and brands are realizing the importance of building a global audience and the benefits that can come from doing business across borders. The rise of e-commerce has made cross-border shopping possible for many, and the benefits that online shopping brings to both buyer and seller are recognized and used as a selling point in almost every industry.

If you’re looking to expand your business to another country, but don’t know where to start, this article will tell you everything you need to know to optimize your international SEO .

What is SEO and why International SEO?

Search Engine Optimization ( SEO) is a process that can be used to improve a website’s technical setup, content relevance, and link popularity. This makes it easier for users to find the website when they search, and improve the ranking of the website in search engine results pages.

The trend of global consumers to turn to buying goods and services online is undeniable. According to the Future of Retail Summit, in 2022 more than 80% of total online sales will take place outside of the consumer’s country of residence. For example, the top ten e-commerce sites in Brazil are owned by international companies.

Running an international business can offer several benefits. First, you can access a larger market, such as the Brazilian SEO market . According to the Global Transient Escapades survey, 66% of CEOs say they will expand internationally to access new markets. Similarly, 49% of global CEOs say their company will increase international revenue by 2025.

Beyond market size, running an international business offers the flexibility to conduct business anytime, anywhere. According to a survey by DME International, 18% of business leaders plan to use this flexibility to do more of their business offline, while 13% will use it to expand their reach globally.

Building an international brand is another benefit of establishing an office outside of your home market. By the 2020s, over 75% of consumers will have a good understanding of your brand and what it stands for, thanks to digital marketing.

Using digital media to promote and connect with customers around the world has become commonplace. According to a study conducted by HubSpot Blogs, 50% of customers have used search engines to learn about a brand or product.

This trend is making digital marketing a global game, influencing consumer choices around the world. With such a large proportion of the population online and many businesses looking to expand overseas, now is the perfect time to establish yourself and your business in the international marketplace.

The key aspects of an international SEO strategy

When it comes to international SEO, many companies implement the same general strategies they use in their domestic search rankings. However, due to differences in language, culture, and regulations, there are some important things to keep in mind.

Focus on building an international brand identity

According to the Future of Retail Summit, many consumers expect to see a brand’s local identity reflected online, even if the website is international. It is therefore essential to establish your brand personality in each market you enter, starting with your national market.

How you market your brand and communicate your purpose and values ​​to consumers will greatly influence how others perceive you, no matter where you are. In markets where your product or service is less well known, you may need to do some research and explain to potential customers what your brand stands for.

The local language is important

The local language can be a great way to connect with the local community and gain their trust, but it’s also important to translate your website into other languages ​​and include a multilingual SEO strategy.