How to Optimize Your Website for Multilingual SEO in 2025

Ranking high on Google and Baidu is a dream for many businesses. But achieving this requires more than just basic SEO. With multilingual SEO, you can optimize your website for both search engines, targeting audiences in the USA and China.

In this blog, we’ll explore actionable strategies to help you rank higher on Baidu and Google. From keyword research to technical optimization, we’ll cover everything you need to succeed. Let’s dive in!

Why Multilingual SEO is Key for Baidu and Google

Google and Baidu dominate their respective markets. Google controls over 90% of search traffic in the USA, while Baidu holds a similar share in China. However, their algorithms and user behaviors differ significantly.

Key Differences:

Language: Google caters to English speakers, while Baidu focuses on Mandarin.
User Behavior: Google users prefer detailed content, while Baidu users prioritize speed and simplicity.
Technical Requirements: Baidu favors mobile-friendly, fast-loading websites, while Google emphasizes backlinks and user experience.

Multilingual SEO bridges these gaps, helping you rank high on both platforms.

Step 1: Conduct Market-Specific Keyword Research

Keyword research is the foundation of multilingual SEO. Here’s how to do it for Baidu and Google:

Google: Focus on English Keywords

Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to find high-traffic keywords.
Analyze search intent. For example, “best smartphones” might be a popular query.
Incorporate long-tail keywords like “best budget smartphones 2024.”

Baidu: Focus on Mandarin Keywords

Use Baidu Keyword Tool to identify Mandarin keywords.
Understand local search behavior. For example, “最佳智能手机” (best smartphones) might be a top query.
Avoid direct translations. Instead, use culturally relevant phrases.

Pro Tip: Use tools like SEMrush to compare keyword trends across both markets.

Step 2: Optimize Your Website Structure

Your website structure plays a huge role in multilingual SEO. Here’s how to get it right:

Use Hreflang Tags

Hreflang tags tell search engines which language and region your content is targeting. For example:

html

Copy

Run HTML

This ensures users see the correct language version of your site.

Create Separate URLs

Use separate URLs for each language version, like:

example.com/us/ for the USA
example.com/cn/ for China

This makes it easier for search engines to index and rank your pages.

Implement XML Sitemaps

Submit separate XML sitemaps for each language version to Google Search Console and Baidu Webmaster Tools. This helps search engines crawl and index your site more efficiently.

Step 3: Localize Your Content

Localization goes beyond translation. It’s about adapting your content to resonate with local audiences.

Google: Focus on Quality and Depth

Create detailed, informative content that answers user queries.
Use culturally relevant examples, like referencing Thanksgiving or Black Friday.
Optimize for readability with short sentences and bullet points.

Baidu: Focus on Speed and Simplicity

Use concise, visually appealing content.
Incorporate local festivals like Lunar New Year or Double 11 Shopping Festival.
Optimize for mobile, as most Chinese users browse on smartphones.

Pro Tip: Hire professional translators who understand SEO to ensure your content is both accurate and optimized.

Step 4: Optimize for Mobile

Mobile optimization is crucial for both Baidu and Google.

Google: Responsive Design

Ensure your website adapts to different screen sizes.
Use large, easy-to-click buttons.
Avoid intrusive pop-ups.

Baidu: Mobile-First Approach

Optimize for fast loading speeds. Baidu prioritizes websites that load quickly.
Use AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) to improve performance.
Test your website on popular Chinese browsers like QQ and UC Browser.

Step 5: Build Local Backlinks

Backlinks are a key ranking factor for SEO. For multilingual SEO, you need region-specific backlinks.

Google: Focus on Authority Sites

Earn backlinks from reputable .edu and .gov sites.
Partner with industry blogs and influencers.
Use tools like Ahrefs to track your backlink profile.

Baidu: Leverage Local Platforms

Partner with Chinese websites, forums, and social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat.
Submit your website to Chinese directories like Hao123.
Use Baidu Webmaster Tools to monitor your backlink profile.

Step 6: Monitor and Adjust

SEO is an ongoing process. Use analytics tools to track your performance:

Google Analytics for English-speaking regions.
Baidu Analytics for China.

Regularly review your rankings, traffic, and conversions. Adjust your strategy based on what’s working and what’s not.

Common Multilingual SEO Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Local Search Engines: Don’t focus solely on Google. Baidu is equally important for China.
Poor Translation: Avoid using automated translation tools. Hire professional translators who understand SEO.
Duplicate Content: Ensure each language version has unique content to avoid penalties.
Neglecting Technical SEO: Hreflang tags, XML sitemaps, and structured data are essential.

Tools for Multilingual SEO

Here are some tools to streamline your efforts:

Google Keyword Planner: For English keyword research.
Baidu Keyword Tool: For Chinese keyword research.
SEMrush: For competitive analysis.
DeepL: For accurate translations.
Baidu Webmaster Tools: For monitoring performance in China.

Conclusion

Ranking high on Baidu and Google with multilingual SEO is no small feat, but it’s achievable with the right strategies. By conducting market-specific keyword research, optimizing your website structure, and localizing your content, you can create a strategy that resonates with both audiences.

Remember, multilingual SEO is a long-term investment. Stay consistent, monitor your progress, and adapt as needed. With the right approach, your website can rank high on both Baidu and Google, driving traffic and conversions like never before. You can contact us for a Rank Higher in Baidu and Google with Multilingual SEO plan; we will handle everything for you.