International SEO: the key to expanding business in global markets

Expanding into foreign markets through a strategy of International SEO represents a crucial opportunity for any company wishing to increase its revenue. In the current environment, the digital world has become a central element, with the digital export which is also affecting how a new supply chain, which is becoming increasingly advanced as it is integrated with the latest technologies. 

However, the presence of numerous competitors makes it essential not only to have a multilingual website, but also to optimize it to be easily found by an international audience. This implies effective interaction with search engines. In Italy, for example, the’87.84% of traffic of search comes from Google, highlighting the dominance of this engine, similar to its prevalence in many other countries. 

 Therefore, search engine optimization on a global scale has become indispensable, constituting an essential tool for overcoming these challenges and reaching new customers, expanding business beyond national borders. 

Optimization International SEO: the key to conquering global markets 

International search engine optimization (SEO) consists of a set of techniques designed to optimize the positioning of a website in search engines (Google first and foremost) for different countries and languages.  

 It is no longer just a matter of translating content, but of adapting the entire site to the needs, habits and search behaviors of one or more foreign markets, to reach the target desired. 

Factors such as location, cultural differences and the use of local domains are crucial to search engine rankings in each region. In today's globalized environment, where more and more people make online purchases from different countries, a strategy International SEO well-defined has become essential.  

 In fact, according to a study by BrightEdge, the 68% of online experiences begins with a search engine query. If the platform does not appear among the first results, a wide margin is left for competitors, and this can Compromise the export strategy decisively. 

The challenges of international expansion without optimized SEO 

È important to examine in detail the issues that may hinder overseas expansion without proper SEO optimization for international markets: 

• Low visibility in foreign search results: If a website fails to rank highly on Google and other search engines in target countries, potential customers end up finding competitors instead of the company. This significantly reduces the chances of intercepting international audiences and consolidating one's presence in foreign markets.  

• Stagnant traffic: lack of optimization can lead to stagnant web traffic, drastically reducing the chances of attracting new customers interested in the products or services offered. Without increased traffic, opportunities for growth and business expansion remain limited. 

• Difficulty in building trust: a company that fails to establish a strong and visible presence in international markets may find it difficult to build trust with foreign audiences. The perception of trustworthiness and authority is an indispensable aspect To win new customers and retain them. 

• Loss of customers to local competitors: in the absence of an effective SEO strategy, customers may prefer local companies offering similar solutions e that are more easily accessed through online searches. This results in a loss of potential customers to competitors who have greater visibility. 

How International SEO can make a difference 

Implementing an SEO strategy targeting foreign markets can bring significant benefits to a company by effectively aligning with the market research. As stated. Roberto Serra, SEO expert: “The Internet has democratized access to global markets.” The Web is not just a sales channel, but an ecosystem rich in opportunities to build brand awareness and interact with customers from different cultures. However, country-specific approaches are critical.  

Let's examine the main benefits this strategy can offer: 

Increased web traffic 

Proper SEO optimization allows you to intercept more searches from potential international customers. The more users find the site through relevant keywords, the greater the number of qualified visits. 

Reaching the right audience at the right time 

By analyzing keywords specific to each market and country, you can make your site appear in search results precisely when customers are looking for similar products or services. Relying on a’agency experienced in keyword research, and in writing appropriate content to consistently highlight them, can be instrumental in optimizing the offer and increasing conversions. 

Improved user experience 

A site optimized for the International SEO not only attracts more visitors, but also offers a’improved user experience. Localized content and intuitive navigation increase customer satisfaction and the likelihood of foreign market penetration. 

Generation of qualified leads 

Create localized and specific content, such as landing pages with well-structured calls to action, allows visits to be converted into useful contacts, generating new leads and business opportunities that are sustained over time. 

Improving brand awareness 

Ranking among the top search results not only increases the visibility of the site, but also helps to strengthen the brand image. A site that appears frequently among the top results conveys reliability and professionalism, improving consumer perceptions, both at home and abroad, where local credibility or word of mouth cannot be relied upon. 

Measurable and long-term results 

One of the main benefits of SEO is the ability to achieve measurable results. Through analytical tools, you can regularly monitor the performance of your strategies and make the necessary adjustments to improve positioning over time. SEO requires consistency, but the benefits can last for a long time, unlike paid advertising campaigns, which provide visibility only for the duration of the campaign itself, and do not always achieve the desired results. 

Effective strategies for implementing a International SEO 

After understanding the benefits of the International SEO, it is essential to explore some essential practices to implement an effective strategy: 

Local keyword search 

Not all countries use the same search engine, and more importantly, not all search in English. According to a study by Statista, Google dominates the global market with a higher share than 90%, but there are exceptions, such as in Russia, where Yandex is the leader. Adapting the strategy to local search habits is therefore crucial. 

Content localization 

It is not enough, as we said, to translate the texts of the site to consider it properly optimized on the SEO side on a global scale. It is therefore necessary to Adapt content to cultural specificities of each target country. This includes the choice of images, cultural references and even adjustments to the tone of voice used in the content. 

Optimization for mobile devices 

Making sure your site is optimized for mobile devices is critical, as an increasing number of users are accessing online content via smartphones and tablets. A mobile-friendly site improves the user experience and consequently also the positioning  

Implementation of structured data 

Use structured data, which are a standardized format for organizing information on a web page, helps search engines better understand the content of the site, thereby improving visibility in search results. This can include items such as reviews, events, product sheets, and other information relevant to the target audience. 

Using optimized domains and URLs 

Another important aspect concerns the structure of the site. To improve ranking in foreign search engines, you might consider The use of specific top-level domains for each country (.fr for France, .de for Germany, etc.) or specific subdomains (e.g. fr.tuodomain.com). This technique helps Google understand what audience the site is intended for, and direct it accordingly. 

International link building 

Building a network of quality links from influential sites in target markets is essential to improve the site's authority and its search engine ranking. Collaborating with local partners and getting mentions on influential sites can strengthen online presence. 

Continuous monitoring and optimization 

SEO is not a one-time strategy. It requires constant monitoring and periodic updates based on changes in the market and search engine algorithm. Measuring performance, using Google Analytics or similar tools, allows for ongoing strategy refinement. 

Competitor analysis 

Study the national and international competition can provide valuable information on how to improve their SEO strategy. Analyzing their keywords, content, and link building strategies helps identify opportunities and areas for improvement. 

Optimization for international research as a competitive advantage 

An international SEO strategy should be considered a key element for business success. If the goal is to expand business abroad, SEO aimed at the foreign market is no longer an option, but is now a necessity. Optimizing the website for global markets allows you to increase visibility, increase qualified traffic and improve positioning in target markets, intercepting the most favorable users. 

Rely on experienced professionals in the field can make a difference, taking the business to a new level of expansion beyond the borders of its own country.  

Octagona, a leader in internationalization and business strategies such as the digital export marketing, is able to support the company in implementing a strategy of International SEO effective.  

 Contact us today for a personalized consultation, whatever your business sector.