Publicado en
April 30, 2024

International SEO for B2B: How to Start an Effective Strategy

Pierre Deteuf
SEO Specialist

In a world where digital boundaries are fading, an International SEO strategy becomes the compass that guides your B2B company to global success.

Business expansion beyond local borders requires strategies that understand and respect cultural, language and behavioral differences in each market.

International SEO is essential for any B2B company that aspires to compete and stand out worldwide.

This article will explore in depth How to create a strategy International SEO Effective to reach international customers.

It will also teach you how to optimize your online presence in different countries.

We will analyze the importance of the following points:

  • Identify target markets
  • Research relevant keywords
  • Create quality content
  • Optimize the user experience
  • Improve search engine positioning

In addition, we will address how implement international link building strategies and measure the performance of the entire SEO strategy.

Get ready to expand your B2B business internationally and your international SEO positioning.

What is International SEO

International SEO refers to the set of techniques and strategies designed to optimize a website so that search engines can easily identify the countries or languages that the company is targeting.

This process goes beyond mere local optimization, since it addresses the need to make an impact on audiences located beyond national borders.

It's not just about translating content, but about a multidimensional adaptation that considers the cultural, linguistic and search behavioral characteristics of each foreign market.

Just as the geolocation of SEO allows us to determine the specific geographical location of a website, International SEO makes it possible to attracting traffic from different parts of the world. al for B2B involves a series of key steps that will help you achieve your global objectives.

Here's a guide to developing a strategy International SEO effective:

Importance of International SEO for your B2B company

For companies that operate in the B2B field and are looking to expand internationally, International SEO becomes an invaluable tool.

More than ever, these companies need to be visible and be available to other businesses around the world, and a well-implemented international SEO strategy is the key to achieving this.

By adapting the brand, web structure and content to the particular context of each target market, B2B companies can overcome language and cultural barriers.

Implementing an effective international SEO strategy is not an easy task, since you need a in-depth knowledge of the target audience.

It is also essential to have an understanding of the technical and content factors that influence positioning in different regions and search engines.

However, when properly executed, International SEO can open up new horizons for B2B companies, allowing them to reach and captivate those potential customers who would otherwise be inaccessible.

In an increasingly interconnected global market, this strategy isn't just important, it's essential.

How to identify international markets

Before implementing an international SEO strategy, it is essential identify those international markets that represent real growth opportunities for B2B businesses.

This identification is a process that involves carrying out a meticulous analysis of several factors, such as market trends, specific consumer needs, business practices that prevail in each region and the level of local competition.

It is essential understand consumer demands and behavior in different markets before making any attempt to enter them.

The development of strategies adapted to each promising market segment is a crucial step.

This requires a rigorous and tailored approach that takes into account the specific characteristics and demand of each selected international market.

In addition, it is essential to understand and analyze local regulations and trends, since these aspects can significantly influence the viability and success of digital marketing strategies, including SEO.

Looking a new country to expand a business - Midjourney

Research the target market

Defining the target market is essential to precisely adapt international SEO techniques and ensure a effective lead capture.

Market research must be comprehensive and cover both the competition and potential customers abroad.

Creating high-quality content in different languages and formats is a pillar for reaching these audiences.

Also, it is necessary to generate relevant material, both in articles and in videos and infographics.

The objective is to attract a diverse international target audience and respond to your specific needs.

Not only must this quality content be linguistically adapted, but it must also resonate with the search intent and user expectations for each target market.

A well-founded SEO strategy based on relevant content is vital for increase visibility and attract international potential customers.

Identify potential international customers

For B2B companies, the key to a successful international SEO strategy lies in proper identification of potential customers international.

This task involves not only a market analysis to detect a previous interest in similar products or services, but also the use of tools such as Google Analytics to monitor the geographical origin of website visitors.

Identifying geographic areas with high demand for products or services, but where current promotion is low, can reveal valuable market opportunities.

The analysis of the competition and the understanding of the needs of international customers are essential elements in charting a efficient plan of action.

In addition, it's vital that your company's websites are optimized to be easily searchable in search engines.

In this way, it would be possible to attract potential international customers, positioning itself one step ahead of the competitors.

How to do effective keyword research

Conducting effective keyword research is a fundamental pillar in any international SEO strategy.

The reason is that the searches carried out by users in different markets can vary greatly in terminology and context.

Understanding linguistic and cultural differences is crucial to finding those terms that actually use potential customers in different regions.

This includes not only translating keywords, but understanding the local variants, synonyms and the ways in which questions are formulated in different languages.

Using tools from Keyword Research and Semantic Analysis, it is possible to discover both generic and long-tail keywords that reflect with accuracy of the search intent of the users.

In addition, it is essential to consider the seasonal trends or specific events from each region for Capture the volume of searches that may generate certain terms at different times of the year.

This will make it possible to adapt the content strategy to changing needs of the target market.

Importance of Keywords in International SEO

The keywords are the foundations on which the successful organic positioning in international markets.

The correct use of them allows the content on a website is found by users who are at different stages of the purchase process.

In addition, in B2B, where purchasing decisions are made more thoughtfully and with more information, the use of long-tail and industry-specific keywords can make a difference in attracting a specialized audience.

Las content clustering strategies or grouping content around main topics guarantee comprehensive coverage of a topic and improved international SEO positioning around a set of related keywords.

After all, keywords in International SEO help your company to be visible to that potential customer that is actively searching solutions in the global market.

How to find keywords relevant to the international market

The basis for identifying relevant keywords in an international context is to carry out meticulous research that takes take into account the language and culture differences of each target market.

The following are key steps to achieve this:

  1. Use keyword research tools with geolocation functionality to obtain accurate data by country.
  1. Analyze the language used by competitors in international markets. This can provide ideas about the terms and jargon used in every industry and region.
  1. Study local search patterns, including linguistic variations and idioms to adapt keywords to the way local users search.
  1. Evaluate seasonality and local events that may affect the search volume for certain keywords.
  1. Implement tools for monitoring the ranking by keywords that allow the strategy to be adjusted and optimized according to performance in each geographical area.

The objective is to provide content that aligns not only with the identified keywords but also with the user experience and expectations of each market.

These steps guarantee the best opportunities for conversion and success in the international SEO strategy.

Creating Quality Content for International SEO

To succeed in International SEO, it is vital to focus our efforts on creating quality content that resonates with the global audience.

Every piece of content must be accessible at different languages and adapt to multiple formatss to reach a demography wide and diverse.

It's not just about translating texts, but about optimize each article or web page with keywords suitable to increase their visibility in the search results of different engines.

A successful content strategy goes beyond language; it also includes the cultural fabric of each country.

Authenticity and cultural resonance are essential to engage local users.

In addition, by investing time and resources in an international content SEO strategy, brands can strengthen its presence on the global stage, attracting more traffic and generating lasting relationships with your potential customers.

Importance of quality content in International SEO

In the context of International SEO, the quality of digital content is the cornerstone for attracting qualified traffic.

While control over search engine positioning is not absolute and competition is intense, content that stands out for its relevance and value can increase opportunities to occupy a privileged place in SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages).

Quality content doesn't just attract traffic; it also encourages conversions by meeting specific audience needs and because it is culturally relevant.

The semantic — not just linguistic — adaptation of content is crucial to resonate with users in the target country.

In addition, these high-quality contents are intertwined with the ability to forge meaningful connections, which in turn enhances brand visibility and reputation in international search markets.

Content marketing strategies for the international market

To effectively engage international prospects, content must be intrinsically relevant and culturally and linguistically adapted.

Select a language Glocal“—global and local at the same time— allows content to authentically resonate with the audience.

Here are some key strategies:

  • Multiformat and Multilanguage: Present content in different formats (blogs, videos, infographics) and in different languages to ensure accessibility and understanding for all users.
  • Downloadable Materials: Create guides, ebooks and videos for lead generation, which can be used to nurture relationships through email marketing and other tactics.
  • SEO optimization: Incorporate industry-relevant keywords into content issues to improve search rankings and online visibility.
  • Success Stories: Share stories of satisfied customers and case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of products or services, which is especially important for B2B buyers who value concrete data in their decision-making process.

By following these guidelines and focusing the strategy on quality content, companies can improve their international SEO.

In addition, they can build strong, long-term relationships with your target market.

Optimizing the user experience

Optimizing the user experience is an essential component in any international SEO strategy.

Also, it takes on greater importance when we talk about SEO International for B2B.

As we enter global markets, we must keep in mind that an exceptional user experience has the power to attract and retain potential customers, no matter where in the world they are.

For successful optimization, it is vital to adapt content to languages and cultural peculiarities of each region.

This involves having a thorough understanding of the various stages of the B2B customer buying journey, which range from the awareness-raising phase to consideration and decision.

By improving user interaction with our digital platform, we achieve meet your information needs with relevant and quality content, and increases the possibility of converting visits into concrete business actions.

In this regard, the International B2B SEO strategy must incorporate all the tools and techniques that allow Refine the user experience to optimize each touchpoint and maximize conversion rates.

Tips for optimizing the user experience in International SEO

Improving the user experience in the context of International SEO goes beyond publishing attractive content; it requires a meticulous and strategic approach.

Here are some key tips for optimizing the user experience in International SEO.

Market Research

Before taking any action, thoroughly study the target markets to understand the needs and preferences of international users.

This will guide the creation of content and the choice of appropriate strategies.

Adapted content

Make sure that all content is culturally and linguistically adapted to each specific country.

Avoid verbatim translations and look for the real location of the content to connect with the audience on a more emotional and practical level.

Appropriate web architecture

Choose the web structure that best meets your needs: top-level domain by country code (ccTLD), subdomain or subdirectory.

The choice will impact the SEO and the ease of maintenance of each local version of the site.

Using Hreflang Labels

It includes hreflang tags to tell Google which is the most appropriate language and regional version of each page, thus ensuring that users find the right content based on their location.

Monitoring and continuous improvement

It uses analytical tools to monitor traffic and visitor behavior.

Correct and optimize the SEO strategy based on the data collected to maintain and promote success in the global expansion of your business.

Improvements in website loading speed

The loading speed of a website is more than a technical issue; it's a critical factor that affects both user experience and SEO.

If a web page takes longer than three seconds to load, there is a significant risk of losing potential customers who they may become frustrated and leave the web.

To improve the loading speed and, therefore, the performance of your international B2B website in the SERPs, consider the following actions:

  • Caching: It implements caching systems to reduce load times, storing versions of pages that can be served quickly.
  • Reducing redirects: Each redirect adds waiting time, evaluates and limits its use only when it is essential.
  • Optimization of code and images: Minimizes HTML, CSS and JavaScript code. Compress images without sacrificing their visual quality to reduce page weight.
  • Analysis tools: Use tools such as Google's Page Speed Insights to evaluate your website's loading speed and receive specific recommendations to improve it.

Consider these technical improvements as fundamental elements of your international digital marketing strategy.

In addition, maintain a fast and accessible website It will improve your organic positioning, and it will make your visitors stay longer and stay longer inclined to become loyal B2B customers.

Start positioning yourself in international search engines

International SEO is essential for B2B companies looking to expand and be relevant in multiple markets.

With an effective international SEO strategy, optimal positioning can be achieved in search engines in different countries, which leads to generating quality organic traffic with a high conversion potential.

The key is to carefully consider elements such as language, local idioms, and specific terms that resonate with international audiences.

Before venturing into a foreign market, a detailed analysis of its potential is essential for determine the feasibility of positioning our website on it.

Tools such as Google Analytics allow us to evaluate the probability of success, revealing the right time to execute the international SEO strategy.

In addition, it is paramount identify and use keywords correctly specific ones that attract international traffic, using specialized tools such as SEMrush or Google's keyword planner.

International Business in a Futuristic World - Midjourney

Factors to consider when positioning in international search engines

When expanding operations and content to different countries, it's crucial adapt the semantics and pay special attention to translations, avoiding misinterpretations or inappropriate contexts.

A comprehensive market positioning analysis is essential for understand the public of each region and its peculiarities.

For their part, relevant SEO metrics should reflect this adaptation to regionalized web content. Another important aspect is the hosting quality, which directly affects page load speed and user experience, factors that affect the search engine positioning.

To help search engines understand how Segment content by country and avoid penalties for duplicate content, we cannot forget the importance of correctly including the Hreflang tag on our website.

Tools for monitoring search rankings in different countries

To ensure that our international SEO strategy is effective and is paying off, it's essential monitor the search ranking in the different countries where we operate.

Google Search Console is an essential tool which helps us understand how Google perceives our site in different markets.

With Google Analytics, you get precious insights into the behavior of international users, being crucial for monitoring the performance of a website in several geographical areas.

Tools such as SEMrush are valuable allies in identifying the most relevant keywords for international traffic, which allows us to refine our SEO strategy to better serve each local market.

Adjusting the user experience locally is of paramount importance; only then can they be meet the expectations of visitors and maximize the chances of converting them into international customers.

Linkbuilding Strategies for International SEO

In the international B2B SEO arena, develop a strategy of Linkbuilding geographically oriented is vital.

Each country represents a unique spectrum of opportunities and challenges that must be carefully evaluated.

When implementing a link building strategy, it is crucial to consider cultural, linguistic and region-specific search patterns.

To achieve success in this complex scenario, we must focus on building a high-quality backlink network to our B2B site.

This involves identify and collaborate with relevant authority websites in target markets, who will share our content.

They will also add value to our brand to eyes of search engines.

Content marketing plays an essential role as support tactic, providing the perfect platform for dissemination of specialized articles, case studies and whitepapers that can be cited and linked by others.

This exchange of value strengthens the relevance of our website and improves its perception of search algorithms, critical in the formation of a strong digital impression at the international level.

Measuring and monitoring results

To ensure that an international SEO strategy for B2B is effective, a meticulous monitoring of results.

It is essential to analyze monthly the target keyword positions to understand how the international SEO strategy is performing.

Current technological advances offer a variety of analytical tools that are essential for define and follow the evolution of SEO worldwide.

To make informed strategic decisions, it is necessary to measure all significant parameters and analyze the results differently by country.

Observe the Specific KPIs by region, it allows us to identify local opportunities and challenges in the field of digital marketing.

Likewise, for each type of content, from blog articles to case studies, the results should be reviewed based on relevant KPIs, such as organic traffic, conversion rate and the engagement generated.

Analysis tools to measure the success of the International SEO strategy

Tracking the success of an international SEO strategy wouldn't be possible without specialized analysis tools.

SE Ranking, for example, is a recommended platform for simple and visual monitoring of the performance of a website in different international markets.

Along with Google Analytics and Google Search Console, SE Ranking allows B2B companies to analyze the performance of their international SEO efforts.

To ensure a successful strategy at the global level, you must:

  • Analyze the collected data to identify elements of the strategy that work and those that require adjustments.
  • Implement improvements based on data analysis to continuously optimize the strategy.
  • Try and learn of the performance collected in different markets to connect with international audiences.

Conversion rate monitoring to evaluate strategy performance

The conversion rate is a key performance indicator in an international B2B SEO strategy.

Monitoring SEO traffic conversions allows us to understand what the strategy is achieving its conversion objectives so well.

Tools such as Google Analytics and Google Search Console, together with all-in-one solutions such as SE Ranking, facilitate this task and are indispensable for adjust and improve the strategy based on real site data in specific markets.

A high conversion rate supports the value of SEO as essential marketing channel.

The accurate evaluation of this KPI helps to shape a robust strategy, focused on connect with international audiences and facilitate the expansion of the business globally.

Conclusion: Implement an International SEO Strategy to Boost Your B2B Sales

The success in expanding a B2B business to international markets depends to a large extent on implementing a solid international SEO strategy.

Determining which countries offer significant potential for growth is a key first step.

Once identified, they must be carefully analyzed to refine the applied tactic.

Digital tools play an essential role in this process.

Before allocating financial and human resources to international expansion, these tools allow carefully evaluate business opportunities abroad.

In addition, monitoring the geographical origin of visitors to the website, using platforms such as Google Analytics provides valuable insights to detect emerging markets and direct optimization efforts.

The online presence, enhanced by a focus on international SEO, improves visibility in front of new global audiences and strengthens the company's competitive position.

With a strategic approach and the incorporation of SEO at the heart of the digital marketing strategy, business opportunities for B2B organizations can expand significantly in the international arena.

If you liked this article and want to expand to the global market, do not hesitate to contact us and together we'll take your business to the next level.