How Does International SEO Differ From Local SEO? 

SEO, or search engine optimization, is the practice of optimizing a website to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for specific keywords or phrases. While local SEO focuses on optimizing a website for a specific geographic location, international SEO involves optimizing a website for multiple countries and languages. Here are some of the ways that international SEO differs from local SEO. 

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  1. Keyword research 

With local SEO, keyword research is focused on optimizing for location-specific keywords, such as “best pizza restaurant in New York City”. With international SEO, businesses need to conduct keyword research for each country and language they want to target. This can involve researching local search terms and language variations for each targeted market. 

  1. Content localization 

One of the biggest differences between local SEO and international SEO is content localization. This involves adapting website content to match the language and cultural nuances of each targeted market. This can include translating content into different languages, adapting images and graphics, and adjusting website design and functionality to meet local preferences. 

  1. Domain and URL structure 

With local SEO, businesses can use a country code top-level domain (ccTLD), such as .ca for Canada or .co.uk for the United Kingdom, to signal to search engines that the website is specific to a certain country. With international SEO, businesses can use either a ccTLD or a subdomain or subdirectory structure to target specific countries or languages. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and businesses need to carefully consider which option is best for their specific needs. 

  1. Technical SEO considerations 

International SEO also requires additional technical considerations, such as hreflang tags and sitemaps that signal to search engines which language and country version of a website should be served to users. This helps to ensure that users are directed to the appropriate version of the website based on their location and language preferences. 

  1. Local link building 

Link building is an important aspect of both local SEO and international SEO. However, with international SEO, businesses need to focus on building links from local websites in each targeted country. This can involve building relationships with local businesses and organizations, as well as conducting outreach to local media and industry influencers. 

In conclusion, international SEO differs from local SEO in several important ways. From conducting keyword research and content localization to choosing the right domain and URL structure and implementing technical SEO considerations, businesses need to carefully consider the unique challenges of targeting multiple countries and languages with their SEO strategies. By adapting their strategies to meet the needs of each targeted market, businesses can improve their chances of ranking higher in search engine results pages and reaching a global audience.