(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
International companies looking to grow in China often discover that traditional SEO strategies don’t apply. Baidu’s algorithm is distinct, content expectations are different, and technical requirements are stricter. That’s why success depends on partnering with a top SEO agency that specializes in the Chinese market. In this article, we break down the essential capabilities such agencies bring to help international companies grow visibility, rankings, and revenue through localized search strategies.
1. Aligning SEO with China’s Platform Ecosystem
1.1 Baidu Dominates, But Isn’t Alone
While Baidu commands the largest market share, platforms like Shenma and Sogou also serve niche mobile and content audiences. A top SEO agency ensures multi-platform optimization to cover full search exposure.
1.2 Integrate SEO with China’s Closed Ecosystems
Search in China increasingly overlaps with closed platforms like WeChat Search, Douyin Search, and Xiaohongshu. SEO agencies tailor content to be discoverable across both open search engines and semi-closed apps.
2. Technical Localization Is Key for Indexing
2.1 Hosting and ICP Compliance for Visibility
Top agencies handle the entire setup—from .cn domain registration to ICP filing and China CDN configuration. Without this, international websites suffer from slow speeds and limited crawlability.
2.2 Clean, Crawlable Architecture Optimized for Baidu
They restructure website code to ensure Baidu crawlers can easily access key pages. This includes internal linking strategies, static URLs, and meta tag optimization in Simplified Chinese.
3. Smart Keyword Strategies That Reflect Local Demand
3.1 Demand-Driven Keyword Clustering
Using tools like Baidu Index, 5118.com, and iResearch data, agencies map localized keyword clusters to match Chinese user queries, pain points, and intent types.
3.2 Targeting Long-Tail and Mobile Voice Search
China’s mobile-first behavior means voice search and long-tail keywords are common. Agencies adjust copy to reflect natural language phrasing used by decision-makers and consumers.
4. Content Production and Distribution That Builds Trust
4.1 Content Must Be Native, Not Translated
Top agencies hire Chinese copywriters who rewrite—not translate—brand content into formats that resonate with local audiences and increase SEO scoring.
4.2 Backlink Development Through PR and Community Forums
They create backlinks from Baidu-verified media, Zhihu columns, and industry-specific forums that signal high relevance to local crawlers.
5. CASE STUDY: Dutch Green Tech Company Builds Organic Traffic in Tier-1 Markets
A Dutch clean energy firm entered China with minimal organic visibility. Partnering with a top SEO agency in Beijing, they launched a Chinese-language microsite, secured an ICP license, and optimized every landing page for Baidu and mobile-first Sogou search. Weekly blogs targeted long-tail keywords tied to government energy policy and industrial retrofits. With regular Zhihu contributions and Baijiahao content links, their website traffic grew 6.1x over six months, and inbound B2B leads from Baidu accounted for 48% of their new pipeline.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, TikTok, Tmall, Baidu, and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries’ exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us, and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search PLTFRM for a free consultation!
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