(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
Global brands entering China can’t rely on their existing SEO playbooks. With Baidu dominating and user behavior shaped by local platforms like WeChat, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu, visibility requires a tailored strategy. The right SEO agency in China can help global brands build search equity, align with local habits, and compete across fragmented digital touchpoints. This article explores how leading SEO agencies support global companies in capturing organic growth in China.
1. Create a Localized SEO Strategy From the Ground Up
1.1 Audit and Adapt Global Assets for China
Top SEO agencies begin by auditing a brand’s international web assets to assess compatibility with Baidu. From domain selection to mobile responsiveness, they localize infrastructure without compromising brand identity.
1.2 Develop China-Specific Keyword Frameworks
Rather than translating global terms, agencies use Baidu Index, Zhihu trends, and social signals to build keyword clusters around Chinese market behavior and search phrasing.
2. Technical Setup That Ensures Indexing and Speed
2.1 Secure ICP License and Mainland Hosting
Without ICP registration and a China-hosted domain, websites load slowly and may be deprioritized by Baidu. A top agency ensures regulatory compliance and uses domestic CDNs for optimal performance.
2.2 Optimize Site Architecture for Baidu Bots
Baidu favors flat hierarchies, static URLs, and mobile-first HTML. Leading agencies rebuild navigation and metadata specifically for Baidu’s crawler behavior.
3. Localized Content and On-Page SEO That Convert
3.1 Rewrite Messaging for Local Engagement
Top SEO agencies use Chinese copywriters to rewrite—not translate—website copy, adapting storytelling and tone for resonance with local audiences.
3.2 Align On-Page Elements With Baidu Guidelines
This includes simplified Chinese headers (H1-H3), localized alt-text, and keyword-balanced meta descriptions optimized for click-through in Baidu SERPs.
4. Build Domain Authority With High-Trust Backlinks
4.1 Secure Backlinks From .cn and Baidu-Affiliated Sites
Agencies build backlinks from top Chinese directories, media outlets, and vertical content platforms—far more effective than global link exchanges for Baidu ranking.
4.2 Leverage Zhihu, Baijiahao, and Community SEO
They repurpose brand content into Q&A, long-form, and thought-leadership pieces across Zhihu and Baijiahao to drive semantic relevance and brand reach.
5. CASE STUDY: Global Electronics Brand Gains 10x Baidu Impressions in 5 Months
A U.S. consumer electronics company worked with a leading Shanghai SEO agency to launch a Chinese-language site hosted within China. The agency managed ICP licensing, restructured the site for Baidu’s mobile-first indexing, and developed a keyword plan focused on feature-based searches (e.g., “无线降噪耳机推荐”). Within five months, Baidu impressions increased tenfold, top-3 keyword rankings rose to 17, and organic traffic surpassed SEM channels in daily conversions.
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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