Core Concepts
International SEO
- Strategies for optimizing websites for users in different countries and languages
Key Terminology Classification
1. Geotargeting Terms
- Geo-targeting - Content optimization for specific geographical areas
- ccTLD (Country Code Top-Level Domain) - e.g., .cn, .uk, .de
- gTLD (Generic Top-Level Domain) - e.g., .com, .org, .net
- Subdomain - e.g., cn.example.com
- Subdirectory - e.g., example.com/cn/
2. Language and Localization
- hreflang tag - Informs search engines about the language and regional targeting of a page
- Localization - Adapting to local cultures and customs
- Translation - Language conversion
- Transcreation - Creative translation to maintain marketing message
- Language Code - e.g., en, zh, es
- Region Code - e.g., US, CN, GB
3. Technical Implementation
- Google Search Console International Targeting
- IP Detection - Displaying content based on user IP
- Geolocation
- Language Negotiation
- Canonical Tag - Preventing duplicate content
4. Content Strategy
- Duplicate Content - A common issue for multilingual sites
- Local Content - Content tailored for specific markets
- Cultural Adaptation
- Currency Localization
- Date/Time Format
5. Search Engine Related
- Baidu - China's dominant search engine
- Yandex - Russia's dominant search engine
- Naver - South Korea's dominant search engine
- Local Search Engines
6. Performance Metrics
- CDN (Content Delivery Network) - Accelerating global access
- Server Location
- Page Speed
- Mobile-First Indexing
hreflang Example
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="en-us" href="https://example.com/en-us/" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="zh-cn" href="https://example.com/zh-cn/" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="x-default" href="https://example.com/" />
Best Practice Keywords
- URL Structure
- Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number)
- Local Link Building
- International Keyword Research
- Cross-border SEO
These terms form the professional vocabulary of international SEO, and mastering them is crucial for optimizing global websites.
