Using URL Structures to Format Your International SEO

International use of SEO is a great way to enter new markets and grow your business!

As we continue to globalize, businesses are using different techniques to broaden their presence online through their websites design and structure. 

It’s important that you know how to implement URL structure, and utilize international SEO by formatting it to your advantage!

The Framework of International URL Structure

When we talk about the structures of URLs (Universal Resource Locator), we are referencing the way a website’s address appears. 

The most frequently used international site architectures can be narrowed down to 3 types: 

• Subdomain: ca.example.com and fr.example.com  (with the country code in front)
• Subdirectory: www.example.com/ca/ and www.example.com/fr/ (country code in the back after using a backslash)
• ccTLD (Country Code Top Level Domain): www.example.ca and www.example.fr (using the country code as the domain)

With each of these types, there comes a range of benefits and disadvantages.

Be sure to keep the language architecture and the root domain of the website in mind! 

People often mistake “es” for España or Español.

Make sure to know if you want to target the country of Spain or Spanish speakers! 

Tips on Implementing International SEO

Here are some tips to maximize your usage of international SEO:

1. Identify Your Target Audience
2. Do International Keyword Research
3. URL Structures for International Pages
4. Translate Content
5. Find an International SEO Consultant

The main goal is to specify the area you want to target: do you want to target an entire country, a specific region of the country, etc. 

Figure out what language you want to write the article in and if you want to hire an international SEO consultant to translate it as well as to put SEO-focused words for said article in a different language. 

Let’s use a specific example. Say we want to implement international SEO in China. 

If you want to get your content across, you will have to make it search engine friendly for a browser widely used and promoted in China (Badu would do the trick!)

The key to avoid using URLs that contain parameters (the part of the url that is followed by a question mark), because Baidu will have an issue interpreting them. 

For this reason, do not use Chinese characters within URLs as it can have issues decoding Pinyin instead!

Essentially, it’s best to use a descriptive URL.

Want to Get the Best Out of Your International SEO Strategy?

If you are thinking of expanding your business into new markets, talk to our global marketing strategists at Colibri today!

Our talented team of Freebirds will expand and take your SEO plans to the next level!