Are you looking to expand your website or app’s reach to a global audience? If so, then mastering SEO and keyword localization is essential.
Simply translating keywords is not enough; you need to conduct thorough keyword research for each country or region, taking into account how languages are uniquely used. Building content around your target audience is key, as different regions may use the same language in different ways.
To ensure accuracy, collaborate with local linguists who have cultural insights, as they can provide valuable input for keyword localization. SEO should be integrated seamlessly into the translation process, optimizing user experience.
Remember, getting SEO keyword localization right for your Amazon listing is crucial for successful global reach. In this article, we will provide you with top tips for achieving effective SEO and keyword localization.
So let’s dive in and get started!
Keyword Localization per Region is Crucial – Even for Countries that Speak the Same Language!
When it comes to keyword localization, translating keywords is not enough. You need to generate a new set of keywords for each region or country to effectively reach your target audience. Not doing so could be costly; Jana often talks about a seller that mistakenly transposed keywords from her US listing to her UK listing without localizing first. It’s a common mistake; after all, both cultures speak English, right? The seller was surprised to discover that they were ranking for adult diapers in the UK! It turns out that baby diapers are called nappies, not diapers — a term commonly used to refer to adult diapers worn by the infirm or geriatric. Even the same languages need a certain amount of localization.
By the way, have you seen this comprehensive list of the Do’s and Don’ts when optimizing for a new culture?
Don’t translate keywords; generate a new set per region
Generating a new set of keywords for each region is essential for effective keyword localization. This is because simply translating keywords may not capture the unique way that each language and region uses words. Making assumptions about keyword translations can be detrimental to your SEO strategy.
You could look at it this way: crossing into various markets is a bit like a grand global tour. You’re experiencing different languages, cultures, even entire lifestyles! Chances are, the people in each new locale might use your product in their own unique way, and they’re searching for it in a different way, too. That’s why it’s important to localize — not translate — those keywords.
Think of a translation like a friendly tour guide. It could be totally accurate, speak the language fluently, and be super clear. But if it doesn’t know the local lingo that users are looking for — that tour guide won’t craft a relationship with those tourists at all.
Localizing your SEO research can help you speak the same language as your new readers, using terms they’re comfortable with. It helps you bridge the gap and create a relationship through every Amazon listing that your customer comes across.
Mexico vs. Spain: a case study in keywords
Rosetta Stone has a great list of the common words that differ from Mexican Spanish to Spain Spanish. Spanish that’s spoken in Mexico tends to be more Americanized — take for instance “fridge,” which is el refrigerador in Mexico, and la nevera in Spain. Oftentimes, sellers will take the keywords they used in their Mexico listings and transpose them over to their Spain listings — but this tends to alienate Spaniards, who feel they’re being sold a foreign product. Quick keyword localization of those (Mexican) Spanish keywords to (Spain) Spanish — and you’ll find that el suéter will sell much better as el jersey.
Our Spanish team lead, Aida, handles both Spain and Mexico listings — she knows a bit about these cultural nuances. Get to know her as she talks about Spain vs. Mexico and the importance of keyword localization for both.
Build content around your audience
When it comes to building content for your audience, it’s important to do your research and find out what they want to know.
Understanding your audience is key because it empowers you to aim at the right individuals, craft content that addresses their desires and necessities, and guarantee your message clicks with them. It’s far more productive to shape content for a particular audience than to broadcast your message broadly without considering who you’re truly aiming for.
Take, for example, a company that markets toys for children. Its main audience would likely be parents and grandparents. They would mold content that resonates with these individuals’ needs: product reviews, handy articles and guides with parenting advice, kid-friendly meals, and so on. Chances are, their Amazon images would feature the relationship that these caregivers would want to cultivate with their kids and grandkids. The content in each Amazon listing should reflect the audience’s pain points, gain points, wants, and needs.
By deciphering your audience and their needs, you’re in a position to generate content tailored for them, which can significantly influence sales. You’ll be equipped to offer solutions to their challenges and demonstrate the necessity of your product or service. This focused content will aid you in acquiring more patrons, strengthening loyalty, and ensuring your content genuinely connects with your readers.
Now, if you include keywords that miss the mark with your target audience, those fancy infographics and lovely A+ won’t get seen by your target avatar. This is why keyword localization has just as crucial a role to play in content creation.
Curious whether you’re supposed to transcreate, translate, or localize? We’ve got you covered with this interesting guide.
Do your research and find out what the demographic wants to know
Start by understanding what your target audience is searching for and tailor your keyword localization strategy accordingly.
Conduct thorough research to find out what the demographic wants to know. This will help you identify the specific keywords and phrases they use when searching online.
By knowing their search habits, you can create content that addresses their needs and interests, increasing the chances of your website appearing in relevant search results.
Remember, effective keyword localization is about building content around your audience’s preferences and ensuring it resonates with them.
Jana spoke about localizing your market research in this fascinating blog. When entering new markets, it’s crucial to get to know your target customer first. A cute phone accessory you’ve marketed to teens in the USA might actually resonate with adult women in Japan because of the kawaii culture. By marketing to the Japanese woman’s love for anime and manga, you might expand your market base to a demographic you didn’t even consider before!
Speak to them in the language they understand, which includes idioms, pop culture references, etc.
Speak directly to your target audience by using familiar language, including idioms and pop culture references, to create a connection and make your content enjoyable.
When localizing keywords, it’s important to understand the unique way your audience uses words in their language. Don’t assume that a direct translation will have the same impact.
Collaborate with local linguists who have cultural insights to ensure your keywords are placed in the right context. This will help you reach your audience effectively and improve your SEO strategy.
Put it this way – people are likely to look for news around current social, environmental, and political issues. If you pepper your listing with the content that’s relevant to your target market, you’re more likely to be found by them. Also, it keeps your relevant; your audience feels like you understand them, their lifestyles, their culture, and what makes them tick.
Collaborate with native speakers
When it comes to collaborating with native speakers for keyword localization, they have a better understanding of context and culture, which is essential for accurate translations. That’s why at YLT Translations, we only employ native speakers who can provide the expertise needed for effective keyword localization.
By working with native speakers, you can ensure that your keywords are not only translated accurately, but also adapted to the local audience, resulting in a more successful SEO strategy. Here’s more info on that topic.
They understand context and culture better
Collaborating with local linguists allows you to gain a deeper understanding of context and culture, ensuring more accurate keyword localization.
Native speakers have a unique perspective and can provide valuable insights into how keywords are used in their language. They understand the nuances and cultural references that can make a significant difference in the success of your SEO strategy.
By working closely with them, you can ensure that your keywords are placed in the right context, resulting in a more effective and engaging localized content.
Also, native speakers understand if a product will resonate with their fellow countrymen. Once upon a time in YLT, a customer had a t-shirt that was killing it at SEO across the globe. Sales were up in every single country they expanded to – except for Germany! Although the keywords were properly localized and the content was sound, the product itself didn’t resonate with a German clientele – something the seller realized only when the German team of YLT weighed in.
YLT Translations employs only native speakers
You’re in good hands with YLT Translations because our translators understand context and culture better. They know that effective keyword localization requires in-depth knowledge of the target language and its nuances.
We employ only native speakers who are experts in their language and culture. By working with them, you can be confident that your keywords will be accurately translated and adapted to resonate with your target audience, boosting your SEO and website localization efforts.
You could say YLT’s translators fit the localization triumvirate – they’re aware of Amazon’s terms and conditions, they’re native speakers, and they know how to translate a listing so it’s written well, all at the same time. Read up more on it here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is keyword research for SEO and keyword localization?
Keyword research is crucial for SEO and keyword localization. It ensures that your content is optimized for search engines and tailored to your target audience. By understanding how people search and the words they use, you can improve your website’s visibility and attract more organic traffic.
What is the significance of building content around the target audience?
Building content around the target audience is crucial for effective keyword localization. By understanding their needs, preferences, and language nuances, you can create relevant and engaging content that resonates with them. This leads to better SEO results and a more positive user experience.
Why is collaboration with native speakers essential for accurate keyword localization?
Collaboration with native speakers is essential for accurate keyword localization because they have cultural insights and understand how to place keywords in the right context. Their expertise ensures that the translated keywords resonate with the local audience and improve SEO results.
What are the potential drawbacks of assuming keyword translations based on direct translation?
Assuming keyword translations based on direct translation can have potential drawbacks. Each language has its own unique way of using words, so direct translations may not capture the intended meaning or search habits of the target audience.
How can SEO be integrated naturally into the content for a better user experience?
Integrate SEO naturally into your content for a better user experience by incorporating relevant keywords in a way that flows organically. Avoid stuffing keywords and focus on creating valuable, informative, and engaging content that resonates with your target audience.
Conclusion
So there you have it, some top tips for SEO and keyword localization.
- Remember to conduct thorough keyword research for each location, taking into account the unique language usage.
- Build your content around your target audience, keeping in mind how they may use the language differently.
- Collaborate with native speakers and local linguists to ensure accurate keyword localization.
- Incorporate SEO into the translation process and seamlessly integrate keywords into your content for optimal user experience.
With these strategies in place, you’ll be on your way to successful global reach.
Curious which country or culture would resonate with your product best? Take the guesswork out of expansion with YLT’s AMOR report. And make sure that a native translator handles your keyword localization!