Cracking the Baidu Code: 10 Key Steps for Effective Blog Optimization
While most SEO strategies focus on securing top rankings on global giants like Google, Yahoo, and Bing, there are other search engines that hold significant value. One such hidden gem is Baidu—a powerhouse in China with a staggering 60% market share. For global enterprises or those targeting a Chinese audience, optimizing for Baidu is not just a recommendation; it’s a strategic necessity.
Here are 10 Essential Tips to Optimize Your Blog for Baidu Success:
- Discover the Right Chinese Keywords:
- Choose Chinese keywords wisely, emphasizing Pinyin Chinese due to Baidu’s preference. Navigate the challenge of various Chinese dialects by aligning with Pinyin Chinese not only for keywords but across your entire content.
- Amass Abundant Chinese Content:
- Content is paramount for Baidu. Even if Chinese isn’t your site’s official language, create numerous pages in Chinese. Adhere to China’s content guidelines to ensure compliance and avoid repercussions.
- Harness the Power of Metatags:
- Metatags hold substantial weight with Baidu, reminiscent of early search engine days. Craft top-notch metatags, maintaining a balance without overloading them with keywords.
- Secure a Pinyin Chinese Domain Name and Chinese Hosting:
- Optimize your domain by incorporating keywords in Pinyin Chinese. Choose .com, .net, or .cn extensions and consider hosting your site on a Chinese server for added favor with Baidu.
- Simplify Navigation Structures:
- Baidu favors straightforward navigation structures. Avoid intricate code or deep hierarchies, as Baidu may not follow links buried within complex structures.
- Guard Against Duplicate Content:
- Baidu is stringent about duplicate content. Use a robots.txt file to specify what not to index, ensuring compliance with Baidu’s strict policies.
- Cautious Linking Practices:
- Avoid links to bad neighbors and steer clear of link farms. Baidu imposes harsh penalties for such practices. Limit outbound links on your site, as an excess can negatively impact your Baidu rankings.
- Plan Strategically for Long-Term Success:
- Unlike Google, achieving top Baidu rankings takes time—sometimes six months or more. Plan your optimization well in advance, considering the timeline for your specific industry or niche.
- Flash and JavaScript Use:
- Baidu strongly disapproves of Flash and JavaScript. If used, provide alternative HTML versions alongside them. Eliminate the use of iFrames, as Baidu holds a strong aversion to them.
- Ensure Spiderability:
- Like any search engine, Baidu uses crawlers. Guarantee that your site is spiderable by employing a spider simulator to identify accessible and inaccessible content.
Optimizing for Baidu shares common principles with other search engines but demands attention to its unique specifics. Adhering to these rules, exercising patience, and maintaining consistency will eventually yield success. Moreover, a well-optimized site for Baidu might even enhance your rankings on other search engines, especially for country-specific searches.
