Local knowledge essential in global SEO
Friday, 23, Jan 2009 09:05
Global companies should be aware of local customs and trends when planning search engine optimisation (SEO) strategies for their international websites, it has been advised.
According to Noah Elkin of Steak Media, web users in different countries may refer to the same thing in different ways, meaning that SEO tactics should ensure they incorporate the most relevant keywords for each local website.
For example, US internet users refer to 'hosts' when talking about TV shows, while UK and Australian consumers are more likely to say 'presenters', he told DMNews.
Mr Elkin added: "This slight change in syntax has obvious implications for SEO, paid search and web development - even if the underlying consumer intent doesn't change."
This follows an Alertbox column by web usability specialist Jakob Nielsen last year, which advised that even switching between US and UK English can have a detrimental effect on web users' perceptions of a firm if it uses the wrong variant of the language.