Building links on Chinese websites for Baidu requires a distinct strategy compared to traditional SEO for Google. In this article, seven thought leaders share their top tips for successfully navigating Baidu’s unique algorithm and China’s digital landscape.
From localizing content and engaging on forums to partnering with Chinese influencers and utilizing local social media platforms like WeChat and Weibo, these experts reveal the key steps to effectively build backlinks for Baidu.
Whether it’s through leveraging Chinese directories, prioritizing partnerships with local websites, or focusing on content tailored to Chinese audiences, these insights will guide you toward improving your SEO performance in China.
Digital Marketers & SEO Experts – What are your top tips for building links on Chinese websites for Baidu? Here is what 7 thought leaders have to say.
- Localize Content and Engage on Forums
- Utilize Chinese Directories and KOLs
- Localize and Leverage Chinese Social Media
- Prioritize Partnerships with Chinese Sites
- Research and Partner with Chinese Influencers
- Create Localized Content for Chinese Audiences
- Focus on Local Platforms and Influencers
Localize Content and Engage on Forums
When it comes to building links on Chinese websites for Baidu, it’s important to recognize that the SEO landscape for Baidu operates differently from Google.
One of my top tips is to focus heavily on localized content and ensure that your site is hosted on a Chinese server or has a Chinese Top-Level Domain (TLD), such as .cn. Baidu favors local websites, so having a presence that reflects this will improve your chances of ranking and building relevant backlinks. Additionally, having a fully translated Chinese version of your website that caters to the local language and culture is essential.
Another key strategy is building relationships with high-authority Chinese forums, blogs, and online communities.
Platforms like Zhihu, Tianya, and Sina Weibo are great places to engage with users, provide valuable content, and naturally earn backlinks. Guest posting on popular Chinese websites is also an effective way to build links, especially when done in collaboration with industry influencers in China.
One unique aspect of Baidu’s algorithm is that it places more emphasis on the quality of backlinks from Chinese websites.
Therefore, focus on securing backlinks from reputable, relevant local sources rather than relying solely on international ones. Baidu also values content freshness, so it’s helpful to update your website and contribute new content regularly to the sites where you’re building links.
Lastly, consider leveraging Chinese business directories, local press releases, and collaborations with Chinese media outlets to expand your link-building opportunities.
It’s crucial to stay compliant with local internet regulations, as Baidu can be strict about censorship and content that violates Chinese laws. Overall, the key is to adapt your strategy to fit Baidu’s preferences while ensuring that your website and links are tailored to the Chinese market.
John Reinesch, Founder, John Reinesch Consulting
Utilize Chinese Directories and KOLs
When it comes to search engine optimization in China, Baidu reigns supreme. However, optimizing for Baidu differs significantly from SEO for Google. For businesses targeting Chinese audiences, understanding Baidu’s algorithms and China’s unique internet landscape is essential for success.
To effectively build links on Chinese websites for Baidu, start with the top five common strategies everyone uses: host your site in China with a .cn domain for better SEO performance, submit to high-quality Chinese directories like 114.com, create content in Simplified Chinese, engage in guest blogging on platforms like Sina Blog and Sohu, and utilize Baidu’s own platforms such as Baidu Baike, Tieba, and Zhidao for link opportunities.
Additionally, leverage Chinese social media (WeChat, Weibo, Douban, Zhihu) to share content and attract backlinks. Other, less common but highly effective strategies include:
- Collaborate with Chinese Influencers (KOLs): Working with KOLs can drive organic backlinks and build authority in your niche, as their endorsement increases trust among local audiences.
- Partner with Local Businesses: Establish mutual linking partnerships with local websites to boost your link profile in Baidu’s ecosystem.
- Focus on Chinese Forums: Engaging in niche-specific forums (like Baidu Tieba) helps build links organically by sharing valuable content in discussions relevant to your industry.
- Utilize Local PR Agencies: Chinese PR agencies can promote your brand through local press releases and content strategies that generate authoritative backlinks.
- Comply with Chinese Regulations: Ensure your website has an ICP license, as websites without one face ranking issues on Baidu.
Last year, a surrogacy agency in California approached us to improve their Baidu rankings and attract prospective parents in China. We began by identifying relevant Chinese keywords and optimizing the site for Baidu, ensuring it was hosted in China and fully localized in Simplified Chinese.
To build backlinks, we collaborated with Chinese parenting blogs and health forums, creating partnerships with influential bloggers and forum contributors. Additionally, we engaged influencers on WeChat and Weibo to boost brand visibility and traffic.
Within six months, the agency’s Baidu rankings jumped by 150%, and inquiries from Chinese parents increased by 35%. By implementing a targeted, localized SEO strategy, the agency successfully expanded its reach into China’s competitive market.
Alex Martkovich, Founder, New Digital
Localize and Leverage Chinese Social Media
To build links on Chinese websites for Baidu, focus on these key strategies. First, localize your content in Mandarin and ensure it aligns with Chinese user preferences. Second, use Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat for content promotion and link-building. Third, submit to Chinese directories and business platforms that Baidu trusts. Fourth, engage in local forums like Zhihu and Baidu Tieba to share expertise and earn backlinks. Lastly, ensure your website is hosted in China with an ICP license to boost visibility and indexing.
Slavko Kovacevic, Head of SEO, Health Link SEO
Prioritize Partnerships with Chinese Sites
Building links on Chinese websites for Baidu requires a targeted approach. One tip is to prioritize partnerships with reputable local Chinese websites, particularly in your niche. Baidu favors high-quality, relevant content from local sources, so building relationships with Chinese influencers, bloggers, or local directories is crucial.
Another important strategy is ensuring that your content is hosted on .cn domains or websites that are optimized for Chinese audiences. Baidu tends to prefer websites with strong local signals, so utilizing Simplified Chinese language and culturally relevant content will enhance link-building efforts.
Lastly, focus on creating quality, localized content that naturally attracts backlinks. Offering valuable insights, guides, or resources tailored to the Chinese market increases the chances of earning organic links. Avoid aggressive link-building tactics, as Baidu is stringent about penalizing spammy or low-quality links.
Shreya Jha, Social Media Expert, Appy Pie
Research and Partner with Chinese Influencers
Building links on Chinese websites for Baidu requires a localized approach. Start with research. Know your audience. Understand local trends. Focus on high-quality content that resonates with Chinese users and bloggers. Partnering with Chinese influencers can boost credibility and outreach.
Directory submissions to Chinese sites also help, but ensure they are relevant and trustworthy. Baidu prefers native content, so avoid overly technical SEO tactics. Prioritize mobile optimization, as most Chinese users access content via mobile. Patience is key when building links in this market. It’s about relationships, not shortcuts.
Prathmesh Uttare, Founder, Savvy Marketing Studio
Create Localized Content for Chinese Audiences
Building links on Chinese websites for Baidu requires a unique approach, and I’ve gathered some top tips that can make a significant difference. First, it’s crucial to understand that Baidu values local content and relevance. Therefore, focusing on creating high-quality, localized content that resonates with Chinese audiences is essential. This means conducting thorough research on cultural nuances and preferences.
Next, I recommend leveraging partnerships with local influencers and bloggers. Collaborating with them can help you gain valuable backlinks and increase your visibility on Baidu. Additionally, utilizing Chinese social media platforms like WeChat and Weibo to promote your content can drive traffic and enhance link-building efforts. By creating a strong local presence and fostering relationships within the community, you can successfully build links that boost your rankings on Baidu.
Greg Walters, Co-Founder, SEO Modify
Focus on Local Platforms and Influencers
Building links on Chinese websites for Baidu requires a slightly different approach compared to Google-focused SEO. Here are my top tips:
- Focus on Chinese local platforms: Baidu prioritizes local content, so it’s essential to build links on Chinese websites, forums (like Baidu Tieba), and platforms like Zhihu and Weibo.
- Leverage Chinese directories and business listings: Just like Google, Baidu values directory listings, but focus on Chinese directories such as Dmoz China.
- Create quality content in Mandarin: Baidu prefers content that’s in Mandarin, so translating and localizing your content is crucial for link-building on Chinese sites.
- Partner with local influencers: Collaborating with Chinese bloggers and influencers who have authority in your niche can generate backlinks and boost credibility on Baidu.
- Use Baidu’s own tools: Baidu has its own tools like Baidu Zhanzhang, which can help you better understand what’s working on their platform and identify link-building opportunities.
Hicham Badri, Blogger, SEO Expert, My Spirit Essence