Localized Chinese Websites: How to Build One

For any local or international business looking to penetrate the Chinese market, a conspicuous online presence is an absolute necessity. Another important aspect of going global is the need to localize your e-commerce site.

With the Chinese market providing a lucrative business opportunity to international players, it is estimated that the Chinese e-commerce market is expected to reach a value of US $1.1 trillion by the year 2020.

It should not come as a surprise, that the number one e-commerce site dominating the landscape is China, followed by the U.S. and U.K.

The Need for Localized Websites

Having a website that is localized as per consumer tastes, preferences and trends is pivotal to a business’s success.

The layout of the website should be such that it should appeal to the Chinese customer. Only then will a foreign business be able to tap into this pool of resources.  

A major reason is the preference of online buyers wanting to browse websites in their own language.

This facilitates a better understanding and ease of use. According to Gallup, 9 out of 10 web users voted for websites in their own local language when given with a choice.

Devising a strategy to establish a localized Chinese website can do wonders for your market penetration plans.

Heavily Text-Based and Fewer Images

Since our target market is Chinese, certain customizations need to be brought in to cater to popular trends in the Chinese market.

Western websites are characterized by simplistic web designs, use of interactive graphics, and the concept of minimalism; the Chinese websites are just the opposite. Their websites are dense in terms of content packed with innumerable links. Images are few and only where needed.

The Chinese Firewall

Since we are all aware of the internet censorships exercised by the government; Chinese websites specifically incorporate elements that facilitate user-experience.

This is characterized by backlinks dispersed all over the web page, re-directing the visitor to different pages. This keeps the user engaged while they wait for their concerned page to load.

Chinese SEO and Appropriate content

Google’s alternative in China is Baidu. Just like search engine results are optimized in the western part of the world, China has its own version of Search Engine Marketing.

Chinese SEO Services make sure that they help websites comply with the mechanisms of Baidu and other Chinese search engines so that maximum productivity can be reaped out of it.

This follows that content is localized in accordance with Chinese culture, norms and values. The content that is to be published on China-specific websites should be free from any culturally or socially inappropriate content.

Also, the Chinese population should be able to relate to the content on a more personal level. Cross-cultural adaptability ensures the success of the international company as a personal brand and identity

If you intend to build a localized Chinese website from grass-root level, you can get in touch with SEO experts and an entire team of web designers at LIMPID. Your digital marketing efforts need not rest when you have a reliable partner to help you step up your digital game.

Thinking to Expand Your Business to International Markets? Read This!

Reaching out to global markets and exploring unchartered territory might mean stepping out of your comfort zone. However, if carried out correctly, the rewards of expanding your business in the international arena can be plentiful.

With careful planning and immaculate execution, you can not only introduce your business to the global shores, but can also achieve tremendous success. Here are some tips to help businesses make their international ventures more successful:

Have Thorough Understanding of Your Company and the Industry

The first step towards international expansion would be to ‘know thyself’. Before you even begin to think about stepping into another country, you should have a crystal clear idea about where your company stands and where your industry is headed. For instance, you should carefully analyze the technology that is being used and whether it would render your product or service outdated or irrelevant in 10 to 15 years’ time.     

Consider How Your Business Model Fits In

Depending on your business model, you can enter an international market in a variety of ways. Some of them include exporting, joint ventures, and off-shore production. Make sure you carefully examine alternative options and choose the most practical one.

Make Effective Plans to Deal with Language and Cultural Barriers

Selling to people who do not speak your language and have different cultural traditions and value systems can prove to be quite challenging. Make sure you customize your product or service according to the needs of local people. You might have to hire native staff and create a company environment that is in line with the country.   

Thoroughly Research Your Target Market

It is always a good idea to research about the people you are going to target. From the religion they follow to the products they use, you must have a complete understanding of how life is lived in the particular area you are going to target. Also, the market niche that you are entering must be having a high demand for your product or service.  

Adapt Your Marketing Strategies

Although the overall branding of your product must remain consistent, you should adapt your marketing approach depending on the country you are expanding into. From making local advertisements in the native language to developing a social media campaign targeting the youngsters of the country, you might have to tweak your marketing campaigns quite a bit.

If you are looking to expand in China, you might require online marketing services in Chinese. With a team of marketing gurus, SEO experts, web masters, and exceptional Chinese translators, LIMPID can prove to be a good solution. Take a look at their services.