FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)1. Do I need a “.cn” domain or host my site in China?You don’t necessarily need a .cn domain, but hosting your website in Mainland China (with an ICP license) or Hong Kong can significantly improve loading speed and crawlability—important signals for Baidu’s ranking algorithms.2. Will a Google-optimized website perform well in China?Not automatically. Google’s SEO practices don’t directly translate to success on Baidu or other Chinese search engines. Baidu prioritizes simplified Chinese content, local hosting, and regular updates.3. Is machine translation (e.g. Google Translate) sufficient for content?No. Machine-translated Chinese content often reads awkwardly and may harm your brand credibility. High-quality, culturally nuanced content crafted by native speakers is essential for Baidu ranking and user trust .4. How often should I publish content for optimal Baidu SEO?Baidu favors fresh and substantial content. Aim to publish at least one in-depth article (1,200–3,000+ Chinese characters) per month. Frequent updates help signal relevance and boost rankings .5. How important are backlinks from Chinese websites?Backlinks remain a key ranking factor in China. Prioritize high-quality links from reputable Chinese domains—including news sites, forums, WeChat, and Baidu Baike—rather than generic foreign backlinks .6. Should I use Baidu Webmaster Tools?Yes. Baidu Webmaster Tools (similar to Google Search Console) provides essential crawl data, indexing status, URL submission, sitemap management, and performance metrics to help you monitor and optimize your site.7. What technical aspects should I consider for China SEO?Key considerations include:Hosting within China or nearby regions (e.g., Hong Kong);Securing an ICP license;Prioritizing HTTPS over HTTP;Ensuring mobile responsiveness;Avoiding JavaScript-heavy or flash-based content; andUsing Chinese-language meta tags.8. Do Chinese social signals (WeChat, Weibo, Douyin) affect SEO?Yes. Engagements on platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and Douyin contribute to ranking signals. Baidu integrates social aspects into its ecosystem, meaning shares and interactions on these platforms can improve visibility .9. Is Baidu the only search engine I should care about?While Baidu holds ~70–80% of the search market, other engines like Sogou and 360 Search also carry significant traffic. A comprehensive China SEO strategy should include multiple platforms .10. How do I comply with Chinese regulations and censorship?Compliance is critical. Avoid sensitive or prohibited topics, apply for the ICP license, and follow local censorship rules. Non-compliance can lead to de-indexing or site blocking .How to Use These FAQs for SEOStructured Data: Implement FAQ schema markup to improve SERP visibility via rich snippets.Interlinking: For deeper topics, link from FAQs to dedicated blog posts or service pages.Client Alignment: These questions directly reflect common client concerns, improving clarity and trust.
