How to Build an International SEO Strategy for Small Business: 7 Must-Know Steps
Are you looking to expand globally? Here's how to build an international SEO strategy for small business in 7 simple, powerful steps—without needing a huge marketing team or budget.
From a handcrafted jewelry brand in India shipping to the U.S., to a SaaS startup in Canada targeting the UK, international SEO makes it possible for small businesses to compete globally. But to do it right, you need a clear, strategic approach.
Build a Winning International SEO Strategy for Small Business
1. Know Your Target Markets
Before you optimize, you need to decide where to optimize. Are you targeting one country or many? English-speaking countries or multilingual ones? The foundation of any international SEO strategy for small business starts with a clear market focus.
2. Use Country-Specific Domains or Subdirectories
Google favors content that's tailored for each region. You can:
- Buy country-specific domains (e.g., .uk, .ca)
- Use subdirectories like example.com/uk/
- Or subdomains like uk.example.com
Each method has its pros and cons, but make sure you're signaling the location to search engines.
3. Implement Hreflang Tags Correctly
If you’re offering content in multiple languages, Hreflang tags are essential. They help Google show the right version of your page to the right audience, preventing duplicate content issues.
4. Translate—and Localize—Your Content
Don’t just use Google Translate. Localize your language, cultural references, currencies, and even images. Localization is a key pillar in building a trustworthy international SEO strategy for your small business.
5. Research Local Keywords
“Shoes” might be searched as “sneakers” in the U.S., “trainers” in the UK, and “Zapatos” in Spain. Always do country-specific keyword research. Tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, and Google Keyword Planner can help you here.
6. List Your Business on Local Directories
Just like Google My Business works for local SEO, many countries have their trusted directories. Getting listed improves your visibility and credibility in that region, which should be a key part of your small business SEO plan.
7. Monitor Performance by Region
Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track traffic by country, keywords by region, and conversion behavior. It helps you fine-tune your international SEO strategy over time.
Final Take: Go Global with the Right Strategy
At TLM Global, we know that building an international SEO strategy for small businesses isn’t just about translations or extra pages—it’s about understanding your audience across borders, optimizing with intent, and staying consistent for long-term growth.
The internet has leveled the playing field. Your small business doesn’t need to be “big” to think big. You just need to show up in the right searches—at the right time—in the right language.
