1. Start with Localized Keyword Research

Don’t assume the same keywords will perform in every country, even if the language is the same. User behaviour, terminology, and intent can differ widely by region.

What to do:

• Use tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Google Keyword Planner with location filters set to your target country.

• Analyse local competitors' websites and ranking pages.

• Identify high-intent, mid-funnel, and long-tail keywords relevant to your products or services in the local context.

• Pay attention to regional variations in phrasing (e.g., “archiving system” vs. “document management system”).

2. Create Region-Specific Landing Pages

One of the most effective ways to gain traction is to create content targeted to that specific region. This shows Google you’re serious about serving that market.

Examples:

• /de/metalworking-services/ for Germany

• /uae/building-management-systems/ for the UAE

Make sure these pages are optimized for:

• Local keywords

• Cultural nuances in imagery, messaging, and examples

• Clear regional relevance, like country-specific case studies, testimonials, or regulations

3. Build Local Backlinks

Search engines heavily rely on backlinks to assess authority, but links from one country won’t help much in another. To rank in France, for example, you’ll need more .fr or French-language sites linking to you.

Ways to earn local backlinks:

• Partner with regional distributors, trade bodies, or business associations.

• Submit content or PR stories to local publications and blogs.

• Publish guest posts or case studies in industry-specific platforms within that market.

• Get listed on local directories and review sites.

4. Create and Optimize Google Business Profiles

If you’re setting up physical offices, distributors, or representative operations in new countries, don’t overlook Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business). These listings are a powerful way to appear in local search results and Google Maps, even before your website ranks organically.

How to leverage it:

• Create a separate Google Business Profile for each new office or local entity.

• Include accurate details and link the profile to a regional landing page on your website.

• Add high-quality photos, relevant service categories, and local business hours.

• Publish regular updates (news or posts) on your GBP pages, such as new partnerships, case studies, industry events, or local hires. This signals activity and relevance.

• Encourage reviews from local clients, partners, or collaborators in that region.

Even if you’re operating in a hybrid or representative model, a GBP listing builds local authority and contributes to both local SEO and brand trust.

5. Publish Locally Relevant Blog Content

Regularly publishing blog content that addresses regional trends, regulations, or industry news helps build topical authority and gives you more keyword opportunities.

For example:

• “Key Building Regulations You Should Know in KSA (2025 Update)”

• “Top 5 Challenges Facing B2B Exporters in Southeast Asia”

Even if traffic is slow at first, this builds a critical long-term SEO foundation.

6. Use LinkedIn and Paid Search to Feed SEO

SEO often needs a kickstart. While organic rankings build up over months, paid channels can immediately drive relevant traffic to your regional content, and improve its SEO performance by:

• Increasing dwell time

• Attracting backlinks if the content is strong

• Feeding audience data into your CRM and remarketing lists

Tip: Run LinkedIn Ads targeting users by country and job title, driving them to gated or ungated localized assets.

7. Measure Visibility, Not Just Traffic

In a new market, your organic traffic will start low. But don’t be discouraged. Look instead at impression growth and the number of organic keywords in Google Search Console.

Track metrics like:

• Growth in impressions for local keywords

• Number of queries in that region

• Improvement in average position over time

• Backlink acquisition by market

These are signs your visibility is growing, even before traffic takes off.

8. Consider Language as a Strategic Layer

If your target country speaks a language different from your current content, make sure to have your website or content available in that language, and don’t rely on auto-translation. Instead:

• Use professional human translators with industry knowledge.

• Adjust tone and phrasing for the local audience.

• Treat translated content as original SEO content, with localized keyword optimization.

In multilingual markets like the UAE or Switzerland for example, consider serving both English and native-language versions, depending on your buyer personas.

Final Thoughts

Building organic visibility in a new country takes time, but with the right structure, content, and outreach strategy, your digital footprint will grow.

Thinking about launching into a new market? Let’s build the roadmap together. Get in touch with us today.