Search engine optimisation for websites that target several countries or languages at the same time.
Also called: multilingual SEO, multi-country SEO
International SEO covers the structure (domains, folders, hreflang), the content (local keywords and texts) and the signals (local links, addresses, prices) that tell search engines which page is meant for which market.
Its main goal is that every visitor lands on the right version – and that the versions do not compete with each other.
Why International SEO matters in Switzerland
Switzerland alone needs up to four language versions, often next to versions for Germany, France, Italy and Austria. That makes it a typical case for careful international SEO.
Our tip
Map every market to exactly one URL version before you write a single text.
Related terms
- hreflang – An HTML attribute that tells search engines which language and country a page is written for and where its other language versions are.
- Language and country folders – A URL structure in which each language or country version lives in its own folder, such as /de-ch/ or /fr/.
- ccTLD (.ch domain) – A country-code top-level domain such as .ch for Switzerland, .de for Germany or .at for Austria.
- Market entry SEO – SEO work that prepares and supports a company's launch in a new country – before, during and after the launch.
Learn more
← All terms in the Swiss SEO glossary
Frequently asked questions
What is International SEO?
Search engine optimisation for websites that target several countries or languages at the same time.