The advancement of technology and science has put some countries ahead of others over the years. China, with its 1.39 billion population is a hub of technological and commercial advancement. While the rest of the world relies on an IT system governed by English, China is in a league of its own. No wonder companies from across the globe seek expert Chinese translation services in order to make their content available in the highly lucrative Chinese market.

Internet users across the world use Google as their search engine, but Chinese use Baidu, powered by Baidu Inc., one of the largest AI and internet companies in the world.

Baidu is different from the Google search engine as it indexes content in Chinese and prefers sites using HTTPS. Unlike Google, which has its own system of ranking pages on its search engine and displays partial results worldwide, Baidu ranks its Chinese sites first. Ranking well on Google or Bing does not guarantee your site will also rank high on Baidu. This is because Google is focused on the worldwide market, whereas Baidu has a one-country focus on China only—with a search engine market share of over 70% in China, while Google has only 1.84% of share in that country.
Despite the differences in the language and search engine market, Google and Baidu work on the same principle of search engine optimization. Baidu provides its users with some additional features such as online Wikipedia, Maps, PPC ads, etc.

Moreover, users can enhance their online presence by making a Baidu Baike page of their enterprise. Baidu Baike is the online encyclopedia version of Baidu, just like Wikipedia, and is helpful in publishing fresh content that may result in building higher ranking.

There are over three-quarters of billion consumers online in China waiting for a businessman like an open gold mine. However, in order to rank high on Baidu, certain best practices have to be kept in consideration. Here are a few of them:

Enter Baidu and Exit Google

Baidu is undisputedly the king of search engines in China. The large population of internet users in China—800 million is a testimony to that. These internet users rely on Baidu to search for an item to purchase and just by clicking on the links given in the search engine, they can find the right item for purchase. In China, this “click-to-buy” cannot, however, be done through Google as it performs best in the English language and is designed to cater to the global audience. On the other hand, Baidu is a Chinese-centric search engine that presents content in the Chinese language and has tools and features specifically made for China. This is the reason 80% of people in China use Baidu as their search engine. Companies seeking to sell their items online can use Baidu to advertise their products in China.

Baidu Prefers (.CN) Domain

Unlike Google, Baidu uses the .CN domain instead of “.com”. In China, it is wise to use the same domain prefix that is already being used by the dominant search engine instead of the one used by Google. If you want to make a purchase from a site with a .com domain, just change it to .CN domain. For example, your website offers clothing items with a .com domain of GetApparels.com. your best strategy here would be to head over to GoDaddy.CN that would provide you with a .CN domain for a small sum. Additionally, Baidu suggests not to spread your website over several domains as that might result in your site getting penalized. A good agency delivering professional Chinese translation can help you with the translation of your pages before you choose a domain.

Baidu as Website Host

Anyone can easily notice that China is more comfortable in using its own sources at the time of need. A user might prefer to use his own web host. However, the hurdle is that Baidu is not a suitable search engine outside China, which is why a Chinese web host is required to enhance the ranking. Upgrading to a dedicated or adopting a virtual or dedicated private server is an excellent idea, but that becomes difficult if you are trying to catch Baidu’s attention. The issue with shared hosting is when a user shares computing resources and server space with loads of different sites, there’s a huge chance the whole server might get shut down. This may leave the user to start from scratch. So it’s best that one should start from his/her own server.

ICP License

An Internet Content Publishing License (ICP) issued by the Chinese government is required by the users which allows operating a Chinese website. However, there is quite a slight chance of succeeding without a physical presence in the state. The best strategy would be to have a partnership with a licensed local internet firm. It would be best to have a business version of ICP instead of going for a separate license in order to make a good business.

The Chinese Keyword

There is a famous saying that goes “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. In the case search engine, it is best to use Baidu in China instead of Google. Keyword search volume has a significant place in Baidu as it assists in increasing ranking in the search engine. A user may know by now that to Google Ads Keyword won’t do any good as compared to Baidu in China, as this country has a very large number of Chinese locals. In Google, a user may start by writing a keyword in the given search box and a list of famous and suitable expressions may appear before the user.

In the case of Baidu, one can use Sogou and Qihoo 360 as both are also Chinese well-known search engines. Unlike Google, users don’t need to spend any money on making an account on Baidu or on its advertisements or promotions. A keyword planner can be used for doing volume research on Baidu, as it has a feature of filtering metrics. For instance; it can estimate the bid cost of the top page, the daily average of search volume, competition level for a keyword, and daily average of smartphone search volume. Granted, Baidu Keyword Planner resembles Google Ads Keyword Planner but it consists of some additional features and different tools.

Optimization in the Baidu Style

The goal of every search engine on-site optimization is the same, regardless of the search engine you are using. The main point is to make it easier and accurate for users to gain a higher place in the SERPs. SEO experts and online entrepreneurs achieve this with orderly websites, new content, and perfect use of keywords.

Baidu does not follow JavaScript and AJAX contents or links. Baidu falls apart when it comes to dealing with too deep sites. As for Baidu’s top practicing for internal linking, a user must keep in mind that each page must link back to the homepage. Anchor text must involve the best link description and there should be no link inside JavaScript. The significance of Baidu depends upon the numbers of internal links given to the page. The page nearest to the home page, the more valuable it will be. A ranking on the search engine can be improved by cleaning redirected or broken links.

The Last Word

Baidu is undoubtedly the top search engine in China. However, to make the most out of this search engine and to ensure your website ranks high on Baidu, remember to translate your content in Chinese first. If you do not have ample knowledge about the Chinese language, hire an expert agency that can deliver professional Chinese translation services so you can easily ensure your site is ranking well on the search engine. Lastly, before you jump on the bandwagon, make sure your sales pitch is suited for the Chinese market as an unplanned one might result in a loss rather than again.

China is the hub and central point of economic and commercial activity in the world. With a massive population of 1.39 billion, the country has a lot to offer in terms of business and growth opportunities. Since the advent of the internet, the speed by which new businesses are establishing themselves in China has increased, even more, followed by a surge in the demand of high tech industries. As a result of this high demand from the Chinese consumer and the feasible market conditions of China, entrepreneurs from all walks of life are attracted to this region.

Not only that, but it is also estimated that there is 10% consumer growth in China every year that accounts for approximately 1 billion consumers. Out of this, about 800 million consumers are smartphone users while 540 million use the internet daily. Considering these numbers, it is no surprise that businesses and especially entrepreneurs seek ways to make a name for themselves in the Chinese market.

To be able to run a business successfully in China, however, it is important to keep certain things in mind—such as a thorough understanding of the Chinese language and culture, regulatory requirements and of course, the support of a reliable and professional agency that can deliver expert Chinese translation services.

Here’s a look at the 10 tips every entrepreneur in China should follow to make his business a huge success in this lucrative market:

Keep It Small and Slow

 The most significant and effective advice given to people who are interested in doing business in China is to think big and start small. For a beginner, it is advisable to first invest in small businesses to acquire experience and feedback from Chinese and then go for the big fish.

It is said that “haste makes waste”. This stands true for businesses that try to make an impact in the Chinese market by investing a large amount. This is counterproductive for both the business and the Chinese market, which is why it is wise to start small first. An initial small investment will give an idea about the opportunities that the Chinese market has to offer, along with building confidence, momentum, and providing quick feedback and learning. All an entrepreneur needs to do is wait for the right time as the saying goes “slow and steady wins the race”. Only then he will be able to take his business to the next level.

Adapt to the Chinese Culture

There’s a famous saying that highlights the importance of dating oneself according to the country he’s in—“when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Adapting your business to fit the country you are in takes a lot of effort and dedication, combined with thorough knowledge about the customs, languages, and traditions of the country. In adapting, though, most companies and entrepreneurs forget that language plays a pivotal role, and they need to understand the dynamics of languages being spoken in China. Other than that, they should also understand that Chinese consumer interacts with foreign brands on a different level, and the key to attaining their attention is to target the affluent, young, and tech-savvy consumer first. There is no research or book that can provide a complete explanation of Chinese thinking and culture, which is why one must learn and discover China on his own. In simple words, “Adapt to China, China won’t adapt to you”.

Move Quick (Or Die Quick)

In China, everything is in motion. The civilization is changing quickly and new trends are appearing and disappearing at a high speed. Fresh platforms are being discovered and Chinese firms are spending a lot of money and enhancing their domestic market. An example of this “quick to take action” attitude is the way Alibaba, the largest digital player in China took less than 6 months to set up AliPay (mobile pay deal) in all shops across the country. What’s more, the Chinese companies have the capability of copying the latest version of the iPhone within a span of a single night!

The Chinese business is quick and changes fast. With more competitors entering the market every year, the need to quicken up the business pace is even more prominent. If you own a small business and are looking for ways to make a business impact in China, you may need to act quickly. Of course, you will be needing a well-crafted business plan, thorough research and the support of a reliable Chinese translation service to make the job easy for you.

Be Practical

In setting up a business anywhere, an entrepreneur needs to have some core skills at his disposal that would make his business a good one in the target market—one of these skills is practicality. It is important to not be distracted by big numbers but to be pragmatic and take a practical approach to set up a business. The Chinese market is full of hidden surprises—what works for one company may not work for another. To take a practical approach, survey the Chinese market thoroughly, consider the costs, inspect the supply chain channels, and then go for introducing your product/service. A practical approach will result in greater chances of business success as compared to an approach that is unplanned and focuses only on making profits. This is why it is important to be positive, logical, and focused on learning what will work and what won’t work in the Chinese market.

Survey Online shopping and E-commerce

The Chinese market is a hotbed of opportunities for new businesses. A new entrepreneur aiming to set up business in China needs to have thorough knowledge about the way the Chinese consumer shops—and that way is the online way.

Online shopping has become the latest trend to look out for in China. According to some statistics, it has been estimated that in 2018, about 816.98 million Chinese used their smartphones to use the internet, out of which 610 million users purchased from the online market. An entrepreneur must take advantage of this growing E-commerce market to place his products within easy reach of the customer while making sure to use the online channels to advertise and promote his services.

Goodwill counts a lot in China

In China, a brand name is everything. While it is true that there is immense competition in the Chinese market, counterfeit products are also very much present here. To copy the name of an existing business in China is considered cheating, which is why any entrepreneur who sets up a business with a new name is appreciated by the Chinese consumer. This also builds trust and company name in China as buyers feel that the product they are purchasing does not belong from a fake or copied company.

Hard work-Patience-Positivity

The world of business is a maze full of challenges and opportunities. An entrepreneur should know that everything takes time, which is why he should be patient, calm, and focused.

In China, just like any other country, it is difficult to find a loyal consumer who would stick to your brand. This is why it is important to understand that hard work will pay off in the end if a company continues to reach out to the consumer. It must be kept in mind that a positive attitude will take you a long way in establishing a good business repute as well as earn loyal consumers in the long run.

Employ Local Partners

To enlarge any foreign market, hiring local partners who can guide you through the cultural and logistical hurdles of the Chinese market is an excellent policy. This really works in the case of China, because its values and systems are different than those of Western countries. Employing local partners will build trust and repute as well as make the supply of goods an easy task for a new business.

Significance of Teamwork

While it is true that entrepreneurs learn by themselves, research, and go through business meetings to gain experience, the power of teamwork cannot be denied. Worthy leaders learn from their mentors and the best mentors learn from a team. Encouraging and assisting teammates and partners in business is a wonderful strategy as it builds unity among workers and develops goodwill. An entrepreneur should honor them with outstanding performance and spend time in improving relationship with them while taking care not to look down on them.

Think Big!

It’s not easy to attract Chinese consumers. As every company aims to attract consumers by advertising online and adopting the traditional approaches to promoting brands online, the abundance of advertisements has resulted in ‘clutter’ and information overload. This is why there is a need for cooler strategies, resourceful campaigns, and more appealing, inspiring, and advanced marketing tactics. To achieve this, the best technique is to think big and aim for online advertising and the use of social media platforms. Likewise, key influencers hold significant importance in China, so an entrepreneur should make use of these influencers to advertise his brand.

The Takeaway

The Chinese market is full of opportunities, especially for new businesses. While it is true that setting up a business in China would take time to give the profits, an entrepreneur must take advantage of the lucrative Chinese market to make an impact. Likewise, an entrepreneur should also employ the services of a reliable Chinese translation service to translate his business content. It is important to stay focused and dedicated in order to make the desired impact on the Chinese market.

In today’s world where products are imported and exported over the globe, translation is mandatory to develop understanding and to establish communication. China is the hub of economic and commercial activity in the world, leading in both areas and many more. Some of the Chinese brands are the top brands in the world but since their names are changed according to the market they are introduced in, few people know that they belong to China. Unlike western states where brand name indicates the meaning of product, Chinese brand names do not depict its connotation.

Therefore, it is difficult to translate the Chinese brand name and product to export them overseas. If you own a company that wants to make a good impression on the Chinese market, you would need a good brand translation, which is possible by hiring a professional agency that delivers Chinese translation services.

It might be interesting to observe that there are some awful stories regarding failed Chinese brands owing to a bad translation of products but here are 7 most appreciated Chinese ongoing brands which are liked internationally.

Nike

It is complicated to translate and understand the Chinese language. While many people are now learning Mandarin in order to understand the language more, brands are still thinking of ways of making a big impact on the international market while keeping their original name intact. Nike, the international sports brand, acquired instant popularity in China and West too as Nike (Nai-Ke) stands for “perseverance and endurance”.

These meanings were interesting and easy to understand, which made the brand stand out from the rest. Although it is anticipated that this Chinese brand will capture the US market this year, some Western brands are still taking the lead in the domestic sports market in China, such as Anta (15%), Adidas (20%), and other smaller brands. In 1991 Nike released the sixth edition of Air Jordan, Anta Company came in the market for business at the same time, whereas Adidas Company was taking the lead in the shoe market. However, Anta holds a strong position in the Chinese market owing to its strong supply chain network but Adidas and Nike are making their way to brand excellence slowly.

The Only Cola “COCA-COLA”

A brand that does not require any introduction as everyone is well aware of it is Coca Cola—a world-famous beverage that means “tasty-fun” in both Chinese and Western languages and the Chinese translation for Coca Cola is “Ke-Kou-Ke-Le”. Naming a brand well holds significant importance in China which is why the Chinese focus on giving a unique, understandable, and attractive name to its brands. It is reported that naming a brand in China is a whole industry now and individuals as well as companies that suggest unique names for brands are paid to do it. Since it is difficult to translate a brand to suit the preferences of each country, as every country has its own linguistic and cultural expressions, Chinese brands hire individuals of other states to name their products as well as pay them to translate Chinese products in their own regional languages.

BMW (Bao-Ma)

The Chinese prefer symbols over words, which is why most of their brand names hold a symbolic meaning. One such famous brand is BMW, which when translated in Chinese (Bao-Ma), means a precious horse. The horse as an animal is considered a strong symbol in China and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. In English “宝 (bǎo)” stands for precious jewel whereas in China it depicts positivity and luck. While the speed of the car is described as “my car is this much horsepower”, the horse sign “马” denotes a motor. This shows why BMW is named after the horse as it is considered a powerful and fast ride in China.

Colgate Tooth Paste

Some translations are better left to be translated by expert companies that deliver professional Chinese translation services. Nevertheless, some famous brands have made a name for themselves in China. One such brand is Colgate. In China Colgate is called “Gao-Lu-Jie” which means revealing superior cleanliness. The reason this brand became one of the most used toothpaste brands in the world was the sheer number of people using it in China. The Chinese use Colgate to brush their teeth and it is the only fastest selling brand in the country. Moreover, since Colgate means “high reveal clean” in Chinese, it denotes cleanliness and oral hygiene in both China and elsewhere in the world.

Marriot Hotel

Another famous brand that has made waves of popularity across the world is the Marriot Hotel. The brand is known as “wan-hao” in China which means “10,000 wealthy elites” in Chinese (“万 (Wan)” means ten thousand and “豪(hau)” means wealth or luxury). The target market of the hotel is the elite or upper-middle class which is why its advertisements are also aimed at attracting the elite customer who is willing to spend money for a luxurious stay or meal at the hotel. Since the name Marriot is easy to understand both within and outside China, the brand has been able to make a name for itself in the league of famous hotels.

Famous Brands Mr. Muscle and Mr. Powerful

There are many brand translations that suffered a blow when they were translated wrongly into other languages. One of these brands is Mr. Muscle, the household cleaning brand that suffered a mistranslation crisis when it was noticed that it sounded like “Mr. Chicken Meat” when it was sent to China. However, the original has now been replaced with “Wei-Meng-Xian-Sheng” which means “Powerful”.

Mr. Muscle is a brand that was manufactured by S.C. Johnson and Sons, an American company manufacturing household cleaning supplies. Since this brand was also being imported from America into China, it became quite popular in the Chinese market.

The American brand began giving the local household cleaning brands some tough competition, which is why a new name was given to this brand—Mr. Powerful. However, this naming only added to the confusion, and people began to take these two brands as one. Still, Mr. Muscle still took a lead in the market due to its Chinese translation (Wēiměng Xiānshēng) which stands for Mr. Powerful. Nevertheless, the brand still is one of the most popular brands and is sold popularly in Chinese supermarkets.

Seiko

Some brands have a very powerful brand impact and their names hold significant importance. One such brand that has a famous Chinese brand endorsement is Seiko, the world-famous watches brand. The company has successfully translated its brand name into Jinnggoing. The first part of this translation denotes essence whereas the second one refers to handmade crafts. When these are put together, they perfectly denote the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail that is characteristic of this watch brand.

The Last Word

The Chinese language is a myriad of figures and characters that holds significant importance for its people. Since the Chinese market is a hotbed for brands seeking to make a name for themselves, the need for translations into the Chinese language has made itself known through the times. Some of the most well-known and renowned brands of the world have made a name for themselves in China by choosing the brand names which, when translated into Chinese denote some very unique meanings.

Nevertheless, while these companies have been careful in selecting brand names for themselves in China, they would still need the support of reliable agencies that can deliver them professional Chinese translation services so they can translate their brands and content into the Chinese language.