Link building for multilingual websites: this is how to score internationally

Want to ranking internationally in Google with your website in multiple languages? Great, because more and more Flemish SMEs, self-employed people and marketers are investing in a multilingual site to expand their reach. But besides a good translation, you also need a smart link building strategy needed. In this article, we dive into the specific approach for link building for multilingual websites, with practical tips you can apply immediately.

Why is link building for multilingual websites so important?

Link building as an international growth accelerator

A multilingual website opens the doors to new markets, but it also brings unique SEO challenges. You obviously want to rank high in Google regardless of the language of your visitors.

Playing there linkbuilding - in other words, getting relevant external links to your site - plays a crucial role. But did you know that links from the right countries and language areas immediately let Google know that your content is of interest to a specific target audience? That makes the difference between dangling at the bottom of those foreign search results or showing off at the top.

What makes multilingual link building different?

For a Dutch-language website, look mainly for relevant, Flemish or Dutch sites to build on. If your website is going to be multilingual, then things get a bit more complex:

• You have authoritarian left needed from every country and language area where you want to be active.
• Your content - as well as backlinks - should match the target audience and local search intentions.
• Link profiles should of course eyes for Google, with a "mix" of local and international signals.

So it's not just about more links, but to the right links in the right places.

Successful strategies for link building on multilingual websites

Opting for subdomains, subfolders or ccTLDs?

The technical structure helps determine how smoothly your multilingual link building goes. You can opt for:

• Subdomains: fr.jouwdomein.be
• Subfolders: yourdomain.be/fr/
• Country code TLDs (ccTLDs): jouwdomein.fr, jouwdomein.de

Each system affects how "value" of backlinks is distributed. Often subfolders easiest to manage and get link value through from the main domain. With separate ccTLDs, you almost build a new domain for each country, which requires a lot more work in terms of link building. Think carefully about these basics before starting your international strategy!

Building local authority

Backlinks from the right country and in the right language are worth their weight in gold. Google values local relevance. So for your French pages, look for links on Belgian, French or Swiss websites that have authority in the French language. For your German-language content, choose partners from Germany, Austria or Switzerland.

You do it like this:

• Identify local directories, news platforms and niche blogs within each language region.
• Work with local businesses, bloggers or journalists for quality links.
• Think local press releases, guest articles or thematic partner pages.

Adapting content to culture and search habits

Translations alone are not enough. Link building for multilingual websites requires content that responds to local queries, culture or search behaviour.

Suppose Belgian customers search on "buy garden furniture", while French customers are more likely to search on "acheter mobilier de jardin". Don't just work on a literal translation of the keywords, but on a real localisation of your content as well as your link-building strategy.

Maintaining balance: not just international links

Avoid building profiles only from one country or with one type of link. Google closely tracks networks of backlinks. Provide a natural mix:

• Local toppers (local press, trade websites, industry associations)
• International sources (global directories, leading blogs)
• A healthy distribution of follow/nofollow-links

This will give your multilingual website a credible reputation in every country where you operate!

Practical tips: tackling link building for your multilingual website

1. Do thorough search term research in each language

A good foundation starts with finding the right keywords. Use local keyword tools such as Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush, and tailor your anchor texts to each country's search habits.

Focus on this in your outreach and content creation: that way you get relevant links with the right context.

2. Build relationships with local influencers and trade platforms

Networking is essential in international SEO. Contact local bloggers, press, niche websites or thematic directories in each country. A guest article, interview or collaboration will give you both valuable content and strong backlinks.

3. Optimise your internal link structure by language

The power of link building for multilingual websites is not only in external links. Make sure visitors can easily switch between language versions. Use hreflang tags on each page so that Google knows which user to show which language to.

Internal links between your language variants also let link value flow!

4. Beware of automatic translations

Google recognises translated content and prefers to date original, unique texts. So invest in professional translations and optimise not only your copy, but also your link-building approach per language.

5. Work with a link-building partner

Finding it all a bit complex? Then feel free to engage a local partner experienced in linkbuilding for multilingual websites. This way, you avoid mistakes and get results faster!

On the road to greater visibility in every country!

Link building for multilingual websites requires a thoughtful, local approach. Invest in quality links by language area, tailor your content to culture and search habits and create a natural, international mix of backlinks.

Make a plan, keep investing consistently, and soon see your website shining in Google - in every language that matters to your business!