Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing a website to improve its ranking on search engines such as Google. In Portugal, SEO is an important aspect of digital marketing and is used by many businesses to improve their visibility on the web.

Here are a few tips for optimizing your website for search engines in Portugal:

Keyword Research in English and Portuguese

Conduct keyword research: Identify the keywords that people in Portugal are searching for when they are looking for products or services similar to yours. Because the Portuguese market is such an international one, with many many tourists visiting each year, as well as a large 'expat' community, you might consider an 'English first' approach.

Essentially you need your content to be in the language of your customers. If most of your customers are English-speaking, go with that. If you cater for more of a domestic market, you may wish to prioritise Portuguese.

High Quality Original Content - English and Portuguese

Create high-quality, original content: Make sure your website has well-written, informative, and engaging content that provides value to your visitors. Whichever language you prioritise, ensure that the content is worth reading, that it actually adds value to the reader.

Optimise Navigation

Optimize your website's structure and navigation: Ensure that your website is easy to navigate and has a clear structure to help search engines understand the content on your pages.

Backlinks Still Matter

Build high-quality backlinks: Backlinks from other high-authority websites can improve your website's ranking on search engines.

When choosing which keyphrases to use for your backlinks, remember to keep them in the same language as your site, which should be the same language as your primary audience. This will of course impact the type of sites that you look to get links from.

Combine SEO with Social Media for Maximum Effect

Use social media to promote your website: Social media platforms can be an effective way to reach potential customers and drive traffic to your website.

In Portugal many businesses use primarily social media such as a Facebook page to avoid the cost and complexity of building a standalone website. In the long-run, this can of course be a mistake.

Portuguese Websites Need to be Mobile Friendly

Make sure your website is mobile-friendly: More and more people in Portugal are using their mobile devices to search for products and services online. Make sure your website is optimized for mobile devices to improve its ranking on search engines.

In Portugal, Speed Matters

Monitor your website's performance: Regularly monitor your website's performance and make changes as needed to improve its ranking on search engines.

By following these tips and best practices for SEO, you can improve your website's visibility and attract more potential customers in Portugal.

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