Chinese search engine

« Back to Glossary Index

Overview of the Chinese search engine landscape

The Chinese search engine landscape is a market dominated by domestic search engines. While Google is number one in most parts of the world, it has a limited market share in China due to government restrictions. Therefore, it is important to understand the different Chinese search engines in order to have a successful Online Marketing-strategy in China.

One of the most important search engines in China is Baidu. It has a market share of over 70% and is therefore the first choice for many Chinese internet users. Baidu offers a wide range of features and specialties that need to be taken into account when making a Search engine optimization (SEO) performs for Baidu.

Besides Baidu, there are other major players in the Chinese search engine market. Sogou is the second largest Search Engine China and has its own unique selling points. Shenma, on the other hand, is a mobile Search Engine, which was developed specifically for the needs of mobile users.

To be successful in the Chinese search engine landscape, it is crucial to have an effective SEO strategy for each individual Search Engine to develop. Any Search Engine has its own guidelines and requirements that must be followed to achieve better visibility in search results.

Market leaders and key players

There are several major players in the Chinese search engine market, but one in particular stands out -. Baidu. As the undisputed leader, Baidu dominates the Chinese search engine market with a market share of over 70%. It is not only the most popular Search Engine in China, but also one of the most visited websites in the world.

Besides Baidu, however, there are other relevant Chinese search engines such as Sogou and Shenma. Sogou is the second largest Search Engine in China and has a strong presence in the market. Shenma, on the other hand, is a mobile Search Engine, which is gaining in importance due to the booming smartphone market in China. These players play an important role in the Chinese search engine landscape and should be taken into account when planning an SEO strategy.

It is also worth noting that there are certain restrictions and censorship on the Internet in China, which can lead to specific challenges for international companies. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines and regulations of the Chinese search engines in order to achieve the best possible results.

Emergence and development of Chinese search engines

The Chinese search engine landscape has undergone significant change in recent years. With the rise of the Internet in China, Chinese search engines have also developed and evolved greatly. The first Chinese search engines were introduced in the late 1990s and were initially very simple and inefficient.

With the rapid growth of Internet usage in China, Chinese search engines began to gain importance. The biggest players in the Chinese market today are Baidu, Sogou and Shenma. These search engines have evolved over the years and now offer users a wide range of features and services.

In 2000, Baidu introduced its Search Engine soon to become the most popular Search Engine in China became. Baidu has an extensive indexing function that enables users to find information on the Internet quickly and easily. The development of Baidu has been instrumental in increasing the importance of search engines in China.

Sogou is the second largest Search Engine in China and has also evolved over the years. Sogou is known for its unique selling points, including enhanced voice and image recognition technology. These features allow users to perform their searches in a much more intuitive and natural way.

Shenma, on the other hand, is a mobile Search Enginewhich was specially developed to meet the needs of mobile users. With the sharp increase in the use of smartphones in China, Shenma has taken a significant role in the Chinese search engine market. It is known for its fast and relevant search results for mobile users.

Introduction to Baidu: China's most popular search engine

Baidu is the leading Search Engine in China and is often referred to as the "Chinese Google". With a market share of over 70%, it is undeniably the most popular Search Engine in the country. Baidu was founded in 2000 and has developed continuously since then.

One of the special features of Baidu is the integration of social media into the search results. Users can access relevant social media posts directly in the search results, making Baidu an attractive platform for social media marketing.

Another important aspect of Baidu is its support for the Chinese language. Baidu specializes in indexing and presenting Chinese websites and content, making it an essential platform for companies targeting the Chinese market.

In search engine optimization (SEO) for Baidu, it is important to understand Chinese culture and the needs of Chinese users. Baidu prefers content in Chinese language, so it is advisable to use relevant keywords in Chinese language and optimize the website accordingly.

An interesting feature of Baidu is the "Baidu Baike" or "Baidu Encyclopedia". Similar to the English Wikipedia, Baidu Baike allows users to view and edit information on various topics. Companies can increase their brand awareness by publishing relevant information in Baidu Baike.

Baidu functions and features

Baidu, the most popular Search Engine China's, offers a variety of functions and special features that distinguish it from other search engines. Here are some of the most important functions and special features of Baidu:

  1. Chinese character support: Baidu is known for providing excellent support for Chinese characters. The Search Engine can easily recognize and interpret Chinese characters, which is of great importance for Chinese-speaking users.
  2. Universal Index: Baidu has an extensive universal Indexwhich, in addition to web pages, also includes images, videos, news and more. This allows users to find a wide range of content in the search results.
  3. Customization: Baidu allows users to customize search results. For example, they can change the order of search results or receive personalized recommendations based on their interests.
  4. Baidu Baike: In addition to the general web search, Baidu also offers its own encyclopedia called Baidu Baike. This encyclopedia is similar to the well-known Wikipedia and offers comprehensive information on various topics.
  5. Social media integration: Baidu also has integrations with popular Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo and WeChat. This allows users to view content from social media directly via the Search Engine discover and share.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Baidu

Baidu is the most frequently used Search Engine in China and therefore of great importance for companies that want to improve their online visibility in this market. Here are some important points about search engine optimization (SEO) for Baidu:

  • Registration requirement: In contrast to Western search engines, Baidu requires registration in order to be displayed as a company in the search results. Registration with Baidu Webmaster tools is the first step in indexing and optimizing your website.
  • Chinese Content: Baidu prefers websites with Chinese content. Translating your website into Chinese or creating a separate Chinese version can improve your visibility in search results.
  • Local hosting option: A website with a server in China loads faster and has better chances of a higher Ranking. It is therefore recommended to host your website on a Chinese server to optimize loading times.
  • Keywords: Using the right keywords is crucial for a successful SEO strategy on Baidu. Thoroughly research the most relevant and commonly used keywords in your market segment and integrate them into your content, meta tags, and URL structure.
  • Backlinks: Baidu rated Backlinks as an important criterion for the Ranking of a website. It is advisable to use high quality Backlinks from other Chinese websites to increase your credibility and authority in the eyes of Baidu.
  • Mobile optimization: Baidu places great importance on the mobile user experience. Make sure your website is optimized for mobile devices and has fast loading times to enhance the Ranking in the mobile search results.

By following these SEO tips for Baidu, you can increase your chances of being more visible and discoverable in Chinese search results. It is important to continuously keep up with the latest developments and best practices in search engine optimization for Baidu to successfully implement your online strategy.

Sogou: China's second largest search engine

Sogou, the second largest Search Engine in China, has become a major player in the Chinese search engine market in recent years. With a market share of over 20%, Sogou is a serious competitor for the market leader Baidu.

What makes Sogou so unique and attractive to Chinese Internet users? Here are some of the outstanding features and functions:

  1. Speech Recognition Technology: Sogou is known for its advanced voice recognition and voice input technology. Users can easily make their search queries by voice input, which is especially convenient when you are on the go or don't have a keyboard available.
  2. Integrated translation tools: Sogou also offers its users built-in translation tools. This allows users to translate web pages and content in different languages, which is especially beneficial for Chinese Internet users who browse foreign websites.
  3. Sogou Spider: Sogou has its own web crawler called "Sogou Spider" that indexes and crawls the web pages. This means that website owners need to make sure that their pages are optimized for the Sogou Spider in order to be visible in the search results.
  4. Link to WeChat: Sogou has a close link with WeChat, the popular messaging app in China. Users can submit search queries to Sogou directly from the WeChat app, making the service even more convenient to use.

To develop an effective SEO strategy for Sogou, the following points should be considered:

  • Keyword-Optimization: It is important to identify the right keywords and include them in the content to rank well in Sogou search results.
  • Use of Rich snippets: Sogou also shows in the search results so-called Rich snippets which contain additional information such as ratings, prices or event data. By optimizing the website for these Rich snippets the click-through rate can be increased.
  • Mobile optimization: Since Sogou is a mobile Search Engine is, optimized display and usability on mobile devices is crucial. Responsive design and fast loading times are important factors for a good ranking in mobile search results.
  • Local SEO: Sogou attaches great importance to local Relevance. Therefore, it is important to optimize the website for local keywords and locations in order to be visible in the relevant search queries for specific regions.

Sogou is definitely a Search Enginewhich should not be neglected in a targeted marketing strategy for the Chinese market. Use the unique features and optimize your website for better visibility in Sogou search results.

Sogou's Unique Selling Points

Sogou, the second largest Search Engine in China, has some unique features that set it apart from other search engines.

Listed below are some of Sogou's key Unique Selling Points:

  • Sogou has advanced speech recognition technology that allows users to make verbal search queries. This feature is especially preferred by users who prefer to speak rather than type.
  • The Search Engine offers an integrated translation and dictionary system. Users can look up unknown words or phrases directly in the search results without having to use separate translation or dictionary apps.
  • Sogou also offers a special emoji search service. Users can search for specific emojis and get a collection of relevant emojis that match their search queries.
  • Another unique feature of Sogou is the Sogou Input Method Editor (IME), a popular Chinese input system. Users can use the IME function to enter Chinese characters quickly and efficiently.
  • Sogou's multimedia search feature allows users to search for images, videos and music. This is especially useful for users searching for visual content.

These unique features set Sogou apart from other search engines in China and provide users with a diverse and enhanced search experience.

Creating an effective SEO strategy for Sogou

When it comes to search engine optimization (SEO) for the second largest Search Engine China's Sogou, there are some important points to consider in order to develop an effective strategy:

  1. Keyword-Research: Start with a thorough Keyword-Research to identify the most relevant keywords used by your target audience. To do this, use tools like the Sogou Keyword Planner, to set up the Search volume and analyze the competition of the keywords.
  2. Content Strategy: Create high-quality and relevant content that targets the selected keywords. Write engaging and informative copy that adds value to users. Also use images, videos, and other media to enhance the user experience.
  3. On-page optimization: Optimize your website to make it look its best for Sogou and its users. Make sure that your meta tags, URL-Structure, headlines, and content to be relevant and well-structured. Use important keywords both in the texts and in the page elements, but make sure that the content always remains natural and meaningful.
  4. Local customization: Sogou places great emphasis on local searches and regional Relevance. Add regional information to your content to rank better in local search results. Also use Sogous local directories and maps to store your company data.

By implementing this SEO strategy, you will have the opportunity to position your website higher in Sogou search results and thus gain more organic Traffic Generate. Stay up-to-date with Sogou guidelines to ensure that your optimization efforts continue to be successful.

Shenma: Mobile search engine

Shenma is a mobile Search Enginewhich was developed specifically for the Chinese market. Unlike Baidu and Sogou, Shenma focuses exclusively on mobile search queries and is therefore particularly suitable for the increasing number of users who use their mobile devices to surf the Internet.

One of the biggest advantages of Shenma is its speed. The Search Engine is optimized to deliver fast search results on mobile devices, improving the user experience. Another advantage is the integration of QR codes. These codes can be scanned with the Shenma app to quickly access relevant content.

Like all search engines, Shenma also offers Paid Advertising an. Companies can place ads to increase their visibility and target mobile users. The Search Engine offers various advertising formats, including Banner advertising and search engine advertising to help companies reach their target group.

When it comes to SEO for Shenma, there are some important guidelines to follow. One important factor is optimization for mobile devices. The website and content should be designed to work well on mobile devices and provide a good user experience. Another important aspect is the use of relevant keywords to improve visibility in search results.

Overall, Shenma is an interesting option for companies looking to target the Chinese market, especially if they focus on mobile users. With its speed, QR code integration, and advertising capabilities, Shenma offers a variety of features that make it an attractive channel for search engine optimization and the Online Marketing make

Advantages and disadvantages of Shenma

Shenma is a chinese Search Enginewhich focuses strongly on mobile devices. This gives Shenma some specific advantages and disadvantages compared to other search engines in China.

Advantages:

  • Mobile focus: Shenma is especially optimized for mobile search and therefore offers a user-friendly interface and fast loading times on smartphones.
  • Integration with WeChat: Shenma is tightly integrated with the popular messaging app WeChat, making it easy for users to search for information directly from the app.
  • Local Search: Shenma offers a strong emphasis on local search results, making it particularly attractive to businesses targeting a local customer base.

Disadvantages:

  • Market share: Although Shenma is successful in mobile, it has a comparatively small market share in the overall search engine market in China compared to Baidu and Sogou.
  • Limited language support: Shenma is mainly focused on the Chinese language and offers limited support for other languages, which can make it more difficult for foreign companies to be visible on the platform.
  • Limited advertising program: Compared to Baidu, Shenma offers a more limited advertising program and fewer options for businesses to promote their Range and to place targeted ads.

Shenma SEO Guidelines

In order to optimize your website for Shenma in the best possible way and achieve a good positioning in the search results, you should follow the SEO guidelines below:

  • Good mobile user experience: Shenma is a mobile Search Engine, so it's important that your website is optimized for mobile devices. Make sure your page loads quickly, is easy to read and user-friendly on smartphones and tablets.
  • Local Relevance: Shenma places great emphasis on local search results. Optimize your website with local keywords to appear in search results when users search for relevant local information.
  • High quality, relevant content: As with any Search Engine high quality and relevant content is also very important for Shenma. Make sure your website offers informative and useful content that meets users' needs.
  • Optimization of titles and meta tags: Use relevant keywords in your page titles, meta tags, and descriptions to help Shenma understand your site's content and index it accordingly.
  • Backlinks: Backlinks are also an important factor for Shenma Ranking-factor. Strive for high quality Backlinks from trusted websites to strengthen the authority of your website.
« Back to Glossary Index

FAQ

What is a Chinese search engine? arrow icon in accordion
A Chinese search engine is a search engine designed specifically for the needs and requirements of Chinese users.
Is there a dominant Chinese search engine? arrow icon in accordion
Yes, the most dominant Chinese search engine is Baidu, which has a market share of more than 70 % in China.
How does a Chinese search engine work? arrow icon in accordion
A Chinese search engine works similarly to other search engines. It uses AI-based algorithms to retrieve relevant search results for users. Indexing and ranking methods are used for this purpose.
What special features do Chinese search engines have over others? arrow icon in accordion
Chinese search engines have special features such as social network and local service integration, Chinese characters and speech recognition technologies.
How do Chinese search engines differ from Western search engines? arrow icon in accordion
Chinese search engines are often more focused on the local needs and interests of users. They have functions for recognizing and prioritizing Chinese characters and for personalizing search results.
Where does most of the information on Chinese search engines come from? arrow icon in accordion
Chinese search engines obtain their information from various sources such as websites, news portals, online platforms and other Chinese sources.
What role do Chinese search engines play in state censorship? arrow icon in accordion
Chinese search engines are subject to strict regulations and censorship by the government. They filter certain content that is considered politically sensitive or critical of the system.
What are the alternatives to Baidu? arrow icon in accordion
There are alternatives to Baidu, for example, the search engine Sogou, which has a market share of about 18 % in China, as well as journalists such as Haosou and 360 search.
How to evaluate the success of a Chinese search engine? arrow icon in accordion
The success of a Chinese search engine is evaluated based on various factors, including market share, number of users, and user satisfaction.
What are the trends in Chinese search engine technology? arrow icon in accordion
In Chinese search engine technology, trends such as mobile-first indexing, speech recognition, and other AI applications to offer personalized search results are clearly evident.

With top positions to the new sales channel.

Let Google work for you, because visitors become customers.

About the author

Social Media & Links:

Your free gift!
Our SEO strategy
Webinar

You want more visitors and better Google rankings?

Watch our free SEO strategy webinar now and understand where your SEO levers are and how to tackle them head on.