Think Japanese Content Before SEO

When exploring web marketing opportunities in Japan, it's crucial to approach Japanese SEO with a clear understanding and strategy. A common goal is to achieve high rankings on Japan’s Google. However, high Google rankings should not be the sole objective, especially if it means neglecting the quality of your website.

 

Right Translation and Localization

Non-Japanese companies often rely on machine translations or subpar translators for their Japanese website content. This results in awkward or direct translations that can make the website appear untrustworthy to Japanese users. Even content translated by professionals sometimes fails to engage readers effectively, as it often lacks the nuances and appeal of native Japanese writing.

Japanese Appearance

Another frequent issue is the use of images and visuals that are too foreign for the Japanese market, creating a disconnect for local viewers. Additionally, subtle aspects like text color, line spacing, and layout which differ between Japanese and English, are frequently overlooked, and make the website less user-friendly.

Usability and UX

Many people fail to gain customers despite having their product prominently displayed on their website. This could be due to weak catchphrases, ineffective calls-to-action, or an overall unpolished homepage. If the product or service itself lacks appeal, it won't sell regardless of its online visibility.

Relevant Keywords

Using incorrect keywords can be a pitfall. A high search ranking is meaningless if the search volume is low or if the keywords don't directly relate to the product or service. Keywords that attract only users doing research, rather than users ready to buy, can impact brand awareness but are less likely to impact sales.

 

The ultimate goal shouldn’t be to just rank high on search engines. It's imperative to define your end goal clearly and devise a foundational strategy to achieve it. Recognize that SEO, or achieving higher rankings, is merely one tactic among many. The focus should be on creating a genuinely appealing and user-friendly website for the Japanese audience, with content that resonates and engages effectively.