In the context of strong globalization, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is no longer an optional strategy but has become a core factor for businesses to expand into international markets. For startups, SEO not only helps optimize rankings on search engines but also serves as a strategic bridge to reach potential customers globally. As user behavior increasingly depends on search engines in decision-making, ensuring a business appears prominently on platforms such as Google, Bing, or even local search engines like Baidu (China) and Naver (Korea) is essential. A strong SEO strategy not only enhances online visibility but also builds trust with customers through high-quality content, seamless user experience, and sustainable marketing strategies.
Professional SEO services are not merely about inserting keywords into content but require a comprehensive strategy, including technical website optimization, user experience enhancement, in-depth content development, and quality link building. For Vietnamese startups looking to expand their market, SEO not only helps optimize marketing costs but also provides a long-term competitive advantage over paid advertising methods like Google Ads or Facebook Ads. A well-optimized website can sustain organic traffic for years, whereas PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising campaigns are short-lived and require a large budget. Specifically, businesses targeting international markets must implement SEO strategies tailored to each region, ensuring content aligns with the culture, language, and search behavior of different customer groups. For instance, SEO strategies in the U.S. differ significantly from those in Japan due to variations in search habits, algorithm preferences, and language use.
A prime example of SEO’s effectiveness in market expansion is the story of Base.vn, a Vietnamese technology startup specializing in SaaS enterprise management platforms. Initially focusing on the domestic market, they later recognized the potential for expansion into Southeast Asia and even North America. To reach international customers, Base.vn heavily invested in SEO strategies, optimizing their website with bilingual content (English and Vietnamese) and developing content marketing strategies centered on keywords like “enterprise management software,” “SaaS solutions for businesses,” and “workflow automation tools.” They implemented a blog system sharing in-depth articles on optimizing business management processes and provided guides on using their software. Additionally, Base.vn created market-specific landing pages, enhancing accessibility for international customers. As a result, after 12 months of structured SEO implementation, their international traffic increased by over 250%, securing a strong foothold in the Southeast Asian region.
Another notable case is ELSA Speak, an AI-powered English pronunciation app founded by Vietnamese entrepreneurs but aimed at the global market. Instead of relying solely on paid advertising, ELSA focused on SEO to attract organic users from Google. They implemented an international SEO strategy by optimizing their website with keywords such as “English pronunciation app,” “learn to speak English,” and “AI-based language learning.” Additionally, ELSA built a blog focusing on pronunciation improvement, sharing effective English learning tips, and achieving high rankings on Google. Thanks to its intelligent SEO strategy, ELSA Speak attracted millions of downloads from the U.S., India, Japan, and Europe without relying excessively on advertising. This not only significantly reduced marketing costs but also created a sustainable traffic source, making ELSA one of the world’s leading English learning apps.
For startups, investing in SEO services is not just a marketing solution but also a long-term growth strategy. Understanding how SEO works and applying it effectively helps businesses minimize advertising costs, increase conversion rates, and reach the right target audience. Moreover, a solid SEO strategy builds brand credibility, establishes trust with international customers, and enables sustainable business expansion.
