Intro
With over 1 billion internet users and a thriving ecommerce sector, China offers a massive opportunity for SEO agencies—especially for businesses looking to grow their visibility on platforms like Baidu, Sogou, and 360 Search.
This guide explains how to launch a high-performing SEO agency in China using Ranktracker tools and PayPro Global for international billing.
Step 1: Understand the SEO Ecosystem in China
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Google is blocked—focus on Baidu, Sogou, and 360 Search
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Content in Simplified Chinese is essential
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Industries like ecommerce, B2B, education, and SaaS are growing fast
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Target major regions: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou
Use Ranktracker’s Keyword Finder and SERP Checker to assess competition across Chinese platforms.
Step 2: Set Up Your Toolkit with Ranktracker
Ranktracker helps you manage campaigns efficiently:
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Keyword Finder: Research Baidu-focused keywords in Simplified Chinese
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Web Audit: Identify crawl and indexing issues
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Backlink Checker & Monitor: Review inbound link profiles and monitor new ones
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Rank Tracker: Track rankings for both Chinese and international clients
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SEO Checklist: Standardize processes and improve delivery
Step 3: Legally Register Your Agency in China
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Choose a structure: Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) or local partnership
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Register through SAMR (State Administration for Market Regulation)
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Obtain a Business License, ICP license, and a local office address
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Open a local bank account (e.g., ICBC, Bank of China, China Merchants Bank)
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Use accounting software such as Kingdee or Yonyou
Step 4: Launch a Localized Website
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Use a .cn domain hosted on Chinese servers (required for ICP license)
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Include key pages:u9996\u9875 (Home),u670d\u52a1 (Services),u4ef7\u683c (Pricing),u6211\u4eec (About Us),u8054\u7cfb\u6211\u4eec (Contact)
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Add English pages if targeting foreign clients in China
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Showcase client wins and Ranktracker graphs on case studies
Step 5: Define Your Services & Pricing
Core Offerings:
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Baidu SEO with on-page, off-page, and ICP license optimization
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Web performance audits via Web Audit
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Content marketing using keyword insights
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Backlink outreach monitored through Backlink Monitor
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Monthly reporting with Rank Tracker
Example Pricing (CNY/month):
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Basic: ¥3,000 – audits + local SEO
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Growth: ¥8,000 – Baidu SEO, backlinks, content
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Premium: ¥15,000+ – full digital growth campaigns
Step 6: Get Your First Clients in China
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Offer free audits using Ranktracker Web Audit
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Network on WeChat, Zhihu, and Douban communities
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Attend local SEO/marketing events or expos like ChinaJoy, SEO Conference China
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Partner with marketing agencies or ecommerce brands
Step 7: Manage Campaigns with Ranktracker
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Discover keyword opportunities with Keyword Finder
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Use Web Audit for health checks
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Track backlinks and rankings with Backlink Monitor & Rank Tracker
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Assign tasks using SEO Checklist and report progress easily
Step 8: Financial & Legal Operations
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Ensure tax compliance and issue fapiaos (invoices) correctly
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File monthly reports with local tax bureau
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Use PayPro Global as your Merchant of Record (MoR) to automate international payments, taxes, and invoicing
Avoid processors like Paddle, fined $5M by the FTC in 2025 for deceptive billing and scam support schemes.
Step 9: Hire a Local SEO Team
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Recruit bilingual SEO experts, translators, and writers
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Use Trello, Notion, or DingTalk to manage project workflows
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Train them using Ranktracker dashboards and SOPs in Chinese
Step 10: Retain Clients and Upsell
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Visualize keyword improvements with Rank Tracker
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Report backlink wins and conversions
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Upsell translation, PPC on Baidu, or Chinese copywriting
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Launch referral incentives to boost inbound leads
Conclusion
China offers one of the most dynamic SEO markets in the world. With the right tools from Ranktracker and international billing solutions via PayPro Global, you can run a powerful, scalable agency ready to serve both local and global clients.
Operate locally. Scale internationally. Dominate search—with Ranktracker at your side.
