Baidu Inc (ADR) (NASDAQ:BIDU) will offer Aussie businesses complete access to over 600 million Chinese Internet users. The Chinese search engine giant said Thursday at a launch event in Sydney that it has partnered with Belimark Australia. Belimark will promote the benefits of Australian businesses offering targeted search ads in China, reports The Australian.
Baidu expanding aggressively in international markets
Belimark will provide support and consulting to Australian advertisers. It has signed a deal with another firm Incremental Marketing Group to build campaigns targeted at Australian businesses that offer education, travel, real estate, accommodation and travel to Chinese search engine users. Baidu said its launch into Australia was part of its international expansion strategy.
In July, Baidu launched its Portuguese-language search engine in Brazil. The company is also expanding its business into Egypt, Indonesia, and Thailand. Baidu spokesman Charles Song said the Beijing-based company wanted Australian businesses to introduce them to Chinese Internet users. That’s a huge opportunity for Australian advertisers.
Baidu’s data show that about 70% Chinese travelers use the Internet to plan their trips and purchases. Last year, Chinese travelers spent over $108 billion. Previously, the Australian businesses needed local expertise to promote their products and services in China. They had to understand the Chinese culture, language, appoint a local agent. Even then communication and business was pretty difficult.
Baidu’s move to benefit Australian advertisers
But now Baidu will help them advertise to Chinese Internet users. China is Australia’s biggest trade partner. Chinese tourists spend three times more money in Australia than other international visitors. Thousands of Chinese students go to attend Australian universities with full-fee paying spots. Australian advertisers can take advantage of this huge opportunity.
According to Baidu, it has 83% share in Chinese desktop search market and 68% share in mobile search. The company receives over six billion search requests per day. Last year, Baidu generated $5.12 billion in revenue.
Baidu shares inched up 0.20% to $217.99 in pre-market trading Friday.
