Creating a Baidu account is the first step toward effective SEO endeavors in China. Despite the persistent COVID-19 pandemic, the online economy in China is experiencing significant growth. Baidu stands out as the preferred search engine for consumers and businesses in the region.

Once you have a Baidu account, you can access invaluable tools such as Baidu Analytics (Tongji) and the Baidu Webmaster Tool (Ziyuan). Additionally, you can implement Baidu SEO tactics to enhance your website’s rankings.

In this tutorial, we will show you how to open your account on Baidu in multiple ways. So let’s get started.

What is Baidu?

Like other popular worldwide search engines, Baidu is an exclusive Chinese search engine. As one of China’s top search engines, it plays a pivotal role in listing websites and businesses for its vast population.

Chinese users tend to rely on Baidu for their online searches. Therefore, entrepreneurs from various countries desire to seek Baidu account registrations. This desire stems from the opportunity it offers to extend its online presence into China, a market with a vast population.

Regular Baidu Account vs. Baidu PPC Account

First, you need to know that there are two types of Baidu accounts: 

The Standard Baidu Account

Getting registered on Baidu is the first step toward implementing SEO tactics on China’s largest search engine.

With a standard Baidu account, you can unlock access to the Baidu Webmaster Tool, which is similar to Google Search Console. This tool enables you to perform tasks such as submitting sitemaps and URLs for indexing while providing insights into your site’s performance.

Moreover, you can use Baidu Analytics with your standard Baidu account, which is similar to Google Analytics. Baidu Tongji allows you to analyze detailed statistics like website traffic, traffic sources, and conversion rates.

Upon registration, managing your “normal” Baidu account can be done through the Baidu website or via the Baidu app, available for download from the Google Store or Apple Store.

The Baidu PPC Account

Alternatively, a Baidu PPC account grants access to various additional tools, including the Jimuyu page builder, Baidu Tuiguang (similar to Google Ads), display ads, and more.

The power of a Baidu ads account lies in its ability to craft PPC ads tailored to specific keywords and budgets, select target audiences, and analyze outcomes. However, setting up a Baidu PPC account typically requires assistance from an agency, regardless of whether your company operates within China or abroad.

Currently, Baidu is in the process of streamlining this setup procedure. In the future, registering for a Baidu PPC account may be feasible without agency intervention.

Types of Errors When Registering Baidu Account

When you are creating a Baidu account, you may face the following errors:

• The system has identified that the current account was registered through an unauthorized channel.
• Unfortunately, registrations for overseas and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions are not currently supported.
• At this moment, the system is unable to fulfill your request. Please try again later.
• A system error has occurred. Kindly take a break and try again later.

How to Create a Baidu Account?

Setting up a Baidu account is challenging for those who do not speak Chinese or reside outside mainland China. However, it is achievable.

Primarily, registering a Baidu account can be done in two ways: using a Chinese phone number (preferred) or an international one (with limitations).

While the process may appear complex, we’re here to guide you through each step!

With a Chinese Phone Number

To initiate the registration process, you can provide a Chinese phone number here. This will enable you to activate your Baidu registration via email*.

Please note that only one Baidu account can be registered using a Chinese phone number. While this may seem unimportant, it can be a challenge because most of the smartphones in China come with a pre-installed Baidu app and account.

Therefore, using a designated company smartphone to set up your Baidu business account is essential, rather than relying on a friend’s or partner’s device.

With an International Phone Number

If you are an international business owner or entrepreneur looking to expand your presence in China, leveraging platforms like Baidu and other regional cutting-edge platforms is essential.

Foreign business owners have the option to register a “standard” Baidu account using an international phone number. Baidu offers an official registration process for individuals outside of China, covering 156 countries** and their respective country codes.

It’s important to note that this process is conducted in Chinese and may encounter system errors. For instance, the verification code often fails to arrive, making this method less reliable. Nevertheless, you can give it a try! If you’re fortunate enough to receive the verification code, the subsequent step involves email registration (which we recommend)*.

Through a Baidu PPC Account

Creating a Baidu account without a Chinese phone number poses a challenge. Therefore, international companies often choose to pursue a Baidu PPC account, which doesn’t require a Chinese phone number. However, a business license and a Chinese website are necessary for this registration.

Moreover, as mentioned earlier, the Baidu PPC account offers additional features in Baidu Tongji compared to the standard Baidu account, although the options in Baidu Ziyuan remain unchanged.

The Takeaway

Just a while ago, you wondered how to make a Baidu account. Now, you’re familiar with setting up a Baidu account for your business, whether through a Chinese or international phone number, with email login as a secondary step.

Interested in utilizing tools like Baidu Tongji and Baidu Webmaster? If so, you must register either a standard Baidu account or a Baidu PPC account. Both accounts operate independently of each other. The Baidu PPC account offers a broader array of options and tools.

For international businesses, registering a Baidu PPC account yields more success because a regular Baidu account only accepts limited international phone numbers. Hence, Western companies looking to kickstart their Baidu SEO and PPC endeavors should opt for a Baidu PPC account.