Succeeding with an Online Marketing Campaign in Thailand: 4 Important Aspects to Consider

Succeeding with an Online Marketing Campaign in Thailand: 4 Important Aspects to Consider

Any online marketing campaign must incorporate local elements in order to see success. Keeping the Thai demographic in mind, the following five aspects are going to be crucial for digital marketers.

Work with a Local Agency to See Better Results

The importance of local SEO & marketing is paramount because without specific, target-oriented search engine optimization, a marketing campaign would lose direction. Even if it manages to bring forth traffic, the conversion rates will suffer as a majority of the traffic won’t be relevant to the business’s location/services/products/delivery range.

Now the question is if you have a business in Bangkok, do you really need to work with a digital marketing agency in Bangkok? The answer is yes because they will have better experience, knowledge, and understanding in regard to any target demographic in Bangkok. It’s the advantage of having an insider on your side and a foreign marketing agency just cannot provide that. The more localized your digital marketing agency is, the better results you will see because of that.

Marketing via Smartphones

Smartphones must be taken into account for any digital marketing campaign, irrespective of the region; then why is it that Thailand deserves special attention in this aspect?

The answer is quite simple and direct, really; The Thai population has the highest percentage of mobile internet users in the whole world.

If you want to succeed with a marketing campaign in Thailand, smartphones need to be taken into account above all else. The following should all be of particular relevance when your target demographic is within the Thai crowd:

• Dynamic or adaptive web design, or at the very least, mobile-friendly websites
• Developing a smartphone application for your business 
• Allowing safe, financial transactions via mobile apps or websites
• Dynamic email design or smartphone/tablet-friendly email design
• Marketing on Instagram and instant messenger
• SMS marketing

Android is the Target Platform in Thailand

There are primarily, two smartphone Operating Systems in the world right now, which are, of course, iOS and Android. Given that Apple has little presence in the country, your marketing efforts should mostly be Android OS oriented. There is a marked difference between how Android and iOS work, so, unless the more technical elements of search engine optimization are not focused on Android, you are likely going to lose out.

Facebook and YouTube are the Two Top Social Media Channels in Thailand

Facebook is the number most popular website in Thailand for social media, and the Thai population records incredible YouTube watch times every year, especially on their smartphones. As you can imagine, Facebook pages, posts, and YouTube videos will need to be part of a successful marketing campaign here.

Perhaps the most important prerequisite of developing and implementing a marketing strategy in Thailand is to recognize the difference in habit. What may work in one nation, doesn’t work in another. After all, there is a reason why international market leaders such as Samsung or Apple are not the top smartphone brands in Thailand.

How to succeed with an online marketing campaign in Thailand

To succeed with an online marketing campaign in Thailand, consider the following tips:

1. Understand the Thai market: Research the Thai market, culture, and consumer behavior to tailor your campaign to the local audience.
2. Use the right platforms: Popular social media platforms in Thailand include Facebook, Instagram, and LINE. Consider using these platforms to reach your target audience.
3. Use local influencers: Partnering with local influencers can help increase the credibility and reach of your campaign.
4. Use local language: Use Thai language in your marketing materials to appeal to the local audience.
5. Optimize for mobile: A large portion of internet users in Thailand access the internet through mobile devices, so make sure your campaign is optimized for mobile.
6. Use SEO: Optimize your website for search engines, with a focus on keywords and phrases relevant to the Thai market.
7. Test and adjust: Monitor the performance of your campaign and make adjustments as needed to improve results.
8. Be aware of cultural and legal differences: Make sure your campaign is in compliance with the laws and regulations of Thailand.
9. Be consistent with your brand: Your campaign should be consistent with your overall branding and messaging.
10. Be patient: Building a presence in a new market takes time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.

How to enter Thai market?

Entering the Thai market can be a complex process, but here are some steps you can take to get started:

1. Conduct market research: Understand the Thai market, culture, and consumer behavior to identify opportunities and potential challenges.
2. Develop a market entry strategy: Based on your research, develop a plan for entering the Thai market, including your target audience, marketing and sales strategies, and distribution channels.
3. Establish a local presence: Consider setting up a local office or hiring a local representative to help you navigate the Thai market.
4. Register your business: Register your business with the relevant government agencies and obtain any necessary licenses and permits.
5. Build relationships: Building relationships with local partners, suppliers, and distributors can help you gain a foothold in the market.
6. Be aware of cultural and legal differences: Make sure you are familiar with the laws and regulations of Thailand and comply with them.
7. Be prepared for competition: Be aware of the competition in the market, and be prepared to differentiate your products or services.
8. Invest in marketing and branding: Invest in marketing and branding to create awareness and establish your company in the market.
9. Monitor your progress: Continuously monitor your progress, and make adjustments as needed to improve your business performance.
10. Be patient: Building a presence in a new market takes time and patience, so be prepared for a long-term commitment.

Can foreigners do business in Thailand?

Yes, foreigners can do business in Thailand, but there are certain restrictions and requirements that need to be met. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Business registration: Foreigners are required to register their business with the relevant government agencies, and obtain any necessary licenses and permits.
2. Local partners: Foreigners are not allowed to own more than 49% of a Thai company, so they will need to find a local partner or form a joint venture. There are however workarounds to this so you can own 100%.
3. Work permit: Foreigners will also need to obtain a work permit to legally work in Thailand.
4. Taxation: Foreign businesses operating in Thailand are subject to the same taxes as Thai businesses, so it’s important to understand the tax laws and regulations.
5. Legal structure: Foreigners can establish a company in Thailand under several forms of legal structure, such as a representative office, branch office, or limited company.
6. Business culture: It’s important to be familiar with the Thai business culture, which places emphasis on maintaining relationships and showing respect for authority.
7. Legal advice: It’s recommended to seek legal advice from an experienced lawyer to help you navigate the legal requirements for doing business in Thailand.
8. Patience: Foreigners should be prepared for a long-term commitment to doing business in Thailand as it can take time to build a presence and establish relationships in a new market.
9. Business plan: A comprehensive business plan will help to identify potential risks, opportunities, and to develop a strategy to enter the Thai market.
10. Be aware of cultural and legal differences: Make sure you are familiar with the laws and regulations of Thailand and comply with them.

Why is it hard to do business in Thailand?

While Thailand has a relatively open economy and is considered a hub for business in Southeast Asia, there are certain challenges and obstacles that can make it difficult to do business in the country. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Bureaucracy: The process of registering and obtaining licenses for a business in Thailand can be time-consuming and bureaucratic, which can be frustrating for foreign investors.
2. Language barrier: The language barrier can be a challenge for foreigners who may not speak Thai. This can make it difficult to navigate government bureaucracy, communicate with local partners and customers, and understand local laws and regulations.
3. Cultural differences: Thailand has a distinct culture and business practices that may be different from what foreigners are used to. This can make it difficult for foreigners to understand the local market and to establish relationships with local partners and customers.
4. Complex legal system: Thailand has a complex legal system with different laws and regulations for different types of businesses. This can make it difficult for foreigners to understand and comply with legal requirements.
5. Political instability: Thailand has a history of political instability, which can create uncertainty and make it difficult to plan for the long-term.
6. Intellectual property protection: Although Thailand has improved in recent years, there are still concerns about the level of protection for intellectual property rights in the country.
7. Limited transparency: Limited transparency in certain areas of business can make it difficult to navigate the Thai market.
8. Limited access to finance: Limited access to finance can make it difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises to grow.
9. Competition: There is a high level of competition in the market, especially in some sectors, which can make it challenging for new businesses to establish themselves.