TikTok, one of the leading social media platforms,has taken the world by storm, and Thailand is no exception. With its rapid rise as a search platform, the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, is flocking to TikTok for their search needs.This surge has led to a new wave of TikTok marketing in Thailand.
TikTok SEO: A New Era
TikTok for businesses is redefining the digital marketing landscape. Unlike traditional SEO, TikTok SEO focuses on:
- Video Content: Short, engaging clips.
- Hashtags: Relevant and trending tags.
- Engagement: Likes, shares, and comments.
For instance, a Thai restaurant might leverage the popularity of a local dish like ‘Pad Thai’ by creating a short recipe video, using trending hashtags, and engaging with comments.
TikTok as a Search Engine
Diving deeper into TikTok’s unique search ecosystem, it’s evident that this platform operates differently from traditional search engines. The emphasis here is on dynamic short-form videos. The initial seconds of a video are crucial; they determine whether a user continues watching or swipes away. The “For You” page, TikTok’s personalized content stream, further amplifies content based on user preferences.
TikTok isn’t just for entertainment; it’s a powerful search engine. Brands are:
- Identifying Thai TikTok trends.
- Creating original content that aligns with user intent.
- Leveraging the platform’s unique features.
For example, during Songkran, brands might create content around the water festival, tapping into the festive mood.
The Reality of Social Search
The shift towards social search is driven by the human touch. Users are drawn to real experiences, recommendations, and the authenticity platforms like TikTok offer. It’s not just about finding a product; it’s about discovering it through engaging stories.
The ‘ThaiTeaWave’ trend is a testament to this. A simple video showcasing the making of Thai iced tea went viral, leading to a nationwide craving and a spike in sales for local tea vendors.
Social platforms, especially TikTok, are becoming essential for product searches. TikTok’s edge lies in:
- User Engagement: High interaction rates.
- Ability to tap into local Thai TikTok trends.
- Visual Appeal: Dynamic video content.
In the evolving digital landscape, different platforms offer varied user engagement and content types. The table below provides a comparative snapshot of TikTok, Google, and Facebook, highlighting their primary engagement rates and content preferences.
| Platform | User Engagement Rate | Primary Content Type |
| TikTok | High | Video |
| Medium | Text | |
| Medium | Mixed |
How TikTok Search Works
Peeling back the layers of TikTok’s search algorithm, it’s a blend of user interactions, content relevance, and engagement metrics. While trending hashtags play a role, the depth of user engagement (shares, comments, repeated views) can significantly boost content visibility.
TikTok’s search algorithm is influenced by:
- Keywords.
- Hashtags.
- User engagement.
For optimal results, brands should focus on:
- Relevant Hashtags: Using trending and niche tags.
- Engaging Content: Videos that prompt likes, shares, and comments.
- Consistency: Regular posting to maintain visibility.
The Power of Hashtags
Hashtags are TikTok’s backbone. They:
- Categorize content.
- Boost visibility.
Effective strategies include:
- Using a mix of broad and niche hashtags.
- Creating brand-specific tags.
For instance, a Thai beach resort might use hashtags like #ThaiVacation, #BeachResort, and #BrandNameBeachDays.
TikTok’s Algorithm Insights
While there are myths about the ‘perfect’ time to post or the ‘ideal’ video length, TikTok’s official statements emphasize authenticity and engagement.
The TikTok algorithm considers:
- User interactions.
- Video information.
- Account reputation.
Brands can optimize by:
- Encouraging user engagement.
- Providing detailed video descriptions.
- Maintaining a positive account standing.
Setting Up TikTok Ads for the Thai Market
TikTok has become an advertising powerhouse in Thailand, offering brands a unique platform to engage with a young and dynamic audience. If you’re looking to tap into this market, here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up TikTok ads tailored for Thailand:
Create a TikTok Ads Account
Before you can start advertising, you’ll need a TikTok Ads account. Visit the TikTok Ads homepage and sign up. Ensure you set your region to Thailand to access region-specific features and pricing.
Define Your Campaign Objective
TikTok offers various campaign objectives like brand awareness, video views, and conversions. Choose an objective that aligns with your brand’s goals in the Thai market.
Target Your Audience
This is where local knowledge comes into play. Use demographic targeting to reach specific age groups, genders, and locations within Thailand. Dive deeper with interest-based targeting, focusing on Thai-specific interests like local festivals, cuisines, or popular trends.
Set Your Budget
Determine a daily or total campaign budget. Remember, ad costs might vary based on the Thai market’s demand, so it’s essential to monitor and adjust accordingly.
Design Your Ad
Create engaging video content that resonates with the Thai audience. Incorporate local elements, be it visuals of popular Thai landmarks, local music, or Thai language captions. Ensure your content aligns with TikTok’s ad specifications.
Optimize for Mobile
Given TikTok’s mobile-first nature, ensure your ad is optimized for mobile viewing. This includes clear visuals, readable text, and a strong call-to-action.
Choose Ad Placements
TikTok offers various ad placements, from In-Feed to TopView. Consider where your ad might have the most impact on the Thai audience.
Launch and Monitor
Once everything is set, launch your campaign. Monitor its performance using TikTok’s analytics tools. Pay attention to metrics like engagement rate, click-through rate, and conversion rate.
Optimize Based on Performance
Use the insights from your campaign analytics to make data-driven decisions. Adjust targeting, budget, or ad content based on what’s resonating with the Thai audience.
Engage with Your Audience
Engagement doesn’t stop at the ad. Respond to comments, engage with users who interact with your ad, and foster a sense of community.
Improving TikTok Search Presence
To truly shine on TikTok, brands need a two-pronged approach: organic content strategy that resonates and strategic use of TikTok’s advertising platform. Collaborations with influencer marketing experts, leveraging user-generated content, and tapping into local trends can significantly boost a brand’s search presence.
Boosting search presence involves:
- Answering popular questions.
- Publishing to relevant hashtags.
- Using compelling thumbnails.
For instance, a Thai fashion brand might answer questions about summer fashion trends in Thailand, using hashtags like #ThaiSummerFashion and collaborating with micro-influencers to amplify their reach.
The Role of Influencers in TikTok SEO
Influencers play a pivotal role. Collaborations can:
- Boost brand visibility.
- Drive engagement with active users.
Brands can benefit by:
- Partnering with influencers aligned with their values.
- Collaborating on challenges or giveaways.
For example, a Thai cosmetic brand might collaborate with a local beauty influencer for a makeup challenge,leveraging the power of hashtag challenges to engage users.
Conclusion
TikTok’s influence in Thailand’s digital landscape is undeniable. Brands must adapt to this changing landscape, leveraging TikTok’s unique features and audience. For a deep dive into TikTok marketing strategies tailored for Thailand, TBS Marketing offers expert insights and solutions.
Come check out our TikTok channel for more!