The Chinese market is unique because its main platforms are not Google but Baidu, WeChat, Weibo, Xiaohongshu, and Douyin. Therefore, doing Chinese SEO and online marketing in China requires specialized strategies along with a solid understanding of pricing and expenses to create an effective marketing budget.
According to a report from CNNIC in December 2024, China had over 1.09 billion internet users, with 99.8% accessing the internet via smartphones, showing the vast potential and scale of the Chinese digital market.
Chinese SEO Service Fees
SEO in China is different from SEO in other countries because the primary search engine is Baidu, not Google. The cost of Chinese SEO services depends on several factors, such as:
Type of Website – Websites hosted in China with an ICP License generally perform better but often have higher setup costs than foreign-hosted sites.
Keywords Targeted –
Low-competition keywords are faster and cheaper to rank.
High-competition keywords in industries like tourism, supplements, and cosmetics require a higher budget, raising the cost for Thai businesses targeting these categories.
Ongoing SEO Maintenance –
SEO in China usually requires monthly services to maintain rankings and adapt to Baidu’s algorithm updates. Businesses should allocate a continuous budget for Baidu SEO services, along with Chinese advertising, to achieve a complete online marketing strategy.
Typical starting price for Chinese SEO services ranges from 25,000–50,000 THB per month, depending on the number of keywords and market competition.
Common Price Ranges
Basic Package: 15,000 – 30,000 THB/month
Suitable for small businesses and SMEs entering the Chinese market.Mid-Level Package: 30,000 – 80,000 THB/month
Includes content creation and backlinks from quality Chinese websites.Premium Package: 80,000 THB/month and up
Comprehensive SEO with multiple keyword sets, in-depth analysis, and UX improvements for larger businesses.
Chinese Marketing Costs
Chinese marketing goes beyond SEO and includes advertising and promotions on key Chinese social platforms such as WeChat Ads, Weibo Ads, Douyin Ads, and Xiaohongshu Influencer Marketing.
At HelloAds, we manage campaigns across all major platforms. Learn more about our Chinese digital marketing services
Key Factors Influencing Pricing
Advertising platform chosen – Some platforms have higher cost-per-click (CPC) rates.
Target audience size and targeting precision.
Campaign duration and frequency.
Influencer/KOL fees – Costs range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of THB per post, depending on reputation and follower count.
At HelloAds, we offer flexible monthly budgets ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of THB, providing a complete Chinese marketing solution with expert guidance.
Typical Campaign Costs
Beginner-Level Campaigns: 20,000 – 50,000 THB/month
Long-Term Business Campaigns: 50,000 – 200,000 THB/month
KOL/Influencer Costs: 10,000 – 500,000 THB/post depending on reach and engagement
According to Statista, in 2024, China’s digital advertising market was valued at over $191 billion USD, with the majority coming from mobile advertising, making mobile-focused marketing a top priority.
Budget Planning for the Chinese Market
Creating a well-structured budget is crucial since Chinese marketing requires a mix of tools and platforms to achieve the best results.
Budget Planning Guidelines
Define business goals – Whether you aim for broad market penetration or niche targeting.
Select key tools –
For example, combining Baidu SEO with Douyin Ads or WeChat Marketing.
Costs typically range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of THB.Allocate content and translation budget –
Accurate and culturally relevant Chinese language is essential.Plan for continuous optimization –
Set aside 10–20% of the budget for testing and adjustments.
Estimated Monthly Budgets
Startups/Small Businesses: 50,000 – 100,000 THB/month
Mid-Sized Businesses: 100,000 – 300,000 THB/month
Large Enterprises or Full-Scale Market Entry: 300,000+ THB/month
Chinese Marketing Packages
Most agencies provide tailored Chinese marketing packages to meet the needs of businesses of different sizes:
| Package | Details | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Basic keywords and ads on WeChat/Weibo for small businesses entering the market. | 15,000 – 50,000 THB/month |
| Growth | Mid-level SEO, multi-platform ads, translation, and content creation services. | 50,000 – 150,000 THB/month |
| Premium/Enterprise | Complete marketing: SEO, ads, influencer marketing, video, and offline campaigns. | 150,000 – 500,000 THB/month |
Why Choose HelloAds Packages
Confident Start – Enter the Chinese market with expert support.
Strong Partnerships – Collaborations with leading Chinese digital marketing companies.
All-in-One Services – Comprehensive solutions to help your brand stand out.
Trusted Advisors – Strategic planning and seamless marketing execution.
Many wonder why Chinese marketing costs are higher than other markets.
This is because it requires specialized teams with knowledge of Chinese platforms, language, and advertising regulations to ensure compliance with Chinese laws and policies.
Additional Costs for Exporting to China
Beyond digital marketing, businesses must consider other operational costs, including:
Trademark registration in China: 10,000 – 20,000 THB
ICP License (for hosting in China): 5,000 – 15,000 THB
Shipping and logistics fees – Depend on weight, quantity, and method (sea or air).
Import taxes and customs documentation – Calculated as a percentage of product value.
Ongoing marketing costs – To maintain brand awareness and drive consistent sales.
Local team salaries – Hiring local staff for customer service, logistics, or marketing helps reduce cultural and language barriers.
Legal and tax consulting – Ensure compliance with Chinese e-commerce laws, VAT regulations, and consumer protection laws.
Combining marketing and operational expenses gives a clear overall picture, making it easier to plan finances accurately for entering the Chinese market.
Conclusion
Chinese SEO and marketing costs vary depending on business goals, market size, and chosen platforms.
Preparing the right budget and selecting suitable SEO and marketing service packages ensures you maximize ROI and achieve measurable results.
If you’re considering entering the Chinese market, understanding the cost structure upfront will help you make faster and more accurate decisions.
Contact HelloAds today to discuss how we can help your business succeed in China:
Facebook: HelloAds
Website: helloads.net/contact-us
Our team is ready to guide you through every step of your Chinese market journey.
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