At what stage should a Thai restaurant start setting up DianPing?

In an era where Chinese tourists choose restaurants based on reviews and ratings rather than storefront signs, having a presence on Chinese review platforms like DianPing, for example, is no longer an option for Thai restaurants.

But it's the starting point for generating sales from Chinese customers. This article will guide you through everything from understanding the basics and preparing to register on DianPing to commercial strategies that help attract Chinese customers to your physical store.

What is DianPing, and why shouldn't Thai restaurants overlook it?

Dianping is a popular Chinese platform for finding restaurants, cafes, and services. Most of its users are tourists and locals who trust real user reviews before making a decision.

For Thai restaurants, DianPing serves as a "digital storefront" that Chinese customers see before they arrive in Thailand.

Reasons why Thai restaurants shouldn't be overlooked.

• Chinese customers use DianPing to find nearby shops while traveling.
• Restaurant review scoresIt has an effect onDeciding to go into the storehigh
• You can enter store information Chinese-language menu Prices and promotions are all included
• Connecting online behavior to actual store visits (Offline Conversion)

Daxue Consulting It was stated that Chinese consumers tend to make restaurant choices based on review platforms that include real user experiences, making DianPing an important tool for Thai restaurants looking to reach Chinese tourists.

What should the Thai restaurant DianPing prepare before starting operations?

Before registering with DianPing, Thai restaurants should prepare information that aligns with Chinese user behavior to ensure a professional start on the platform.

Things to prepare in advance

1. Store information in Chinese (store name, address, opening and closing times).
2. Actual food photos, restaurant atmosphere photos, and logo.
3. Popular menu items, with short descriptions in Chinese.
4. Restaurant's selling points (Signature Dish / Thai Authentic / Halal / Vegetarian)
5. Availability of customer service facilities for Chinese customers (staff/signs/menus).

Being well-prepared from the start helps reduce the risk of data errors and increases the chances of customers clicking "Navigate to store."“

When is the best time for Thai restaurants to start using DianPing? Should they start when they open or before the tourist season begins? DianPing takes time to build reviews and credibility. The earlier you start, the greater the advantage in attracting Chinese customers.

DianPing Registration Process for Thai Restaurants

The DianPing registration process is often a point of difficulty for many restaurants. If not done correctly, it can be time-consuming or lead to rejection. For Thai restaurants, it's important to understand the following main steps:

Important steps

1. Register for a Merchant Account.
2. Verify the identity of the shop owner/manager.
3. Please fill in all the store information completely and truthfully.
4. Upload supporting documents (storefront photo/license).
5. Waiting for system verification and approval.

Commercial tips: Clear information and real images help speed up the DianPing registration process and instantly build credibility for your online store.

How to set up your DianPing storefront to attract Chinese customers.

After DianPing's Thai restaurant received approval, storefront setup is key to conversion.

Elements that should be focused on

• The food photos are clear, appetizing, and include close-ups.
• Seed reviews are used to prevent the page from being empty.
• Clear menu prices reduce anxiety before entering the restaurant.
• The shop description is short, concise, and easy to read.
• Practical map and navigation buttons.

Businesses with a well-designed storefront have a clear advantage over competitors, especially during peak tourist season when Chinese tourists in Thailand have limited time to choose a restaurant.

The initial strategy was to use DianPing to attract Chinese customers to the restaurant.

Having just an account isn't enough; Thai restaurants on DianPing need a clear initial strategy and a method for running DianPing successfully.

Recommended strategies

• Start the review process with KOC/real customer.
• Push your most popular menu items to the top of search results.
• Use the "First Time Trying the Restaurant" promotion.“
• I respond to reviews regularly in Chinese.
• Images and information are updated monthly.

Restaurants that implement this strategy from the start will see results in terms of walk-in customers from Chinese businesses faster and build a long-term review base, leading to the continued growth of DianPing, a Thai restaurant chain.

If you would like to learn more about marketing on DianPing, you can read more here. Dianping: A new platform for marketing in China that you shouldn't miss. 

Should Thai restaurants do it themselves or use an agency like DianPing? Which is better?

A frequently asked question among Thai restaurant owners is: Should I do it myself or use an agency?

DIY is suitable for...

• Small shop, limited budget
• There is a Chinese-speaking communications team
• I have time to manage my online store.

Using the DianPing agency is suitable for...

• Shops that need quick results
• Shops in tourist areas
• Shops that don't have a Chinese language support team.
• We need a comprehensive strategy for reviews and promotions for Chinese customers.

Commercially, using an agency helps reduce risk and increases the chances of making Thai restaurants like DianPing visible to Chinese customers faster.

If you want to use DianPing to attract real Chinese customers to your store, with the help of an expert agency, you can check out our services here. Chinese Digital Marketing 

DianPing, a Thai restaurant, started off on the right foot, and that was key to attracting Chinese customers.

Starting a Thai restaurant on DianPing shouldn't wait until it's famous; it should begin with the foundational stages. This includes gathering information, registering on DianPing, setting up your storefront, and developing effective review and promotional strategies. Thai restaurants that start correctly will have a competitive advantage in reaching Chinese tourists, increasing walk-in opportunities, and sustainably converting mobile searches into actual in-store sales.

If your business needs professional DianPing marketing services from an expert agency, you can contact HelloAds (HelloAds), a full-service online marketing agency, at Facebook Page: HelloAds. HelloAds Agency

Besides Dianping, restaurants can also use other platforms. See... An overview of marketing in China before you start. And services from... A Chinese marketing company that manages restaurants and retail.