In the case of social media platforms, it may be tempting to simply stick to the large names you already know, however nobody desires to overlook out on the subsequent massive factor. And look, we don’t need to spark your FOMO, however have you ever heard of KakaoTalk?
Whether or not you’re acquainted with this sizzling social messaging app or not, there’s probability it is best to begin listening to it. Not solely is KakaoTalk protected, however it is likely to be important in your digital advertising plan.
What’s KakaoTalk?
KakaoTalk (or KaTalk) is a well-liked messaging app in South Korea. It’s a free cellular service that gives textual content messaging, voice and video calls, group chats and extra.
Although just like Line or WeChat, KakaoTalk’s truly been round for 12 years. However its reputation has exploded in recent times, with a rise of over 8 million customers worldwide between 2015 and 2021.
Chart through Statista.
You know the way it’s frequent to say “let me Google that” once you’re pondering of trying one thing up? KakaoTalk has achieved that stage of ubiquity, with South Koreans usually utilizing “Ka-Discuss” as a verb (i.e. “I’ll Ka-Discuss you later”).
In response to eMarketer, a whopping 97.5% of smartphone customers in South Korea used the app as of December 2020. That’s over 3 instances the quantity of customers on the second hottest app, Instagram.
Chart through eMarketer.
KakaoTalk has turn out to be an ingrained a part of South Korean tradition, however you should utilize it wherever on the planet. You simply want the app and an web connection. KakaoTalk can also be surprisingly widespread within the Netherlands and Italy, and it’s solely a matter of time earlier than it catches on elsewhere.
The platform can join companies with an unlimited base of potential customers worldwide. Your KakaoTalk advertising marketing campaign would possibly lengthen far past South Korea.
How will you use KakaoTalk for enterprise?
So there’s a complete properly of untapped potential, however how are you going to use KakaoTalk for what you are promoting? Whether or not it’s Kakao advertisements, Kakao buying, or buyer care, let’s take a look at the entire issues you are able to do to leverage your model on the platform.
Instance of a KakaoTalk Channel homepage.
Create a KakaoTalk Enterprise Channel
Free to create and simple to take care of, a KakaoTalk Enterprise Channel is a superb name for enterprise homeowners seeking to break into the platform.
With this software, you may construct a searchable hub on your model. You too can maintain your followers up to date with pictures, movies and standing updates. Maybe better of all, you employ the built-in good chat operate to have real-time communication together with your shoppers.
KakaoTalk’s official chatbot brand.
Replace your shoppers
There are many methods to promote your model on KakaoTalk, and so they’re all value your time. You possibly can ship direct messages to of us in your KakaoTalk Enterprise Channel. These can be utilized for every thing from model notifications to coupon drops or different particular gives.
Attain new prospects
For those who’re seeking to develop your attain additional, you may entry the Kakao BizBoard. This standalone B2B service permits companies to share content material throughout numerous platforms.
With BizBoard, you may create extremely focused advert campaigns utilizing Kakao Sync.
Design customized emoticons
Like all social media app value its weight in likes, KakaoTalk has a robust emoticon presence. The primary stars are the extremely lovable Kakao Associates. They’re so widespread, they even have their very own branded retail shops all through South Korea.
Kakao Associates retail retailer through Common Beijing.
Certain, it’s unlikely you’ll be capable of provide you with one thing as iconic because the beloved Ryan the lion. However you may nonetheless contribute customized emoticons to the KakaoTalk oeuvre. Merely join the Kakao Emoticon Studio to design emoticons that rep your model.
Examples of customized emoticons within the KakaoTalk retailer.
Immediately promote meals (if relevant)
Some manufacturers would possibly profit from utilizing KakaoTalk Order, the app’s tackle widespread providers like UberEats or Doordash.
The meals ordering service additionally has a strong boss heart. It helps retailer homeowners handle their menus, create low cost codes and keep in contact with their buyer base.
The right way to begin utilizing KakaoTalk for enterprise
KakaoTalk is each intuitive and simple to make use of. However there are some issues if you wish to open a KakaoTalk Enterprise Channel. Let’s stroll via every step for organising your KakaoTalk account.
Obtain the app
Because it’s predominantly Korean, KakaoTalk is probably going tucked away in a deep nook of your app retailer, however you’ll discover it there.
You would possibly discover that there are some damaging critiques for the app, which are likely to heart on one main takeaway. It’s arduous to vary the telephone quantity or e mail tackle related together with your account, so ensure you get it proper the primary time.
Join a private account
KakaoTalk will possible begin together with your telephone quantity. Once more — ensure you use a quantity that you just’ll have for some time, as a result of it may be robust to vary in a while. It is a private account, so you should utilize your individual telephone quantity, add a verified e mail tackle and use a profile image if you happen to so select. Allow two-step verification to maximise safety.
Create a KakaoTalk Channel
To start out utilizing KakaoTalk’s enterprise options, you’ll need to create a KakaoTalk Channel (also called a Kakao Channel). For those who’re not fluent in Korean, you’ll need to let your browser’s translation function do the heavy lifting.
It’s additionally a good suggestion to have Google Translate open in one other window. You too can use the smartphone app, which has a stay AR translate operate.
When you’re ready, comply with these steps:
- Navigate to the Kakao Enterprise admin web page. You may be requested to check in together with your private account and enter your title. I set 155 as my title, as a result of that’s the title of my podcast for which I’m making a channel.
- The subsequent web page could or could not auto-translate, however the yellow button on the backside says “Create a brand new channel.”
- Enter the channel title, search ID and transient description on your channel, and add a profile image (advisable: 640 x 640px). You too can choose related classes on your model from the dropdown menus beneath.
- After they’re first opened, channels are set to non-public. Navigate to the channel visibility toggle in your dashboard and click on it on to set your channel as public. Right here you can too activate “permit search” and “1:1 chat” to actually get your title on the market.
That’s it. You’ve efficiently made a KakaoTalk Channel on your model, and have entry to messaging, analytics, promotional coupons and the flexibility to be discovered within the person listing.
Improve to a KakaoTalk Enterprise Channel (non-compulsory)
However wait, there’s extra. For those who improve to a KakaoTalk Enterprise Channel, you’ll be capable of reap the advantages additional with a verified badge, higher placement in search outcomes and entry to the flowery BizBoard we talked about earlier.
There are some catches, although — you want a Korean enterprise quantity, a enterprise registration card and an employment certificates for the channel administrator to get to this subsequent stage. And if you happen to’re working exterior of Korea, that would require some particular visas and visits to the lawyer.
For those who’ve received the quantity, then right here’s find out how to proceed:
- Click on the “Improve to enterprise channel” button on the dashboard (it might not translate however it’s circled in pink).
- Click on “Apply” within the prime proper nook.
- Fill in the entire fields together with your lacking data.
Functions take three to 5 enterprise days to be accredited, and also you’ll be notified via your registered KakaoTalk e mail after they’re full. For those who’ve incorrectly stuffed out any fields, your utility could also be rejected. For those who’re accredited, you can begin utilizing the BizBoard and having fun with the opposite advantages of a enterprise account.
Continuously requested questions on KakaoTalk
With a possible language barrier and the truth that it’s comparatively new to audiences exterior of South Korea, you might need extra questions on KakaoTalk. We’ve received you lined with our KakaoTalk FAQ.
Is KakaoTalk protected?
For those who use it appropriately, KakaoTalk is certainly protected. The app gives customary safety features like 2-step verification to make sure that it’s not simply accessible to hackers.
Nonetheless, additionally it is necessary to notice that South Korean legal guidelines do permit the app to share chat historical past with workers, and there have been a lot of libel circumstances which have included chat data from the app.
For additional safety, you may activate end-to-end encryption if you happen to toggle the “Secret Chat” mode. You too can use a VPN so as to add extra anonymity to the app.
How a lot does KakaoTalk value for companies?
Whether or not you’re utilizing a KakaoTalk Channel or a KakaoTalk Enterprise Channel, each providers are fully free.
The latter service boasts much more options, however it additionally requires customers to acquire a South Korean enterprise license and different documentation.
Some options might also require a South Korean telephone quantity. These aren’t inconceivable to get, however may show pricey.
Do KakaoTalk accounts expire?
For safety functions, KakaoTalk typically suspends accounts in the event that they’re inactive for a 12 months or longer. You would possibly nonetheless be capable of get it up and working once more if that occurs, however it’s not foolproof. Many individuals have complained that they’ve misplaced their whole chat historical past, so it’s in all probability not well worth the threat.
The place can I get help for my KakaoTalk account?
For those who’ve received any questions on your KakaoTalk account, they’ve received a useful FAQ web page of their very own — and it’s already out there in English. You too can attain out to their customer support desk.
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