Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant market opportunity in lower-tier cities, particularly for local businesses leveraging digital marketing through platforms like Douyin, highlighting the potential for growth and the challenges faced by local merchants in adapting to online operations [3][14]. Market Size and Untapped Local Demand - Douyin's monthly active users have reached 1 billion, with 54.7% of users from third-tier cities and below, indicating a vast market potential for local businesses [3][9]. - The average daily usage time on Douyin is over 1.55 hours, suggesting that users in lower-tier cities may spend even more time on the platform due to their relatively simple lifestyles [7][10]. - Lower-tier cities account for approximately 70% of the population, with county economies contributing to 38% of the national GDP, showcasing the economic significance of these markets [13]. Low Competition Intensity Among Local Businesses - Many local businesses in lower-tier cities rely on traditional operating methods and have not fully embraced online marketing, leading to a significant gap in online group-buying offerings [14][15]. - The competition in these markets is characterized by a lack of awareness and willingness among local merchants to adopt online strategies, creating a competitive advantage for those who do [16][17]. Unique "Micro-Innovation" Opportunities in Small Markets - Local businesses only need to master basic online operations to outperform the majority of their competitors, as the overall competition is still in its infancy [20][22]. - The penetration rate for local life services via group buying is only 38.4%, indicating substantial room for growth and the potential for new market entrants to thrive [22][23]. Strategies for Local Businesses - Local businesses can succeed by implementing three key strategies: 1. Setting up group-buying offers on Douyin with simple operational steps [21]. 2. Regularly posting engaging content related to their services to attract local customers [21]. 3. Building community engagement through social media to foster customer loyalty and repeat business [21].

Core Insights - The article highlights a significant market opportunity for local businesses in county towns, driven by the rise of digital marketing and platforms like Douyin [1][4][17] - It emphasizes the underdeveloped local demand and the potential for growth in the local lifestyle market, particularly in lower-tier cities [5][12][18] Market Size and Demand - Douyin's monthly active users have reached 1 billion, with 54.7% of users from third-tier cities and below, indicating a vast market potential for local businesses [4][8] - The average user spends over 46.54 hours per month on Douyin, suggesting high engagement levels that can be leveraged by local businesses [6][10] Competitive Landscape - The competition in county towns is relatively low, as many local businesses have not fully transitioned to online operations, leading to a significant gap in supply for Douyin's 500 million users [19][21] - Only 13% of local billiard halls have adopted Douyin's group buying feature, indicating a lack of digital presence among local merchants [21][26] Consumer Behavior - Consumers in county towns exhibit a unique consumption structure, balancing practicality with social display needs, which can be effectively targeted through Douyin's promotional tools [13][15] - The local culture favors businesses that present a personal touch, making Douyin's content-driven approach more appealing compared to traditional platforms like Meituan [14][17] Business Opportunities - Local businesses can gain a competitive edge by adopting simple online strategies, such as setting up group buying links on Douyin, which can lead to immediate sales [20][28] - The article suggests that even basic online operations can significantly enhance visibility and sales for local businesses, as many competitors are still in the early stages of digital adoption [27][33] Growth Potential - The penetration rate for local lifestyle services via group buying is currently at 38.4%, indicating substantial room for growth in this market [32][34] - The article posits that the current state of local businesses presents a "competition gap," creating a new window of opportunity for those willing to embrace digital marketing [33][34]