To connect with your consumers, you must have an online presence. Most U.S. consumers utilize the internet to determine which brands to support and in China, you will not find the users to be much different. Most people have internet access and will use it to find local businesses, read reviews and connect with the brand.
Unfortunately, there are bans against most social media platforms that Americans use, like Twitter and Facebook. To market in China, you must have a presence on different social media platforms.
What platforms are popular in China?
The most popular platform in China is WeChat or Weizin. It has over 750 million active users every day. WeChat is similar to Facebook and Whatsapp for Western users. Next, is Weibo. Weibo is similar to Twitter and is one of China’s oldest social media platforms. This microblogging platform allows you to post, interact and share with other users while also receiving updates on the latest news.
How should you conduct yourself on social media?
Localize and translate all of your content for Chinese consumers. This will ensure you have an extensive reach. Additionally, focus on the authenticity of your advertising campaign. For instance, if you include your product in a drama or web series, people may find it more genuine and user-friendly than a pitch for a product.
Additionally, your business should seek to engage on social media. Create fresh content and communicate with different users in the comment sections and other avenues.
If possible, try to connect with social media influencers on Weibo. When influencers support your brand, their fans will likely follow suit.