With approximately 989 million internet users in China by 2020, digital marketing is more effective than ever at reaching Chinese consumers. Chinese eCommerce platforms gain traction and enable foreign brands and businesses to sell directly to Chinese consumers. This is an extraordinarily profitable and positive trend, as the Chinese consumer market is expected to grow at a rate of about 12% per year until it reaches $8.4 trillion in value in 2022. Here, we’ll discuss the seven most effective digital marketing strategies for getting Chinese customers.
With approximately 989 million internet users in China by 2020, digital marketing is more effective than ever at reaching Chinese consumers. Chinese eCommerce platforms gain traction and enable foreign brands and businesses to sell directly to Chinese consumers. This is an extraordinarily profitable and positive trend, as the Chinese consumer market is expected to grow at a rate of about 12% per year until it reaches $8.4 trillion in value in 2022. Here, we’ll discuss the seven most effective digital marketing strategies for getting Chinese customers.
A Chinese-language website combined with Baidu SEO.
A website optimized for Chinese consumers and hosted in China is critical for market success. Web design, language (Mandarin), and high-quality content should be considered. However, the most crucial factor in success is consumers’ ability to be seen.
If you’ve dealt with enough Chinese customers, you’ve probably heard of WeChat. WeChat is a cross between Facebook and WhatsApp. It is the most widely used Chinese messenger app, with nearly 80% of the Chinese populace.
However, marketing on WeChat is not straightforward, particularly for foreign businesses. Unlike Facebook, you cannot create a WeChat page for your brand or business.
However, you can create an official WeChat account if you have a Chinese citizenship card registered business in China.
As a non-Chinese business owner, you can create a personal WeChat account and invite people to follow you and share content from your life to attract more Chinese customers potentially. Alternatively, you can join a WeChat group and attempt networking there.
I’m guessing you’re reading this report because you believe Chinese consumers don’t use Google, Facebook, or the other traditional media outlets you’re accustomed to. You’re unsure how to reach them.
While this is true, Instagram is extremely popular among the Chinese population. While WeChat can be used in place of Facebook, Baidu can be used in place of Google, and Weibo can be used in place of Twitter, nothing can truly replace Instagram in China.
There are numerous trendy Chinese Instagram influencers to attract more Chinese customers, potentially collaborating to promote your product, service, or brand to Chinese audiences.
Solicit Assistance from a Chinese Friend
Whether a friend or an employee, it’s best to seek assistance from someone who speaks Chinese and, ideally, possesses a Chinese identification card. WeChat and AliPay both have English language options, but XiaoHongShu and all other Chinese social media applications are in Chinese only and occasionally require registration with a Chinese ID number. Additionally, interacting with users within these social applications is a significant benefit. The good news is that with 1.5 billion Chinese people on the planet, there are sure to be some in your neighborhood.
