Arnold Ma, CEO and founder of Qumin, a digital marketing agency specialising in Chinese consumer engagement, provides his advice for UK brands on their journey to conquer not only 520 Day but China’s annual shopping festival calendar
In the fast-paced world of global commerce, China’s shopping festivals have emerged as a goldmine for brands seeking to tap into the immense purchasing power of Chinese consumers.
With almost one billion online shoppers, China is the biggest and fastest-growing ecommerce market in the world. And one of the driving forces in this market is China’s shopping festivals — huge retail events where brands cut prices in honour of Chinese culture, tradition, and consumerism.
Consumer brands and retailers are currently gearing up to embrace the season of romance and gifting with the upcoming 520 Day or Cyber Valentine’s Day on 20 May 2023. Outside of the international Valentine’s Day on 14 February, Chinese lovers also celebrate Valentine’s Day on 14 March, the 520 Day festival on 20 May and the Qixi Festival in August 2023.
With the rise of Chinese tech giants like Tencent, UK brands now have unprecedented opportunities to leverage these platforms and reach a massive audience. However, the key to unlocking success lies in understanding the nuances of the Chinese market and tailoring your marketing strategy accordingly.
Embrace the Power of Tencent:
When it comes to Chinese tech, Tencent is a force to be reckoned with. As the company behind WeChat, Tencent has an extensive user base and offers a range of marketing tools. Partnering with Tencent provides access to a captive audience and a suite of features designed to enhance your brand’s visibility during shopping festivals. Brands can utilise WeChat Official Accounts, Mini Programs, and WeChat Pay to connect with consumers, optimise the user experience, and drive conversions.
Localise Your Approach:
To succeed in China, brands must go beyond mere translation. They should tailor their marketing strategy to resonate with Chinese consumers. Understand the cultural nuances, preferences, and local trends. Research consumer behaviour and tap into the insights provided by data analytics. Brands must localise content, imagery, and messaging to establish an emotional connection with the target audience. Engage Chinese influencers and key opinion leaders (KOLs) to amplify the brand’s reach and credibility.
Leverage the Power of Social Commerce:
Social commerce has become an integral part of the Chinese consumer journey. Platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and Douyin have seamlessly integrated ecommerce features, allowing consumers to discover, purchase, and share products within their social networks. Develop a comprehensive social commerce strategy that encompasses content creation, influencer collaborations, and user-generated content campaigns. Leverage the power of social sharing, user reviews, and recommendations to enhance brand awareness and drive sales.
Harness the Potential of Live Streaming:
Live Streaming has emerged as a game-changer in the Chinese ecommerce landscape. Platforms such as Douyin (known as TikTok internationally), Kuaishou, and Taobao Live enable brands to showcase their products in real-time, engage with consumers, and drive impulse purchases. Brands should incorporate live streaming into their marketing strategy by partnering with popular livestreamers or hosting their own branded livestream events. Ensure the content is entertaining, interactive, and provides exclusive deals and discounts to drive conversions.
Capitalise on Exclusive Offers and Limited Editions:
Chinese consumers are driven by the desire for exclusivity and uniqueness. Craft special offers, limited editions, and collaborations specifically tailored for shopping festivals. Leverage the scarcity principle to create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate action. Promote these exclusive offerings through social media channels, influencers, and Tencent’s marketing platforms to generate buzz and attract attention from Chinese consumers.
Optimise Mobile Experience:
China is a mobile-first nation, and mobile commerce is at the forefront of the consumer experience. Brands must ensure the website, app, or Mini Program is optimised for mobile devices, providing a seamless and user-friendly experience. For example, brands can leverage Tencent’s mobile marketing tools, such as WeChat Moments Ads and WeChat Channel Ads, to reach the target audience effectively. Implement mobile payment options such as WeChat Pay and Alipay to streamline the checkout process and facilitate quick and secure transactions.
Conclusion
China’s shopping festivals offer unparalleled opportunities for UK brands to tap into the world’s largest consumer market. By understanding the intricacies of the Chinese market and leveraging Chinese tech, brands can establish a strong presence and drive success during these highly lucrative events.
Embracing tools such as WeChat enables brands to connect with a massive audience and leverage data analytics to refine their strategies. Furthermore, localising marketing efforts, harnessing the power of social commerce and live streaming, capitalising on exclusivity, and optimising the mobile experience are essential steps for success.
UK brands should approach the Chinese market with a thoughtful and strategic mindset. By adapting to the unique preferences and cultural nuances of Chinese consumers, and leveraging the power of tech platforms, brands can unlock remarkable opportunities and establish themselves as frontrunners in this dynamic and rapidly growing market.
The path to success lies in crafting an effective marketing strategy that aligns with the spirit of Chinese shopping festivals and resonates with the hearts and minds of Chinese consumers. With the right approach and the support of Chinese tech, UK brands can thrive and flourish in the vibrant landscape of China’s shopping festivals.
