(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
The enormous potential and consumer capacity of the Chinese market have attracted global brands. However, successfully entering this complex and competitive market is not easy. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the key steps and considerations for overseas brands to successfully establish themselves in China, based on the extensive experience of PLTFRM (MEDIA) SHANGHAI LIMITED. It shares insights on achieving this goal through precise localization strategies, partnerships, and good government relations.
1. In-depth Market Research and Localization Strategy
1.1 The Importance of Market Research
The first step for overseas brands entering the Chinese market is conducting in-depth market research. There are significant differences between China and other countries in terms of laws and regulations, consumer behavior, purchasing habits, and culture. Brands need to thoroughly understand these factors before entering the market. For example, Chinese consumers are more concerned about food safety, and many adjust their diets according to the season.
PLTFRM’s international team is familiar with both overseas cultures and the Chinese market, providing precise consumer analysis and market research to help brands identify target consumer groups and entry points. We not only analyze industry data but also consider the cultural background and emotional needs of consumers to ensure that the brand strategy aligns with the local market.
1.2 Localization Strategy
Developing an effective localization strategy is one of the key steps for the success of overseas brands. Experience from foreign entrepreneurs in China shows that products and services must adapt to the tastes and habits of Chinese consumers. For example, McDonald’s introduced the “Sichuan Spicy Chicken Sandwich” when entering China, incorporating flavors from classic Sichuan cuisine to create a product tailored to Chinese tastes.
PLTFRM assists clients in developing comprehensive localization strategies, including brand positioning, visual identity (VI), social media content, creative marketing, and e-commerce sales. We know how to maintain a global brand image while meeting the expectations of Chinese consumers. In social media management, we enhance audience awareness and engagement by publishing content on platforms such as Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) and WeChat that align with local culture and platform characteristics.
2. Building Partnerships
2.1 Finding Local Partners
Finding the right local partners is crucial in the Chinese market. By collaborating with local companies, suppliers, platforms, and media, overseas brands can better understand market trends and gain resources and support. For example, Starbucks ensures smooth supply chains and business expansion by collaborating with Chinese food suppliers and local real estate companies.
PLTFRM helps brands build relationships with local media, e-commerce platforms, and specialized institutions. With our extensive local resources, clients can quickly find suitable business partners, accelerating market entry and improving operational efficiency. We also assist in establishing long-term strategic partnerships to ensure sustained business growth.
2.2 E-commerce and Retail Channel Partnerships
Chinese e-commerce platforms (such as Tmall, JD.com, Douyin, etc.) are important channels for overseas brands to enter the market. Close cooperation with these platforms can help brands quickly reach a wide range of consumers. Appropriate sales strategies, precise advertising, and operational tactics can help maximize brand sales.
3. Managing Government Relations
3.1 Establishing Government Relations
Establishing good relations with the Chinese government is crucial for the long-term development of overseas brands. The government plays a key role in business environments, especially in policy support, legal compliance, and market access. By actively participating in government projects and activities, brands can demonstrate their social responsibility, innovation capabilities, and contributions to public welfare, helping them establish a positive corporate image and potentially receive government priority and support. For example, Apple signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with the Guizhou government to set up a data center for storing Chinese user data, allowing the company to obtain special operating licenses in some sectors.
PLTFRM’s team helps brands build relationships with the government by participating in relevant projects, exhibitions, and industry association activities, ensuring brands receive maximum policy support.
3.2 Policy and Compliance Management
China’s regulatory system is complex and ever-changing. Brands must comply with local laws and policies, or they may face hefty fines or be expelled from the market. PLTFRM provides policy analysis and compliance consulting to ensure that brands meet local legal requirements in areas such as advertising, product standards, and intellectual property. We are familiar with relevant policies and can help clients adapt to market changes, ensuring long-term development.
4. Integrated Multi-Channel Marketing and Brand Promotion
4.1 Multi-Platform Promotion
China’s digital ecosystem is highly complex, and brands need to integrate marketing across multiple platforms. WeChat, Weibo, Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and other platforms have different user characteristics and consumer behaviors. Brands need to develop comprehensive promotion strategies to attract target consumers. For instance, Gucci launched a virtual try-on experience through a WeChat mini-program, allowing users to view jewelry details through real-time 3D rendering, directly interacting with users. This not only increased user engagement and conversion rates but also enabled interaction and brand dissemination through social sharing features.
PLTFRM assists brands with paid promotion on Chinese digital platforms and cross-industry collaborations. Our services include social media content creation, ad placements, and performance tracking. Through precise multi-channel marketing, clients can maximize brand exposure and optimize promotional strategies through data analysis.
4.2 KOL and Seeding Strategies
In China, Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) and Key Opinion Consumers (KOC) have a huge influence on consumers’ purchasing decisions. Many brands have rapidly increased brand awareness through KOL collaborations. The niche beauty and care brand MY.ORGANICS from Italy successfully built the brand image of “caring for the scalp and hair like taking care of your face” by collaborating with beauty influencer Zhang Xiaohui on Xiaohongshu, achieving over 10 million yuan in sales during a single live broadcast.
PLTFRM helps brands choose KOLs/KOCs that align with their brand image and values at the right stage, customizing clear seeding strategies. By tracking the collaboration results in real-time, we help brands maximize their return on promotional investments.
5. Long-Term Strategy and KPI Management
5.1 Developing a Long-Term Brand Strategy
To enter and succeed in the Chinese market, brands need to develop long-term strategies to ensure sustainable growth. PLTFRM provides regular market analysis and brand diagnosis, helping brands clarify market positioning, optimize brand strategies, and ensure that their development direction aligns with global strategies.
5.2 KPI (Key Performance Indicator) Management
To measure success in the Chinese market, brands must set clear KPIs, such as sales growth, increased brand awareness, and social media engagement. By continuously tracking these KPIs and adjusting strategies based on real-time market data, brands can maintain a competitive advantage in the rapidly changing market environment.
Entering the Chinese market presents both opportunities and challenges for overseas brands. By conducting precise market research, developing localization strategies, managing partnerships and government relations, and executing effective marketing communications, brands can achieve long-term success in China. With its international team and rich local experience, PLTFRM provides customized services to help brands realize comprehensive market entry and sustained growth from market research to multi-channel promotion.
If you want to work with a professional team to create a comprehensive solution for entering the Chinese market, PLTFRM will be your trusted partner.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, TikTok, Tmall, Baidu, and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries’ exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us, and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search PLTFRM for a free consultation!
