(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
With China’s e-commerce market offering huge potential yet intense competition, international companies must execute precise, culturally attuned strategies to capture and sustain growth. Simply being online isn’t enough — success lies in platform mastery, deep localization, and consumer-first operations. Here’s the roadmap leading brands are following.
1. Optimizing Platform Ecosystem Participation
1.1 Full Utilization of Platform Tools
- Approach: Engage in Tmall Super Brand Days, JD Discovery Channels, Douyin trending campaigns, and Xiaohongshu seeding projects.
- Impact: Boosts organic traffic, brand exposure, and conversion.
1.2 Custom Product Launch Strategies per Platform
- Tactic: Launch new collections or SKUs exclusively on different platforms to trigger excitement and scarcity.
- Benefit: Drives loyalty and cross-platform exploration.
2. Prioritizing Localized Consumer Experience
2.1 Tailored Product Adaptations
- Strategy: Offer colorways, package sizes, bundles, or ingredient modifications suited to Chinese consumer preferences.
- Impact: Improves product-market fit and purchase likelihood.
2.2 Seamless Multilingual Support
- Plan: Provide Mandarin-first customer service, FAQs, and chatbot assistance across all platforms.
- Benefit: Reduces friction and enhances buyer trust.
3. Integrating Social Commerce Deeply
3.1 Short-Video First Strategy
- Method: Launch campaigns prioritizing Douyin and Kuaishou short-form storytelling, moving from awareness to sales.
- Impact: Matches new-generation shopping behavior.
3.2 Livestream-Driven Conversion
- Tactic: Leverage platform-native livestream programs with trained hosts or co-branded KOL sessions.
- Benefit: Achieves faster time-to-purchase.
4. Agile Operations and Feedback Loops
4.1 Rapid Product Iteration Based on Data
- Approach: Use daily Tmall/JD analytics, Douyin conversion data, and WeChat Mini-Program insights to refine offers.
- Impact: Reacts faster than competitors.
4.2 Full-Cycle Campaign Testing
- Method: Run A/B tests on creative, incentives, page layouts, and messaging across campaigns, not just ads.
- Benefit: Continuously optimizes funnel performance.
Case Study: A Canadian Health Supplements Brand’s Growth Journey
Launching initially on Tmall Global, a Canadian supplements brand quickly expanded into Douyin commerce, created WeChat VIP consumer groups, and built rapid campaign iteration loops based on weekly data analysis. Their online sales in China grew by 400% in just two years.
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!
