(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
While public platforms grab headlines, the most profitable global brands in China now generate the majority of revenue and profit from private traffic they fully control. In 2025, private domain has evolved from “nice-to-have” to the primary growth engine and defensive moat. Here are the exact systems delivering 5-10X higher LTV for global brands.
- WeChat Ecosystem as the Private Domain OS
1.1 Mini-Program + Enterprise WeChat + Video Accounts Trinity Global brands integrate Mini-Programs for transactions, Enterprise WeChat for 1:1 service, and Video Accounts for content distribution into a seamless private ecosystem. Top performers achieve 70-85% monthly active user rates within their private domain.
1.2 SOP-Driven Community Operations Operating 500-2,000 segmented WeChat groups with dedicated local community managers creates genuine belonging and daily interaction. Brands with mature operations see 60%+ of revenue originating from community-driven purchases. - Tiered Membership Systems That Drive Recurring Revenue
2.1 Points + Privileges + Identity Hierarchy Successful global brands design membership around accumulating points, unlocking exclusive privileges, and conferring social status. This framework lifts average annual spend per member by 400-600%.
2.2 Paid VIP Membership at Scale Charging RMB 299-1,999 annually for super-VIP status is now standard for premium global brands. Paid members exhibit 92%+ annual retention and spend 10-18X more than non-members. - Personalized Nurturing & Replenishment Engines
3.1 AI-Powered Lifecycle Messaging Using consumption data to trigger perfectly timed WeChat messages increases repurchase frequency by 70%. Global beauty and personal care brands lead with near-100% personalization accuracy.
3.2 Subscription + Smart Replenishment Hybrid Combining flexible subscriptions with predictive replenishment reminders turns one-time buyers into predictable recurring revenue. This model now accounts for 40-65% of total sales for leading global FMCG brands. - Referral & Advocacy Programs on Steroids
4.1 High-Value Referral Rewards Offering free products, exclusive experiences, or cash-equivalent points for successful referrals achieves viral coefficients of 0.4-0.7. Global brands with mature programs acquire 30%+ of new customers via referrals at near-zero cost.
Case Study: Costco’s Private Domain Mastery in China
Costco built one of the strongest private domains through its WeChat Mini-Program and membership system, achieving over 90% of online sales from registered members. By combining paid membership renewal incentives, personalized replenishment reminders, and hyper-active community groups, Costco China generates industry-leading LTV and virtually zero reliance on paid acquisition.
Conclusion
In 2025-2026, global brands that master private traffic will be impossible to displace. Public platforms remain essential for acquisition, but long-term profitability and brand moats are built entirely in private domain.
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!
