(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
In China, authenticity isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s the entry ticket. Consumers scroll past polished Western ads but stop for raw, imperfect, deeply local stories. Here are the non-negotiable principles that turn overseas brands into trusted friends of Chinese netizens.
1. Transparency as the New Creative Direction
1.1 Show the “Ugly” Truth Factory tours with real workers speaking Mandarin, ingredient close-ups that aren’t color-corrected, honest before-and-afters with zero filters. Failure acceptance: Brands that post “we messed up this launch, here’s what we learned” see engagement explode.
2. Local Creator DNA from Day One
2.1 90% Chinese Creative Team Mandate Hire Gen-Z directors, editors, and scriptwriters who grew up on Bilibili and Douyin—global team only approves strategy, never execution.
3. Platform-Authentic Formats Only
3.1 Xiaohongshu = Long-Form Diary 10–20 photos + 800–1500-word genuine sharing format; anything shorter or flashier gets buried. Douyin = 15–60s Raw Vlog Front camera, text overlays in Simplified Chinese internet font, background music from trending sounds only.
4. Sentiment-Led Content Calendar
4.1 Mirror Real-Time Chinese Emotions Post about “post-holiday depression” the day after Golden Week, “spring fatigue” in March, “996 exhaustion” on Thursdays—timing beats perfection.
Case Study: Swedish Personal Care Brand Goes from Unknown to Top 3 on Xiaohongshu
A minimalist Swedish body care brand launched with zero awareness. PLTFRM produced only authentic content: 200+ real Chinese women (all skin types, no influencers) documenting their exact shower routines, period struggles, and postpartum recovery using the products—zero makeup, messy bathrooms, crying babies in background. The raw honesty made the brand the most-saved imported body care on Xiaohongshu in under a year.
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!
