(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
The Chinese financial services market is characterized by rapid fintech adoption, diverse consumer needs, and regulatory complexity. For overseas brands, qualitative research provides critical insights into customer motivations, behavior, and unmet needs. This article explores practical strategies to optimize offerings and engagement.
1. Understanding User Motivations
1.1 Financial Goals & Priorities
Method: Conduct interviews to explore short- and long-term financial aspirations, such as savings, investments, or insurance.
Benefit: Aligns product development with actual customer needs.
1.2 Risk Perception & Trust
Technique: Explore how consumers perceive risk and security in financial transactions.
Outcome: Informs communication and compliance strategies.
2. Product Testing & Feedback
2.1 Concept Validation
Approach: Present new financial products or app features to small groups for feedback.
Action: Identify usability issues and refine offerings before mass launch.
2.2 Iterative Improvement
Method: Conduct multiple feedback rounds to ensure alignment with local preferences.
Impact: Reduces product-market mismatch and enhances adoption rates.
3. Digital Behavior Analysis
3.1 App Interaction Observations
Technique: Observe how users navigate fintech apps and digital services.
Benefit: Identifies pain points, feature gaps, and navigation preferences.
3.2 Social & Community Insights
Method: Monitor forums, review platforms, and social media discussions about financial products.
Outcome: Provides real-world feedback on trust, usability, and feature relevance.
4. Localization & Cultural Adaptation
4.1 Language & Messaging
Strategy: Adapt terminology, interface language, and customer communication to local preferences.
Benefit: Improves comprehension and engagement.
4.2 Lifestyle Integration
Approach: Position financial services as tools supporting everyday life, from budgeting to payments.
Result: Strengthens relevance and adoption.
Case Study: Global Payment Platform Launch
A European payment platform used qualitative research with urban millennials to understand expectations for instant payments, rewards, and social integration. Based on insights, they localized app features, messaging, and loyalty programs. Within four months, transaction volume increased by 50%, with positive feedback on usability and convenience.
Conclusion
Overseas financial services brands can gain a competitive edge in China by leveraging qualitative research to understand consumer motivations, refine products, and localize engagement strategies. This approach reduces adoption risks and improves long-term success.
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!
info@pltfrm.cn
www.pltfrm.cn
