(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
Every day, thousands of overseas brands attempt to advertise in China — most waste 70%+ of their budget due to lack of local knowledge. This 2025 step-by-step playbook shows exactly how to set up, launch, and optimize paid advertising campaigns that actually convert in China.
1. Legal & Technical Setup (Week 1–4)
1.1 Business License & ICP Overseas brands can advertise via Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) or through licensed local agency (we provide the latter in 7 days).
1.2 Ad Platform Accounts Official agent status required for WeChat, Douyin, Baidu — we help brands obtain verified accounts with higher ad limits.
2. Creative Strategy That Passes China Censorship
2.1 Mandatory Elements Every ad must display “广告” label | No superlatives like “best in the world” | Medical/beauty claims need blue-hat certification. 2.2 Winning Creative Formats 2025 6-second hook + local talent + subtitles = 3× higher completion rate on Douyin and Kuaishou.
3. Campaign Launch & Daily Optimization
3.1 First 7 Days Launch broad targeting → collect audience insights → narrow to top 10% performing segments.
3.2 Ongoing Rules Adjust bids every 24–48h | Pause creatives below 0.8% CTR | Scale budget 20–30% weekly on winning ads.
4. Cross-Platform Retargeting Mastery
4.1 WeChat + Douyin + Baidu Loop User sees Douyin video → searches brand on Baidu → sees WeChat Moments retargeting → converts in Mini-Program. Conversion rate lifts 400%+.
Case Study: European Luxury Skincare Brand La Lumière
Launched China paid advertising in Jan 2025 with €450k budget:
- Full compliance setup in 12 days- 300+ Douyin + Xiaohongshu creatives tested- Tmall Luxury Pavilion store opened simultaneouslyResult: €7.2 million sales in first 6 months, 480% ROI, became top 10 imported skincare brand on Tmall.
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!
