China Brand Strategy: How to Win in 2025

China brand strategy is changing fast. Legacy branding and global fame are no longer enough. A new report by Alibaba and Peking University’s Consumer Brand Index (CBI) analyzes the behavior of nearly 1 billion Chinese consumers. The data reveals five key shifts that brands must act on to stay relevant in 2025 and beyond.

1. Product Performance Wins Trust

Chinese consumers want evidence.

  • Clinical results now matter more than marketing slogans.

  • SkinCeuticals gained market share by publishing dermatologist-backed content and using real product data.

  • It ranked 82nd in the index without relying on celebrity endorsements.

    Action: Share measurable product outcomes. Use expert voices and transparent testing to build trust.

2. Local Brands Are Catching Up Fast

Local players are using speed and insight to win.

  • In pet care, six of the top seven brands are domestic.

  • Pop Mart grew rapidly by letting consumers shape their own identity through the product experience.

    Action: Shorten your product development cycle. Adapt fast to local needs and behaviors.

3. Niche Beats Mass Appeal

Growth is coming from focus, not scale.

  • Laopu Gold reached the top 20 by focusing on ancient Chinese craftsmanship.

  • The brand operates few stores and avoids mass exposure.

    Action: Pick a niche. Build depth, not breadth. Elevate cultural or functional value instead of scaling wide.

4. International Brands Must Localize

Global reputation helps, but it no longer leads.

  • Apple still performs well, but brands like Huawei and Xiaomi are gaining quickly.

  • Chinese shoppers want quality, but they also expect localized innovation.

    Action: Tailor product features, content, and services for Chinese preferences. Don’t recycle global campaigns.

5. Tier-2 Cities Are Now the Growth Engine

Cities like Zhengzhou, Chongqing, and Hefei are outpacing Tier-1 metros.

  • These consumers expect the same variety and quality but prefer regional marketing and community-driven content.

    Action: Invest in local logistics, region-specific campaigns, and city-level insights.

What You Should Do Now

  • Prove value with measurable results

  • Localize everything: product, pricing, content

  • Focus on narrow markets with clear needs

  • Prioritize Tier-2 cities with tailored outreach

  • Treat China as a core market for innovation

China brand strategy in 2025 requires agility, insight, and local relevance. Need support adapting your brand for China’s new reality? Contact us to get started.

RED Alert: How Brands Can Win On RedNote in Southeast Asia

As Xiaohongshu (also known as RED or RedNote) rides a global wave of attention, savvy marketers in Southeast Asia are beginning to take notice—especially in Malaysia and Singapore, where Chinese-speaking communities and Gen Z digital behavior have laid fertile ground for RED’s rise.

The 2025 migration of TikTok users—dubbed “TikTok refugees”—has fueled fresh interest in the platform, helping RED gain traction across international markets. But in Malaysia and Singapore specifically, this interest is translating into 4.3 million users and growing daily.

So, what’s driving Xiaohongshu’s success in the region—and how can brands seize this opportunity?

Why RED Is Gaining Traction in Southeast Asia

Unlike other social platforms where aesthetics and advertising dominate, RED has carved a niche with authentic, UGC-driven long-form content. Its recommendation engine favors user-generated reviews, everyday tips, and real-life experiences over polished brand pushes—making it feel more like a trusted community than a billboard.

What sets RED apart:

  • UGC algorithm that prioritizes authenticity
  • Interest-based communities for like-minded users
  • Less polished, “real” content that resonates with young urban audiences

In both Malaysia and Singapore, this approach aligns well with user preferences for credibility, relatability, and peer-driven inspiration.

Who’s Using RED in Malaysia and Singapore?

📍 Malaysia

  • User Growth: 4% YoY
  • Demographics: 63% aged 16–34, predominantly Chinese and single
  • Traits: Brand lovers, fame followers, private networkers
  • Behavior: Follow trends, stay anonymous, seek genuine product insights

📍 Singapore

  • User Growth: 13% YoY
  • Demographics: 42% aged 16–34, 36% aged 35–54; majority Chinese with growing Malay users
  • Traits: Affluent shoppers, community participants, brand enthusiasts
  • Behavior: Value exclusivity, seek peer recommendations, lean into lifestyle

Despite being smaller than platforms like Instagram or TikTok, RED boasts high “daily stickiness”—meaning users return frequently, stay longer, and engage deeper.

Top Categories Thriving on RED

If your brand plays in any of the following categories, you should already be testing on RED:

High-performing categories:

  • Beauty & personal care
  • Fashion
  • Travel & tech

Surprisingly strong categories:

  • Indulgence items: Snacks, ice cream, alcohol
  • Experiential offers: Spa packages, concert tickets, weekend getaways

These segments see outsized engagement on RED thanks to its word-of-mouth ecosystem, where users don’t just browse—they search, share, and buy.

Why Some Brands Still Hesitate

Despite its growing popularity, some brands remain hesitant about RED. Two main challenges arise:

1. Language barrier

The app is still heavily Chinese-dominated, which may alienate non-Chinese speakers, especially in Malaysia.

2. Smaller user base

While RED has 4.3M users in Malaysia and Singapore, it’s still modest compared to larger platforms.

However, with double-digit daily stickiness and deeply engaged niche communities, RED may offer better ROI per user—especially for categories that benefit from peer-driven recommendations.

How Brands Can Win on RED: The 5C Framework

To help brands approach RED with the right mindset, here’s a 5C framework tailored for Southeast Asia:

1. Channel Fit

Is RED the right platform to achieve your goals? RED works best for community-led discovery and product consideration, not mass awareness.

2. Credibility First

RED thrives on peer-to-peer validation. Partner with KOCs (Key Opinion Consumers) instead of high-profile influencers. Their relatable content earns more trust.

3. Content Realness

Avoid polished, overly branded visuals. Go for raw, everyday content that feels natural. Think product reviews, behind-the-scenes, and day-in-the-life storytelling.

4. Community Engagement

Create or join niche communities. Use hashtags, UGC contests, and local incentives to fuel participation and build brand tribes.

5. Commerce Integration

Link content to your brand store or landing pages. RED users are highly conversion-driven and expect direct access to purchase options.

Best Practices for Getting Started

Here’s how to integrate RED into your broader social media strategy:

1. Audit your audience-fit

Is your target audience already searching for your category on RED?

2. Localize the content

Test campaigns specifically for Chinese-speaking segments or Malays in Singapore, where user bases are growing.

3. Build a RED-specific strategy

Don’t just cross-post. Develop unique campaigns with tailored UGC, hashtags, and influencer partnerships.

4. Focus on organic first

RED isn’t a place for hard-selling. Earn trust through authentic storytelling and then guide users to purchase.

5. Drive to brand space

Ensure your RED content links to your brand page or store to capture interest and complete the journey.

Final Thoughts

Xiaohongshu’s growth in Malaysia and Singapore is a signal that consumer discovery behavior is changing. As trust, community, and authenticity become key drivers of influence, RED offers a powerful complement to your mainstream platforms.

With 4.3 million engaged users and growing stickiness, RED isn’t just a trend—it’s a rising social commerce channel that can give early movers a lasting competitive edge.

Looking to build your RED strategy for Southeast Asia? Our team can help with KOC outreach, community content, and localized campaigns tailored to RED’s ecosystem. Let’s talk.

6 Emerging Consumer Segments Reshaping China’s Digital Market

As China’s digital economy continues to evolve, so do the expectations, behaviors, and preferences of its consumers. From tech-savvy seniors to Gen Z trendsetters, a nuanced understanding of the country’s most prominent consumer groups is crucial for any brand looking to succeed in this market.

In this blog, we spotlight six key Chinese consumer profiles worth watching in 2025 and share practical tips for how brands can connect with them through localized, data-driven strategies.

  1. Elderly Consumers: China’s Silver Tech Boom

With over 280 million internet users aged 60 and above, China’s senior segment now makes up more than 10% of the nation’s online population. These older users are increasingly comfortable with digital tools and are rapidly expanding their online spending. JD.com has reported a staggering 238% increase in purchases made by seniors since 2019.

What They Spend On:
  • Travel and leisure
  • Health supplements and wellness services
  • Comfortable lifestyle products
How to Engage Them:
  • Simplify UX design for mobile apps and websites
  • Focus on credibility, safety, and product quality
  • Leverage family-centric storytelling and value-driven campaigns
  1. Gen Z: Experience Over Possession

China’s Gen Z shoppers, born between 1995 and 2010, are digital natives who value emotional connections, creativity, and instant gratification. According to recent studies, 47% of Gen Zers in China say they shop on impulse, often influenced by social trends and peer recommendations.

What They Spend On:
  • Fashion and beauty
  • Niche hobbies and pop culture merchandise
  • Experiential consumption: concerts, travel, co-branded items
How to Engage Them:
  • Use Xiaohongshu, Douyin, and Bilibili for trend-based content
  • Build buzz through KOL campaigns and interest-based communities
  • Prioritize UGC, livestreams, and viral challenges
  1. Family Travel Planners: Smart Spending, Digital Tools

From parents organizing summer vacations to adult children planning trips for elderly relatives, family travel planners are strategic, digital-first consumers. They rely heavily on online travel agencies (OTAs) like Trip.com (Ctrip), Qunar, and Fliggy.

What They Spend On:
  • Group travel packages and multi-generational experiences
  • Convenience-oriented services like airport transfers and visa processing
  • Family-focused hotels and entertainment
How to Engage Them:
  • Use WeChat Mini Programs for itinerary customization
  • Work with travel influencers to share itineraries
  • Create bundled experiences and early-bird booking discounts
  1. Brand-Conscious Millennials: Value-Driven Consumers

No longer chasing luxury logos, Chinese millennials (aged 28–40) prioritize value, quality, and alignment with their personal identity. With many living in dual-income households, this group commands high purchasing power.

What They Spend On:
  • Wellness and fitness
  • Premium but functional fashion
  • Modern home goods and technology
How to Engage Them:
  • Showcase sustainability, authenticity, and innovation
  • Use storytelling and brand purpose to foster loyalty
  • Offer product reviews and rich content to support informed decisions
  1. High-Income Baby Boomers: Wellness and World Travel

This segment, often retired professionals and entrepreneurs, has significant disposable income and time to spend. Whether it’s international trips or wellness investments, they’re looking to enjoy life’s second act to the fullest.

What They Spend On:
  • Global luxury travel
  • Health checks and spa treatments
  • Educational and cultural experiences
How to Engage Them:
  • Highlight exclusivity and comfort
  • Use direct-response campaigns with trusted media partners
  • Provide concierge-level service and personalized offerings
  1. Affluent Female Shoppers: Driving the “She Economy”

Women in Tier 1 and 2 cities now dominate household spending decisions. Educated, career-oriented, and financially independent, they prioritize self-investment and high-end lifestyle choices.

What They Spend On:
  • Designer fashion and beauty products
  • Luxury travel and fine dining
  • Pet care, wellness, and fitness subscriptions
How to Engage Them:
  • Curate premium content and product lines
  • Offer VIP programs and early access exclusives
  • Celebrate empowerment and self-expression in campaigns

Final Thoughts

Understanding China’s evolving consumer landscape isn’t just about identifying who’s spending – it’s about understanding why they spend, what motivates them, and where they engage. These six audience segments are leading the shift in China’s digital ecosystem. Tailoring your content, messaging, and media strategy to resonate with them can unlock long-term growth and brand loyalty.

Need help localizing your brand for China? Our team specializes in cross-platform strategy, social commerce activation, and KOL-driven campaigns. Get in touch to learn more.

From AI to O2O: 7 Key Media Trends in China

As the digital media ecosystem in China continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, understanding emerging trends is crucial for brands looking to thrive in this competitive market. Starcom, the media arm of Publicis Groupe, recently released its latest report, “Increased Integration and Depth in China Media Market”, identifying seven pivotal trends that are redefining consumer behavior, content distribution, and brand strategy across platforms. Here’s a breakdown of the most important insights and how brands can prepare.

 

1. Cross-Platform Integration: Breaking the Walls Down

China’s once siloed internet ecosystem is transforming into a landscape of collaboration. In 2025, we’re witnessing platforms like Tencent and Alibaba opening up to one another: Tencent Games content appears on Douyin, Taobao accepts WeChat Pay, and JD.com integrates Alipay.

For brands, this “horizontal integration” means smoother customer journeys and opportunities to execute truly omnichannel strategies. Cross-platform compatibility also improves user experience, leading to better engagement and conversion rates.

 

2. AI-Powered Search and Intelligent Interactions

Search is no longer just about users looking for information. With generative AI entering the scene, proactive content delivery and conversational search are reshaping digital marketing. The search engine market in China is expected to surpass RMB 300 billion by 2029, with mobile-based search playing a major role.

Brands must rethink their search marketing by aligning keywords, content, and SEO strategy with evolving AI-driven behaviors across Baidu, Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and other platforms.

 

3. Online and Offline Synergy: The New O2O Loop

Marketers are rediscovering the power of offline media, especially when amplified by digital interactivity. In 2025, 28.3% of advertisers are increasing their offline ad spend. Campaigns like Xiaohongshu’s user-generated content (UGC) billboards and McDonald’s programmatic subway ads show how to turn physical placements into interactive, trackable experiences.

Successful brands are integrating data capture tools, experience design, and social buzz triggers into their O2O campaigns to drive conversion.

4. Social-Powered Closed-Loop Commerce

Social media platforms are becoming e-commerce ecosystems. Xiaohongshu leads the way with interest-based group chats, offering exclusive promotions, live previews, and direct links to virtual stores. The results are impressive: 2.5x higher repurchase rates and 300x better conversion rates in private domains.

Brands must build community-focused strategies and activate users through content that fuels interaction and loyalty.

 

5. Value-Driven E-Commerce Over Price Wars

As consumer preferences shift from discounts to experience, platforms like Taobao and JD.com are focusing on enhancing logistics, customer service, and product quality. Features like Taobao’s hourly purchase service and JD.com’s “24-hour delivery in counties and towns” reflect this evolution.

To remain competitive, brands should deliver value through exclusive products, flexible services, and premium experiences instead of relying solely on low prices.

 

6. Diverse Content Channels: From Podcasts to Micro-Dramas

China’s content landscape is rapidly diversifying. Podcasts now reach over 220 million users, with 71.6% influenced to make purchases. Meanwhile, micro-drama users account for more than half of the internet population, with the market expected to grow 35% year-on-year to reach RMB 50.44 billion.

Brands need to leverage these formats to tell compelling stories, connect with niche audiences, and reinforce product relevance in immersive, culturally attuned ways.

7. AI’s Expanding Role Across the Funnel

AI is no longer a backend tool; it’s front and center. From predictive CRM and personalized content generation to dynamic bidding and campaign automation, AI is transforming the entire marketing stack. China is also exploring frontier technologies like brain-computer interface advertising.

Brands must embrace AI to improve media planning, content production, customer segmentation, and real-time campaign optimization.

 

Conclusion: Be Adaptive, Be Integrated, Be Smart

In today’s media landscape, success is no longer about mastering one channel or trend. It’s about understanding how technology, platforms, and content work together to shape consumer expectations.

By staying ahead of these seven trends, brands can craft adaptive, AI-enhanced, and experience-driven strategies that resonate in the ever-shifting Chinese digital ecosystem.

Need help navigating China’s evolving media landscape? Contact our team to explore how we can localize your strategy, enhance your platform presence, and drive smarter, performance-driven campaigns tailored to the China market.

9 Proven Strategies for Foreign Brands to Succeed on RedNote

RedNote (Xiaohongshu) has become a crucial platform for lifestyle-focused social commerce in China. With a strong base of Gen Z and millennial users, RedNote offers foreign brands a powerful entry point—if content is executed well.

Examples of Galeries Lafayette’s official RedNote (Xiaohongshu) account content, including branded posts, influencer videos, product promotions, and CNY marketing campaigns

Here are 9 proven strategies that help brands stand out, gain traction, and convert consumers on RedNote.

1. Choosing the Right Visual Elements

High-quality visuals are essential to gain attention on RedNote, especially on a platform rooted in shopping discovery. Authentic product photos—especially those that look like they’re taken by users—outperform overly commercial images.

Your cover image heavily influences click-through rates, and user-generated-style visuals tend to generate better engagement and higher conversions.

2. Localize Your Content

Translation alone won’t help your brand stand out. With over 56% of brands on RedNote being local, cultural alignment is key.

Foreign brands need to adapt messaging and visuals to Chinese tastes, participate in local events, and ensure language is in simplified Chinese with relevant slang and expressions. Professional translation is highly recommended over free tools.

3. Implement a Solid Influencer Marketing Strategy

Influencers remain central to social commerce in China. However, the shift is moving toward KOCs (Key Opinion Consumers) and Micro-KOLs, who offer more authentic and relatable content.

Use platforms like:

  • Pugongying – RedNote’s official KOL marketplace
  • Qiangua – A third-party tool offering in-depth analytics and price estimates

These tools help identify the right influencer partnerships based on engagement, niche, and audience fit.

4. Launch a Brand Promotion Through Ads

While organic content drives trust, paid content helps reach niche audiences. RedNote offers formats such as:

  • Paid KOL collaborations
  • In-feed/native ads
  • Search ads (placing your brand in top search results for relevant keywords)

Combining organic and paid tactics is essential for visibility and conversion.

5. Optimize for RedNote’s Social Search Function

RedNote users now skip traditional search engines and look directly within the app for product recommendations.

To appear in these results, your content must be keyword-optimized—using trending search terms in titles, captions, and hashtags. Conduct research on term popularity and search volume within your niche.

6. Long vs. Short Content

Brand accounts generally perform better with longer, keyword-rich content (about 500 characters), while individual influencers might gain engagement with just emojis.

Use a blend of rich descriptions and emojis for better readability and stronger reach through RedNote’s search algorithm.

7. Generate Traffic Through Lucky Draws

RedNote offers a built-in feature for lucky draws, where users follow, like, or bookmark to enter.

These campaigns attract initial attention—even from freebie seekers—but can go viral and lead to brand discovery by more qualified leads. Sephora is one success case, generating 1,000+ engagements with a lucky draw.

8. Utilize RedNote’s Live-streaming Features

Live commerce is rising fast on RedNote. Though platforms like Taobao and Douyin lead the category, RedNote is gaining momentum, particularly in beauty, food, and maternal product categories.

During the Spring Festival, the platform hit 198M RMB in sales via livestreams, with users valuing both interactivity and authenticity in real-time product showcases.

9. Participate in E-Commerce Shopping Festivals

Leverage China’s e-commerce calendar—especially events like:

  • Lunar New Year
  • National Day
  • Women’s Day (key on RedNote due to its largely female base)
  • RED Friday – RedNote’s version of Black Friday, from late November through early December

Participation in these events can significantly boost visibility and sales when paired with strategic promotions.

Final Takeaway

RedNote is more than a content-sharing platform—it’s a full social commerce ecosystem. For foreign brands, understanding and leveraging these 9 strategies is critical to building relevance and success in China’s competitive digital space.

Want to localize your RedNote strategy with confidence? Contact us today to build a plan that drives content, community, and commerce.

6 Keyword Categories Every Brand Needs for Xiaohongshu Success

Understanding Xiaohongshu’s dual-track content distribution—discovery and search—is crucial for any brand looking to optimize its keyword strategy. On the “Discovery” page, the algorithm matches content quality with user interests, casting a wide net for potential reach. Meanwhile, the “Search” page is where users enter specific keywords—direct signals of intent—allowing for precise targeting.

These two ecosystems are closely linked. If your note achieves high click-through rates from search, Xiaohongshu’s system will then recommend it to more similar users, creating a “search exposure → interaction → discovery recommendation” flywheel effect. This explains why a post with little initial traction can suddenly explode months later: as your keyword strategy steadily surfaces content to new audiences, accumulating clicks will eventually trigger the algorithm’s next-level recommendations.

Many brands rely solely on brand, category, or pain-point keywords—but this isn’t enough. Effective keyword planning starts with understanding the user’s decision process.Below, we break down the six must-use keyword categories every brand should incorporate into their Xiaohongshu strategy with actionable content tips for each.

1. Category Keywords – Sparking Initial Interest

These are broad terms like “electric toothbrush” or “hydrating essence.” Users searching these are just beginning to explore a solution.

Content Tip: Create product comparison guides, “how to choose” lists, and expert overviews to position your brand as an authority from the start.

2. Pain-Point Keywords – Targeting Strong Motivation

Keywords such as “yellow teeth,” “blackheads,” or “cakey foundation” reveal urgent, specific problems.

Content Tip: Use before-and-after tutorials, real-user stories, or quick-fix hacks that put the problem and your product’s solution front and center.

3. Scenario Keywords – Contextualizing Your Value

Searches like “travel-friendly,” “workout-proof makeup,” or “summer skincare” show users are thinking about practical usage scenarios.

Content Tip: Highlight your product in situational lists (“Best gym bag essentials,” “Must-haves for business travel”), matching benefits to real-life moments.

4. Competitor Keywords – Winning the Final Decision

Terms like “Usmile vs. Philips” or “best foundation for oily skin” indicate a user is comparing options and ready to buy.

Content Tip: Publish side-by-side comparison tables, influencer “battle” reviews, or test results that clearly show your strengths over competitors.

5. Demographic Keywords – Precision Targeting by User Group

Tags like “student budget skincare,” “sensitive skin routine,” or “petite fashion finds” let you target niche audiences in a crowded market.

Content Tip: Develop campaigns for specific groups (e.g., “Dorm room beauty hacks for students”) using relatable settings and tailored product combos.

6. Long-Tail Keywords – Unlocking Niche Demand

These hyper-specific phrases (“orthodontic toothbrush for teens,” “pregnancy-safe face masks”) may have lower search volume, but much higher conversion rates.

Content Tip: Create deep-dive content for each long-tail keyword—listicles, guides, or solution stories—to capture these motivated, under-served segments.

Want help optimizing your Xiaohongshu keyword strategy? Contact us for tailored, expert support that drives results.

Understanding Chinese High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in 2025

China is now home to over 1.3 million high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), representing one of the most influential and high-spending consumer segments globally. As we move through 2025, brands looking to capture the attention of this affluent group must understand their evolving lifestyle preferences, media habits, and consumption behaviors. Here are key insights and strategies to help brands effectively engage Chinese HNWIs.

Lifestyle Trends: Beyond Material Wealth

While financial success has brought Chinese HNWIs confidence and freedom of choice, it has not eliminated their desire for a more emotionally fulfilling life. Increasingly, they seek a balance between professional achievements and family or personal well-being.

This shift is driving demand for:

  • Family-oriented experiences
  • Personal development and self-care
  • Curated leisure activities that promote emotional connection

What This Means for Brands:

Luxury brands must move beyond material appeal and deliver emotionally resonant experiences that prioritize well-being, human connection, and exclusivity.

Investment Behavior: Value and Security Come First

In an uncertain economic climate, Chinese HNWIs are embracing a more conservative investment mindset. Their current priorities include:

  • Wealth preservation
  • Long-term, stable returns
  • Safe investment options like gold

What This Means for Brands:

Promote products and services that emphasize sustainability, longevity, and financial security. Messaging should appeal to their desire for stability and trustworthiness.

Consumption Behavior

Luxury Goods

  • 50% of HNWIs continue to purchase luxury items regardless of economic changes.
  • They value brand heritage, craftsmanship, and uniqueness.
  • Self-pleasure, subtlety, and personal style matter more than logos.

Beauty Products

  • HNWIs prefer high-performance, premium international skincare.
  • Makeup buying is trend-driven and intuitive.
  • Perfume is a form of self-expression; niche, exclusive scents are preferred.

Experiences

  • Interest in exclusive events, parent-child activities, and outdoor experiences is growing.

Media Habits: WeChat Remains the Center of Digital Life

WeChat is the most trusted and widely used digital platform among HNWIs in China. It provides a private, controlled environment where brands can foster deeper engagement through:

  • Official accounts
  • Mini-programs
  • Private groups (WeChat private domain)

In addition to digital platforms, HNWIs place high trust in advertisements in premium offline locations, particularly airports, due to their association with high status and exclusivity.

What This Means for Brands:

A robust WeChat strategy is essential. Combine subtle, personalized communications with high-status placements both online and offline.

Marketing Strategies to Reach Chinese HNWIs

To successfully engage this elite audience in 2025, brands should focus on:

1. Personalized & Exclusive Experiences

Offer one-on-one services, VIP access, and bespoke events to meet the need for exclusivity and emotional connection.

2. Security-Focused Messaging

Emphasize product reliability, financial value, and brand heritage to resonate with cautious, value-driven consumers.

3. Private Domain Marketing via WeChat

Leverage mini-programs and official accounts to provide tailored content, loyalty programs, and discreet communication.

4. Elegant and Subtle Digital Campaigns

Avoid aggressive sales tactics. Instead, use minimalist visuals, sophisticated storytelling, and value-led content.

5. Presence at Exclusive Events

Participate in or sponsor high-profile events such as luxury expos, automotive showcases, and curated cultural experiences.

Ready to Connect with China’s Elite?

If your brand is looking to create targeted campaigns that resonate with Chinese HNWIs, our team can help. Contact us today to develop a custom marketing strategy that aligns with their values, habits, and aspirations.

How to Market to Affluent Chinese Female Travelers Using RedNote

With China’s outbound travel sector rapidly rebounding, affluent Chinese female travelers are emerging as a key consumer segment. These high-spending tourists prioritize premium experiences, luxury accommodations, and unique cultural activities. For brands looking to attract this audience, Xiaohongshu (REDNOTE) has become an essential marketing platform.

 

Why Xiaohongshu Matters for Affluent Chinese Travelers

Xiaohongshu is a hybrid between a social media platform and an e-commerce site, where users share travel experiences, lifestyle tips, and product recommendations. With over 70% of its users being female, Xiaohongshu is the go-to platform for affluent Chinese women planning their international trips.

Consumer Profile: Who Are Affluent Chinese Female Travelers?

  • Age Group: Typically between 25-45 years old
  • Income Level: High-income professionals, entrepreneurs, and luxury shoppers
  • Travel Style: Preference for luxury hotels, private tours, and high-end shopping
  • Decision-Making: Rely on user-generated content (UGC), influencer reviews, and community recommendations

Top Travel Trends Among Wealthy Chinese Female Tourists

  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels – They prefer unique, high-end accommodations over mainstream options.
  • Wellness & Adventure Travel – Activities like skiing, spa retreats, and cultural immersion experiences are in demand.
  • Shopping Tourism – Designer boutiques, tax-free shopping, and VIP experiences attract these travelers.
  • Food & Wine Experiences – Michelin-starred dining and exclusive wine-tasting tours are highly valued.

Marketing Strategies for Xiaohongshu

1. Partner with Travel & Luxury KOLs

  • Work with travel influencers who specialize in high-end experiences.
  • Ensure the content feels authentic and experience-driven.

2. Leverage UGC and Community Reviews

  • Encourage satisfied travelers to share posts and reviews.
  • Utilize branded hashtags and challenges to boost engagement.

3. Optimize Content for Search & Discovery

  • Use trending keywords like “luxury travel,” “boutique hotel,” and “exclusive experience.”
  • Ensure posts include high-quality visuals, engaging storytelling, and actionable travel tips.

4. Run Targeted Xiaohongshu Ads

  • Utilize precise audience targeting to reach high-net-worth individuals.
  • Focus on interest-based placements related to travel, luxury, and lifestyle.

If you’re looking to attract high-spending Chinese travelers and maximize your brand’s impact on Xiaohongshu, we can help! Our team specializes in Chinese digital marketing, content creation, influencer collaborations and media buying to help you connect with the right audience.

Mastering Seasonal Marketing: 6 Trends to Watch in 2025

As 2025 unfolds, brands are redefining their marketing strategies to align with evolving consumer behaviors and cultural shifts. From leveraging seasonal changes to embracing emotional marketing, the key to success lies in crafting authentic connections with audiences. Here are six emerging trends that will shape marketing strategies in the coming year:

1. Four Seasons, New Ideas: A Year-Round Opportunity for Product Launches

Seasonality is no longer just about holiday marketing. Brands are increasingly tying product releases to the emotions and experiences associated with each season, creating year-round engagement opportunities. Whether it’s fresh spring launches, summer exclusives, cozy fall collections, or winter holiday specials, brands can use these shifts to capture attention and boost sales.

Actionable Tip: Develop seasonal content that showcases your product’s unique features in the context of changing seasons. Limited-time products and collaborations can add urgency and excitement to your campaigns.

2. Gifting and Co-Branding: The Power of Collaborations

The art of gifting is being redefined by strategic collaborations. Brands are teaming up with influencers, artists, and even other brands to create exclusive, co-branded gift collections. These limited-edition partnerships generate buzz and drive consumer interest, especially during peak gifting seasons.

Actionable Tip: Seek partnerships that complement your brand’s identity. Collaborating on special edition products or campaigns can increase brand visibility and attract new customers.

3. Opening “Her” Narrative: Empowering Women through Storytelling

Brands are moving toward more inclusive storytelling, particularly in narratives centered around women’s empowerment. From body positivity campaigns to mental health advocacy, brands that authentically champion women’s causes can foster deeper connections with their audience. International Women’s Day 2025 will be a key moment to highlight such commitments.

Actionable Tip: Align your brand’s storytelling with genuine causes that matter to your audience. Ensure that your marketing efforts around women-centric themes are authentic, inclusive, and impactful.

4. Young People’s Mental Wellness: A Focus on Emotional Marketing

Mental wellness is becoming a core focus for brands targeting younger audiences. With increased stress levels among Gen Z and Millennials, companies are integrating mental wellness themes into their marketing strategies. Campaigns that promote self-care, mindfulness, and stress relief resonate deeply with young consumers.

Actionable Tip: Create content that supports emotional well-being, such as stress-relief tips or self-care routines. Engaging with this trend can strengthen your brand’s emotional connection with consumers.

5. “New Chinese Style” Festivals: Blending Tradition with Modernity

Chinese cultural festivals like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival remain pivotal marketing moments. However, the trend of “New Chinese Style” is emerging, where brands merge traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics. This approach allows brands to engage younger consumers while celebrating cultural heritage in a modern way.

Actionable Tip: Incorporate traditional symbols and local artistry into your holiday campaigns, but present them through a modern, visually appealing lens. Collaborate with local creators to enhance authenticity.

6. Evolving Marketing Nodes: Deepening Brand Connections

Brands are moving beyond one-off holiday campaigns to create long-lasting engagement strategies. This includes:

  • Deepening Brand-Specific Nodes: Brands are amplifying key themes and emotions throughout the year rather than limiting marketing efforts to a single event.
  • Creating Brand-Specific “Content Festivals”: Instead of relying solely on traditional holidays, some brands are establishing their own content-driven “festivals” to maintain audience engagement year-round.

Actionable Tip: Develop a long-term content strategy that integrates storytelling with emotional engagement. Whether through continuous themed campaigns or brand-created “content festivals,” sustaining engagement beyond seasonal peaks can create stronger brand loyalty.

Final Thoughts

As consumer expectations shift, successful brands in 2025 will be those that adapt to these emerging trends while maintaining authenticity. From seasonal marketing to emotional storytelling, these strategies can help brands foster deeper, more meaningful connections with their audience.

Want to elevate your seasonal marketing strategy and make a lasting impact? Our team is here to help. Contact us todayto explore how we can tailor innovative marketing campaigns for your brand.

How Xiaohongshu’s New AIPS Model Redefines Grass-Planting Marketing

Xiaohongshu 2025 Will Business Summit

At the 2025 WILL Business Conference, Xiaohongshu unveiled a groundbreaking marketing framework: the “AIPS Audience Asset Model.” This innovation aims to transform how brands measure and optimize their grass-planting (content-driven marketing) campaigns on Xiaohongshu. By integrating process measurement and outcome measurement, Xiaohongshu has equipped brands with actionable insights to enhance their marketing efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways and their implications for brands.

Understanding the AIPS Model

The “AIPS Audience Asset Model” divides audience engagement into five categories:

  1. Awareness – General recognition of the brand.
  2. Interest – Initial interest in products or services.
  3. True Interest (TI) – Deep engagement and potential intent to purchase.
  4. Purchase – Conversion into actual sales.
  5. Share – Advocacy through post-purchase sharing and recommendations.

Xiaohongshu's AIPS Audience Asset Model

This segmentation allows brands to evaluate and optimize their strategies at every stage of the consumer journey. The model identifies more immediate and relevant user behaviors compared to traditional conversion metrics, offering brands a comprehensive view of audience engagement.

Measuring Grass-Planting Success

Xiaohongshu’s measurement framework operates on two levels:

1. Process Measurement

The AIPS model focuses on audience behavior within Xiaohongshu’s ecosystem, helping brands understand the nuances of user decision-making. For instance, while low-cost fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) may require a focus on awareness to drive quick conversions, high-ticket items necessitate a deeper engagement with “Interest” and “True Interest” audiences.

Process Mesurement

2. Outcome Measurement

Outcome measurement is achieved through two primary methods:

  • Grass-Planting Alliance: This initiative integrates Xiaohongshu’s platform data with external e-commerce platforms like Taobao, JD, and VIP.com. Brands can track the direct impact of Xiaohongshu’s campaigns on off-platform conversions. For example, Xilinmen identified a high-converting audience segment (“refined white-collar workers”) and optimized their budget, achieving an ROI of over 15 during the 618 shopping festival.
  • First-Party Data Collaboration: Participating brands can analyze their omnichannel data to gain deeper insights into business performance. Xiaohongshu’s “Lingxi” platform now supports 5,000+ brands, offering accessible tools for data-driven optimization.

Outcome Mesurement

ROI (T+x): A New Way to Measure Success

One of Xiaohongshu’s key insights is the importance of ROI over time (T+x). While traditional ROI focuses on immediate returns, Xiaohongshu advocates for analyzing ROI across the consumer decision-making period. For example:

  • A ¥3,000+ robotic vacuum cleaner required 45-60 days to reach a tipping point in ROI due to the complexity of consumer decisions.
  • A ¥100 body oil, initially estimated to have a 7-day decision cycle, revealed a true cycle of 60-90 days. This discovery helped the brand target high-value audiences like expectant mothers, resulting in a 20% year-on-year GMV growth during Double 11.

ROI (T+x)

Precision and Granularity: The Keys to Success

Xiaohongshu’s CMO Zhiheng emphasized that measurement is a means to an end: optimizing marketing strategies. The two pillars of this optimization are:

  • Granularity: Understanding consumer behavior, needs, and decision-making contexts.
  • Precision: Matching the right products with the most suitable influencers, content, and marketing channels.

Xiaohongshu's CMO Zhiheng

A compelling example comes from an outdoor jacket campaign. Xiaohongshu tailored content to specific mountains (e.g., lightweight jackets for Mount Tai’s night hikes versus UV-protective gear for Mount Siguniang). This hyper-targeted approach resulted in a top-four search ranking for high-end jackets and a 40% reduction in e-commerce platform costs.

Implications for Brands

Xiaohongshu’s AIPS model and measurement solutions mark a shift toward personalized, data-driven marketing. By understanding niche audiences and aligning strategies with consumer decision-making cycles, brands can achieve better ROI and long-term growth.

Interested in unlocking the full potential of Xiaohongshu for your brand? Reach out to us today to explore tailored strategies that drive results!