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WeChat Interactive Articles (WIA) are a relatively new and highly engaging way of presenting content on WeChat. They are created by brands and are designed to be quick, easy, and fun! Thanks to different features they can be used to engage with your audience in a very unique way.

What exactly are interactive posts?

You might have seen WeChat posts embellished with GIFs or other eye-catching graphics. Creators can upload such elements into articles directly in the WeChat backend when creating an article. However, WeChat’s native backend offers extremely limited options. That’s why many brands decide to use third-party platforms to create their posts. For example, you can add some features like swiping or ‘click to reveal’ to your posts using popular browser-based editing tools like xiumi.

More advanced interactive features require coding and are increasingly popular among WeChat brands.

What Are Animated SVGs?

Let’s begin with a technical explanation here. Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is a vector picture format for two-dimensional graphics that is based on Extensible Markup Language (XML) and supports animation and interactivity. A less technical explanation is that it is a special kind of image format – a Scalable Vector Graphic. We know, TL;DR. Let’s move to a more practical explanation.

Let us share with you some of the coolest examples of interactive posts. The effects can include tapping, long-pressing, selecting an answer (micro quizzes), and more.

Montagut interactive post

Why Interactive Posts Are a Great Alternative?

First of all, they are extremely engaging! A social media post with a picture is 10 times more likely to receive interaction. This is due to the fact that our brains process images and colors more quickly than other types of information. Therefore, advancing the idea and animating your image will also boost engagement. If your post hit the sweet spot, there is a good chance that your readers will share it further with their friends.

Classic static content no longer do especially when users are constantly inundated with new posts from brands.

Secondly, they can also be an interesting alternative to H5 mini-sites.

Creating an H5 mini-page requires much more effort in terms of time and budget. An interactive post can be a good option for smaller budgets and quick turnaround.
User journey doesn’t require WeChat readers to leave the article as it happens when redirecting to an H5 page.

Montagut interactive post

Naturally, H5 is still a great option for bigger campaigns that need to pack varied special effects or more complex interactions. Tracking clicks is also possible on an interactive article. It is worth mentioning that interactive features on the articles, even with coding, will still be quite basic but nonetheless fun.

groz beckert interactive post

You can also add a call to action (CTA) to demonstrate to readers the benefits they will receive; it should also be rewarding, contextually appropriate, and consistent with the official account’s branding and content style. When you catch readers’ attention, you can try to redirect them to e.g. your e-shop mini-program.

blackrock interactive post

Conclusion

When creating interactive WeChat articles, keep in mind these essential components. You might feel tempted to add too many interactive elements. We suggest keeping them to around 5 but well-thought-out and creative ones. Make sure your content is on-brand and that the interactions are clearly indicated.

Always remember that a brand’s engagement and conversion rate are better the more interactive it is.

If you wish to know more about WeChat articles & other marketing techniques in China, please contact our team. We use our knowledge and expertise to help businesses build meaningful partnerships and develop their network among Chinese customers. For additional information, please contact at contact@thewechatagency.com.

WHAT IS MONTAGUT?

Montagut was the first French fashion design company to enter China in 1979, at a time when there were few international brands (Louis Vuitton and Chanel established themselves only 15 years later). It has spread to over 4,000 shops around the country, establishing a dedicated client base and a household name. It is seen as a symbol of respect and achievement, particularly among dignitaries and notables.

THE SCOPE OF WORK

KRDS has been appointed to manage Montagut’s digital channels in China for four consecutive years. Scope of work includes WeChat, Channels & Weibo management, Content creation (Chinese copywriting, graphic design, motion design), Media planning (banner design, A/B testing, budget allocation), KOL & artist collaborations, Dev scope & H5 minigames.

Montagut – Content Creation

Brand’s social media strategy in China is always evolving to keep up with the latest trends and technology solutions that help to increase online sales and foot traffic in real stores.

THE RESULTS

According to Candice Meyer, Montagut’s Head of Brand Image & Communications Asia, “KRDS has been a valuable partner of Montagut over the past 4 years. We chose them because of their deep knowledge of the China social media landscape combined with great strategic and creative capabilities. On a day to day basis, it’s both very efficient and super pleasant to work with a trustworthy team such as KRDS. They are expert, flexible, diligent and always looking to achieve the best results. A perfect recipe for success!”

She also mentioned that one of the campaigns Montagut’s Winter Wonderland “was very fun and engaging. Beyond generating buzz and page views, KRDS was smart to find the right mechanism to attract a very high number of new fans”.

Montagut – Father’s Day Campaign

If you wish to know more about WeChat and its various features, please contact our team. We use our knowledge and expertise to help businesses build meaningful partnerships and develop their network among Chinese customers. For additional information, please contact at contact@thewechatagency.com.

WeChat Interactive Articles – Introduction & Examples