XpandAsia

We are in the business of helping Western brands expand into the Chinese market. When we talk to potential clients, we emphasize how China, with its massive population, is a market that any brand should want to enter—a point they instantly understand. We also introduce them to a unique Chinese social commerce platform unlike anything they’ve seen before: Douyin. 🤩 We believe Douyin was made for brands. It’s a place where selling and marketing happen simultaneously. Despite our enthusiasm, we often find that brands don’t fully grasp what they’re missing by not joining this amazing platform. That’s why we sought some backup. We tracked down the impressive Demi Shi, Head of Partnerships (all categories) for Douyin, who agreed to an exclusive interview with XpandAsia to discuss why Western brands need to be on Douyin. ✨ Here is that interview, which we encourage all brands to read. Skipping it would be a disservice to your business and expansion strategy: https://lnkd.in/gMEY9ASc Go ahead, read it. We’ll be waiting in the comments section to answer any questions or read any comments you may have.  💫🖖 #douyin #socialcommerce #china #chinamarket #chinamarketentry #onlinesolutions #westernbrands #brands

When partnering with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) for e-commerce in China, understanding their approach to showcasing products can make all the difference. ⭐️ One powerful type of KOL integrates a “商品橱窗” (commodity window) directly on their homepage. This “commodity window” acts as a dedicated storefront, allowing followers easy access to purchase links for each featured product. It serves as both a promotional tool and a seamless shopping experience for potential buyers. 🛍️ Here’s how it works: 1. Every short video includes a product sales link and highlights real-life usage scenarios. These are not just ads; they’re lifestyle integrations that resonate with the audience's needs, creating authentic connections. 💘 2. The homepage’s “commodity window” 🪟 isn’t just a gallery; it’s a curated space where followers can explore and shop the featured products with just a few clicks. This setup simplifies the journey from interest to purchase. 3. By directly linking products within each video and centralizing them in the “commodity window,” these KOLs drive traffic and increase sales 🤑 potential in a way that aligns perfectly with the consumer journey. This KOL strategy blends content and commerce to bring products closer to the consumer, setting the stage for an immersive shopping experience right within their favorite social platforms. Brillant! 💫🖖 #douyin #douyinmarketing #douyinkols #kols #china

Why r.e.m. beauty by Ariana Grande Should Join Douyin...✨ Founded in 2021 by global superstar Ariana Grande, R.E.M. Beauty was created to make makeup dreams a reality. With its visionary products and bold aesthetic, r.e.m. has vast potential for success on Douyin. Here’s why: ⚡️r.e.m. beauty is already a recognizable name, and while the brand name may need localization for the Chinese market, a thoughtful adaptation can retain its essence. With the right support, they can create a localized name that still captures r.e.m.'s spirit, creating an immediate appeal. ⚡️Known for high-quality beauty content, r.e.m. has plenty of assets to bring to Douyin. Localizing their unique content for the Chinese market would offer endless creative opportunities to engage viewers and set new beauty trends on the platform. ⚡️Ariana Grande’s global fame and authentic style would resonate with Douyin’s audience. By maintaining a personal Douyin account, she can share more intimate glimpses of her life, while a separate r.e.m. account could focus purely on brand content. Crossovers between the two accounts would boost visibility for both Ariana and her brand, engaging millions of fans. ⚡️r.e.m. beauty would be a natural fit for collaborations with Douyin's top beauty influencers (KOLs). Known for their loyal followings, these influencers can help establish the brand’s authority in the beauty space, amplifying its reach across the platform. Douyin is the perfect stage for r.e.m. beauty to increase brand awareness, connect with new fans, and solidify its place as a beauty leader in China. 🖖💫 #douyin #douyinmarketing #douyinlivestreams #china #chinamarket #chinamarketentry #rembeauty #beautybrands

Double 11 is fast approaching, and we’re gearing up Manuka Doctor for one of China’s largest shopping holidays! Traditionally a 24-hour event, Double 11 has expanded in recent years, starting earlier and lasting longer to meet consumer demand. To celebrate, we’ve launched a new WeChat campaign for Manuka Doctor, helping the brand connect with shoppers during this peak season. Let the shopping begin! 💫🖖 #manukadoctor #double11 #china #chinamarket #chinamarketentry

🎥The entertainment industry has always been about storytelling, but in today's fast-paced digital world, how those stories reach audiences is evolving at an unprecedented rate. Douyin’s latest initiative, Show Me the Drama, is not just another variety show—it’s a groundbreaking fusion of entertainment, education, and creator-driven content. At Xpandasia, we believe this innovative format is setting a new standard for film and TV promotion. By integrating leading actors with active Douyin creators, the program bridges the gap between traditional media stars and the digital creators shaping modern-day content consumption. The result? 🎬Engaging challenges that extend beyond passive viewing and invite audiences to experience the narrative in unexpected ways. As promotional methods shift, Show Me the Drama is a clear indicator that short videos are no longer just a supporting act—they’re becoming a key driver in generating buzz and building communities around entertainment. This show not only champions creators but also emphasizes collaboration between content industries, demonstrating that creative intersections can lead to exciting new avenues for growth. 🤩 We’re excited to see where this trend takes us and how Xpandasia can continue helping brands thrive in this evolving landscape. 💫🖖 Read more about 'Show Me the Drama' here: https://lnkd.in/grNjwvsE #douyin #douyinshortvideos #douyinshowmethedrama #contentcreation #china #chinamarket #chinamarketentry

We just wrapped up one of our latest short videos for Qualia Life Sciences, focusing on their amazing supplement (pun intended!) designed to improve focus. In a world where mindless scrolling on social media and binge-watching our favorite shows have become the norm, staying focused in everyday life is becoming more of a challenge. Scientific backing is key for Chinese consumers, so we made sure to highlight that this supplement doesn’t just help with focus—it also stimulates the growth of neuronal axons and dendrites, supporting long-term brain health. 💫🖖 #qualialifesciences #douyinshortvideos #neurohacker #china #chinamarketentry #chinamarket #supplements #supplementbrands

Why Betty Booze Should Join Douyin... Founded in 2023 by actress Blake Lively, Betty Booze brings the same level of care and quality to cocktails as you’d expect in a home-cooked meal—fresh, simple, and expertly crafted🍹. The brand is perfectly positioned to thrive on Douyin, and here’s why: ⚡️Betty Booze’s sleek and eye-catching packaging is made for Douyin’s highly visual platform. In live streams, these vibrant cans paired with a well-curated backdrop would grab attention immediately. The combination of good design and engaging visuals would enhance brand recall and make a lasting impression. ⚡️With China’s Alcoholic Drinks market projected to generate US$208.4 billion in revenue in 2024, the timing couldn’t be better for Betty Booze to enter. Establishing a presence on Douyin offers an opportunity to connect with a massive audience and leverage the platform’s ability to drive brand awareness and e-commerce conversions. ⚡️Blake Lively's superstar status presents a unique advantage. Having her host live cocktail classes or partner with local KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) would not only introduce the brand but also create a sense of connection with Chinese consumers. Localizing her content and tapping into Douyin’s influencer-driven ecosystem would be a strategic win. ⚡️Chinese consumers value premium ingredients, and this aligns perfectly with Betty Booze’s commitment to quality. By emphasizing the fresh, high-quality elements that go into their cocktails, the brand can set itself apart in a competitive market where authenticity and craftsmanship matter. There are countless reasons why Betty Booze and Douyin are a perfect match—these are just a few. A tailored Douyin strategy would open the doors to new audiences and unlock significant growth opportunities in China. 💫🖖 #bettybooze #cocktailbrands #blakelively #douyin #douyinmarketing #china #chinamarket #chinamarketentry #douyinstrategy #douyinmarketingstrategy

Absolutely inspiring to see how an iconic brand like Heinz❣️continues to innovate and stay relevant in rapidly evolving markets such as China. 🌟 🙌We admire Heinz's strategic approach to localization—not taking it for granted but instead investing thoughtfully to resonate with the local audience. Their focus on engaging the younger generation by understanding and addressing their unique wants and needs is commendable. By integrating Chinese products that align synergistically with their existing lineup, Heinz demonstrates a commitment to long-term growth and cultural relevance. 👏 It's refreshing to witness a globally recognized brand like Heinz remain proactive and forward-thinking, ensuring they are not just present but thriving in the Chinese market. Their dedication to staying adaptable and responsive sets a powerful example for all brands aiming to expand internationally. 💫🖖 Check out the full article to learn more about Heinz's strategies in China: https://lnkd.in/ef9J-bv9 #heinz #marketingstrategy #localization #china #chinamarket #chinamarketentry #globalgrowth

Reading this insightful article on Lacoste's achievements in China reaffirms a fundamental principle we champion at XpandAsia: Localization is key to global success. (here is the article: https://lnkd.in/eB6a6HMs) 🐊 Lacoste's approach goes beyond merely entering the Chinese market—they've immersed themselves authentically. What really sets Lacoste apart from other brands that have tried to localize in China is that they did it in a way that was true to themselves. They kept their identity while embracing Chinese culture, so it didn't come off as fake or phony—it was welcomed. We also admire how they brought together European tennis star Novak Djokovic and beloved Chinese actor Wang Yibo. Bringing these two icons together at such a historic site, the Great Wall of China, was an iconic move. Well done, Lacoste! 👏 At XpandAsia, we believe that staying authentic while embracing local cultures is the key to making meaningful connections in new markets. Lacoste's strategy is a shining example of how to do it right. 💫🖖 #lacoste #luxurybrandsinchina #westernbrands #china #chinamarket #chinamarketentry #localization

We were intrigued by this article about a female KOL who sold over a million pairs of men's trousers 🤯 on Douyin by leveraging emotional and aspirational appeal: https://lnkd.in/eyzxg47m This isn't just another success story—this woman is a marketing genius. She not only found and owned a niche but also masterfully used aspirational marketing to captivate her audience. By creating a narrative where wearing these trousers could elevate one's lifestyle, she tapped into the desires and ambitions of her customers. ✨ Her strategy makes men feel that these trousers weren't just a piece of clothing but a symbol of success and confidence. By associating her product with luxury items like Rolex watches and Maserati, she painted a compelling picture of the lifestyle that could be achieved. It's a bold approach, reminiscent of tactics used by luxury brands—aspiration is indeed powerful⚡️. This is a reminder that understanding your audience's aspirations can be just as important as understanding their needs. 💫🖖 #douyin #douyinmarketing #douyinlivestream #douyinkols #china