In this informative episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley is joined by Olivia Plotnick, the founder of Wai Social and a renowned expert in China marketing. 

Since her last appearance on the podcast in 2020, the landscape of digital consumption in China has evolved significantly, and Olivia is here to shed light on the latest trends and platforms shaping the Chinese market.

Olivia kicks off the discussion by updating listeners on the shifts in consumer behavior and the emergence of new marketing platforms. The conversation zooms in on Xiaohongshu, a platform that, while hugely popular in China, remains relatively unknown to many Western audiences. Olivia explains what Xiaohongshu is, detailing its features, interface, user base, and its unique position in the social media landscape.

She discusses the impact of Xiaohongshu on users’ lives, particularly how it influences shopping behaviors and lifestyle choices. Olivia provides valuable insights into how brands are successfully leveraging Xiaohongshu, offering practical tips for marketers looking to engage with this platform. She also clarifies the difference between Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and Key Opinion Consumers (KOCs), and discusses which product categories thrive on Xiaohongshu.

Highlighting recent successful campaigns, Olivia points out innovative strategies that brands have employed on Xiaohongshu. She also explores current lifestyle trends that are gaining traction on the platform, like “Citywalk,” and their broader implications for consumer engagement.

Lastly, Olivia addresses the buzz around the 6/18 shopping festival, providing her perspective on whether these large-scale promotional events still resonate with consumers in a rapidly changing retail environment.