In recent years, China has become a major focus of global business, with plenty of foreign brands entering the market. Marketing campaigns are one of the key methods for foreign brands in China to reach potential consumers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top nine commercial advertisement examples by foreign brands in China, and explore why these campaigns have been successful.
1. Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign
Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign is one of the most successful commercial campaigns in China. The campaign allowed consumers to personalize bottles of Coca-Cola with their own names or the names of their friends and family. By doing so, Coca-Cola successfully tapped into China’s culture of gift-giving and family ties. People were buying Coke bottles for each other not only to drink, but also to share with others as a gift.
2. McDonald’s “Chinese New Year” Campaign
McDonald’s celebrated the Chinese New Year in style with a campaign that revolved around the concept of “Sharing Moments.” The campaign not only featured special meals for the holiday, but also focused on the importance of bringing family and friends together during the festive period. The campaign was a success because it resonated with Chinese consumers’ values of close-knit family relationships and sharing moments with loved ones.
3. BMW’s “Thinking Ahead” Campaign
BMW’s “Thinking Ahead” campaign is a great example of how a foreign brand can tap into the aspirations of the young Chinese consumer. The campaign showcased BMW as a luxury brand that was connected to the future and symbolized success, by portraying young people who have already achieved success through hard work and forward thinking.
4. Nike’s “Find Your Greatness” Campaign
Nike’s “Find Your Greatness” campaign is a great example of how to reach your audience through inspiring stories. With a focus on ordinary people achieving extraordinary things, Nike was able to capture Chinese consumers’ attention by inspiring them to pursue their own goals and dreams. The campaign was especially popular with young people, who were inspired by the idea of finding greatness within themselves.
5. Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” Campaign
Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” campaign in China is a great example of how to build a strong connection with your audience. By showcasing pictures taken with the iPhone, Apple was able to demonstrate the quality of their cameras while also building trust with Chinese consumers through user-generated content. The campaign showed ordinary people taking amazing pictures with their iPhones, which resonated well with Chinese consumers’ love of photography.
6. Airbnb’s “Welcome to the Aibiying” Campaign
Airbnb’s “Welcome to the Aibiying” campaign in China was a huge success, as it showcased the unique experiences and diverse accommodations offered by Airbnb. The campaign was tailored to Chinese consumers’ desire for adventure and unique experiences, and was able to establish Airbnb as a trusted brand in the Chinese market.
7. KFC’s “New Year Resolutions” Campaign
KFC’s “New Year Resolutions” campaign was a great example of how to tap into the cultural zeitgeist of the moment. By emphasizing healthier options, KFC was able to appeal to Chinese consumers’ focus on health and wellness. The campaign was especially successful during the Chinese New Year, where people often make resolutions to improve their health and well-being.
8. Audi’s “A4 L” Campaign
Audi’s “A4 L” campaign in China was a great example of how to focus on the product and its unique selling points. The campaign focused on the A4 L model, emphasizing its spaciousness, luxury, and advanced features. By showcasing the car’s sleek design and impressive features, Audi was able to attract Chinese consumers’ attention and establish the brand as a desirable choice in the automotive industry.
9. Oreo’s “Unlimited Wonder” Campaign
Oreo’s “Unlimited Wonder” campaign in China was a great example of how to create a memorable campaign that resonates with your audience. The campaign showcased the wonder and joy of imagination, and encouraged people to think outside the box. By emphasizing the unlimited possibilities of the imagination, Oreo was able to connect with Chinese consumers’ desire for new and exciting experiences.
In conclusion, the success of foreign brands in China largely depends on how well they understand and cater to Chinese consumers’ values and cultural preferences. The nine campaigns highlighted above demonstrate how foreign brands can succeed in China by tapping into Chinese culture, creating inspiring stories, building trust, focusing on the product, and creating memorable campaigns.