Canada has a thriving Chinese immigrant population. The Chinese Canadian community stood at 1.71 million, or 4.63% of the Canadian population, according to the 2021 Canadian Census. This demographic group is known for its substantial purchasing power. As a result, Canadian businesses looking to expand their customer base and grow their revenue streams should consider investing in Chinese marketing.

Chinese Immigration in Canada

Chinese immigrants continue to come to Canada in large numbers. In 2022, over 30,000 Chinese citizens were granted permanent residency in Canada, making China the second-largest source country for new permanent residents after India.

In addition, according to Statista, over 100,000 Chinese international students came to Canada to pursue higher education in 2021.

Chinese Spending Habit in Canada

When attracting Chinese customers, it is essential to understand their unique cultural values and preferences. Chinese consumers tend to value high-quality products and services and are willing to pay a premium for items seen as reputable or exclusive.

A new study conducted by market research firm Vivintel reveals that Canada’s nearly 1.2 million Chinese consumers (aged 18 and over) account for $61 billion in self-reported consumer spending.

How do you attract Chinese Customers?

One effective strategy for attracting Chinese customers is to create a strong online presence. Chinese consumers are highly connected online, and many use social media platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book / RED) to research products and services before purchasing.

Businesses can increase their visibility and attract more customers by creating a presence on these platforms and building relationships with key influencers in the Chinese community.

Another effective strategy is to offer personalized experiences that cater to the unique preferences of Chinese customers. This can include offering Chinese-language support, customizing product offerings to meet the specific needs of Chinese consumers, and creating marketing campaigns that resonate with the values of this demographic group.

Popular Platforms for Chinese Marketing

There are several platforms that Canadian businesses can use to target Chinese customers. Here are a few of the most popular options:

1. WeChat

WeChat is a messaging and social media app that is hugely popular in China. It has over 1 billion users worldwide and is often described as the “app for everything.” Businesses can use WeChat to create official accounts, which can be used to connect with customers, offer customer service, and promote products and services.

Through targeted ads, businesses can display messages on users’ timelines, in mini-programs, or WeChat Official Account articles.

2. Weibo

Weibo is a microblogging platform that is often compared to Twitter. It has more than 500 million registered users and is one of China’s most popular social media platforms.

Businesses can use Weibo to build a trustable following, promote your business and directly engage with a large, active community of potential customers. Weibo is a great place for paid advertising, offering a diverse range of ad formats and an accurate targeting system that enables you to connect easily with your target audiences.

3. Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book / RED)

Xiaohongshu (also known as Little Red Book or RED) is a popular social commerce platform in China where users can share their shopping experiences, product reviews, and lifestyle content.

It has become a powerful marketing tool for businesses looking to reach Chinese consumers, particularly younger ones. The platform’s highly engaged user base values authenticity and product recommendations from trusted sources.

Xiaohongshu marketing can involve a range of tactics, such as creating branded content, collaborating with influencers, running promotions and giveaways, and leveraging user-generated content.

Investing in Chinese marketing is bright for any business looking to expand its reach into one of the world’s largest markets. By building trust with Chinese consumers, understanding Chinese culture, and leveraging Chinese marketing channels, you can position your business for success in the Chinese Canadian market.

DV8 Communication can help you navigate the complexities of Chinese marketing and create campaigns that resonate with Chinese consumers. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to grow your business! Check out our case studies for Chinese audiences through the DV8 Communication website.