2 posts
As Facebook and Twitter aren't accessible from within China, most western brands aren't reaching people there online, including those using services like FB Connect etc. Even so, language and contextual relevance makes many branded web experiences in the west less useful in China. Solve this and brands have a massive opportunity to connect with this growing market.
I was at a talk on how internet word of mouth (iWOM) works in China a couple of weeks ago. There were a few noteworthy things that Sam Flemming, CEO and Co-Founder of CIC, said:
1. Social media is very much existent in China, but it’s like it’s on steroids: 298 million internet users, 105 million bloggers, 91 million members on their Bulletin Board Systems or BBS (discussion forums around different topics), and 58 million people on social networks. It’s all about perspective: Facebook has only 200 million users WORLDWIDE.
2. BBS have a huge influence on consumer purchases – over 80% look at reviews there or go there to ask questions before making a purchase. Much as I like Amazon, that’s not where I go to decide what to buy: but could Amazon or something like it channel prospective buyers in such vast numbers successfully?
