Using brand ambassadors to boost e-commerce sales in China has become a popular strategy among many companies aiming to expand their reach and influence in this vast market. The practice has shown considerable effectiveness, yet it also carries potential drawbacks.
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Below, positive and five negative aspects of employing brand ambassadors in China, along with two examples to illustrate these points.
Positive Aspects of Using Brand Ambassadors
- Increased Credibility: Brand ambassadors, especially well-known celebrities or influential figures, lend credibility and trust to a brand. Their endorsement can serve as a powerful testament to the brand’s quality and appeal.
- Enhanced Brand Visibility: Celebrities and influential figures often have vast followings. Their endorsement can significantly increase brand visibility and awareness across various platforms, particularly on major Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin.
- Target Audience Engagement: Brand ambassadors who resonate well with a company’s target demographic can enhance engagement by creating more relatable and appealing marketing content.
- Cultural Relevance: A well-chosen ambassador who aligns with or is well-versed in Chinese culture can help international brands bridge cultural gaps and better adapt their messaging for the Chinese market.
- Boost in Sales: Effective brand ambassadorships often lead to direct increases in sales due to enhanced brand perception and increased exposure among the target audience.
Negative Aspects of Using Brand Ambassadors
- High Costs: Engaging high-profile brand ambassadors can be extremely costly, making it a risky investment if the campaign does not yield the expected increase in sales.
- Over-Reliance on Personality: The brand might become too closely associated with the ambassador, which can be risky if the ambassador faces a public relations issue or scandal, potentially harming the brand’s reputation by association.
- Limited Control Over Messaging: While ambassadors enhance a brand’s reach, companies often have limited control over how the ambassador’s personal behavior might impact the brand image outside of professional engagements.
- Market Saturation: The Chinese market is highly saturated with celebrity endorsements, which can diminish the uniqueness of a brand choosing this route, potentially leading to diminished effectiveness.
- Misalignment With Brand Values: If not carefully selected, a brand ambassador might end up misaligned with the brand’s core values or message, which can confuse consumers and dilute the brand identity.
Examples of Brand Ambassador Campaigns in China
Fan Bingbing for Louis Vuitton: The famous Chinese actress Fan Bingbing has been a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton. Her well-regarded fashion sense and massive fan base have helped the luxury brand enhance its image and deepen its appeal among affluent Chinese consumers.
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In conclusion, while brand ambassadors can significantly boost an e-commerce brand’s profile and sales in China, it is crucial for companies to weigh these benefits against the potential risks and challenges. The key to success lies in choosing the right ambassador whose image and following align well with the brand’s target audience and core values.
David Beckham for Alibaba
Alibaba, the parent company of AliExpress, is ramping up its marketing efforts in response to increasing competition from players like Temu and Shein. As part of its largest-ever global ambassador deal, former England football captain David Beckham will be the face of AliExpress during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament under the “Score More with AliExpress” campaign.
Beckham, who commands a substantial following in China thanks in part to the country’s estimated 250 million Manchester United fans, announced last May that he would serve as brand ambassador for The Londoner Macau, taking an active role in the grand opening of the high-end hotel.
According to China marketing specialist Amber Wu, Western athletes are increasingly serving as cultural ambassadors, offering a glimpse into Western sports, fashion, and celebrity lifestyles. Wu shared these insights with Jing Daily in February, noting the significant impact these figures have on Chinese consumer culture.
In China, Beckham’s deep engagement with local fan culture has boosted his popularity significantly. He boasts 9.7 million followers on Weibo and has collaborated with various brands, including British menswear label Kent & Curwen, formerly owned by Hong Kong’s Trinity Group.
Despite the positive momentum, Beckham’s new role as AliExpress’ global ambassador coincides with the European Commission’s scrutiny of the Chinese e-commerce giant. The investigation focuses on Alibaba’s adherence to the Digital Services Act, particularly concerning the sale of risky products and the protection of minors. Meanwhile, Alibaba’s international division reported a robust 45% revenue increase last quarter.
Nonetheless, Alibaba, like its industry counterparts, faces ongoing criticism regarding its labor practices, notably the endorsement by co-founder Jack Ma of the rigorous “996” working schedule, which demands employees work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.
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