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With the shifting dynamics of global markets and the growing influence of social platforms on consumer interactions, Chinese companies are stepping forward with bold, globally minded strategies.
For Chinese brands aspiring to expand globally, embracing the social-first paradigm shift enables brands to adapt seamlessly to diverse cultural and market environments while significantly enhancing their competitive advantage on the international stage.
This report explores crucial shifts brands must make to thrive in the social-first landscape, offering actionable strategies for agencies and brand teams to unlock brand globalization and sustainable growth in today's attention economy.
Click Here to download your copy of the full report now.
01 SOCIAL FIRST BRAND BUILDING AS A NEW MARKETING MODEL
Social-first brands start by understanding what makes target online communities tick, and how best to serve them. It is crucial to understand how to build community, customer intimacy and brand love, by cultivating THE LONG GAME, or actively respond to THE QUICK HIT.
02 SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE BECOMES A BUSINESS-CRITICAL DRIVER
By leveraging advanced AI-powered tools like real-time social listening, sentiment analysis, and predictive analytics, teams can gain deep understanding of their target audience's needs, desires, and pain points.
03 BRAND WORLD REINVENTION FOR A SOCIAL-FIRST ERA
The most successful social-first brands keep their social efforts cringe-proof——distinct and instantly recognisable through consistent codes, visual and tonal identity attributes, and smart use of recurring devices like brand characters or content franchises.
04 BRAND PLANNING CYCLES ADAPT FOR NEW CULTURE FREQUENCIES
Traditional brand marketing calendars, planned 12 to 24 months in advance, have limited effectiveness in today’s fast paced landscape. In 2025, social-first brands will adopt flexible planning cycles that span multiple time horizons, moving away from standardized product roadmaps and repetitive campaign strategies.
05 SOCIAL-FIRST TRANSFORMATION FUELS OMNI-CHANNEL IMPACT
Social-first does not mean social only. It’s not about prioritising social media channels, but rather a fundamental shift in brand orientation that should inform and energise every touchpoint, blurring lines between online and offline to create a cohesive interconnected brand experience to match the modern customer journey.
SUMMARY
2025 will offer amazing opportunities for brands that embrace social-first transformation and establish new ways of working. For Chinese brands looking to expand globally, the social-first mindset offers unparalleled opportunities.
By embracing Social-first approach, brands can move beyond outdated, one-size-fits-all strategies and create authentic, culturally resonant connections that inspire loyalty and growth.
Click Here to download the full report, and explore the key shifts for Chinese brands in the context of globalization.