Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the transformation of Chinese brands as they expand internationally, moving from a focus on manufacturing to building their own brands and engaging directly with global consumers [3][10][20]. Group 1: Brand Evolution - Chinese brands are no longer satisfied with being part of the manufacturing chain; they aim to engage directly with consumers globally [3][10]. - The shift from "manufacturing" to "branding" represents a significant change in strategy for many companies, particularly among the new generation of leaders [3][8]. Group 2: Case Study - Qualfort - Qualfort, a clothing brand, exemplifies this transition by moving from a traditional OEM model to establishing its own brand, emphasizing the importance of advertising as a long-term asset rather than a mere expense [5][7]. - The brand utilized Amazon's advertising tools to enhance its visibility and consumer engagement, transitioning from product visibility to brand recall [7][19]. Group 3: Challenges and Opportunities - The article highlights the challenges faced by brands in adapting their products and marketing strategies to diverse international markets, emphasizing the need for localization [11][20]. - As more brands establish a foothold in global markets, the focus shifts to becoming truly global brands, which involves navigating cultural differences and market expectations [10][11]. Group 4: Advertising and Brand Building - The role of advertising is redefined as a tool for building long-term relationships with consumers rather than just driving immediate sales [19][20]. - Amazon's advertising ecosystem is presented as a comprehensive tool for brand building, allowing brands to engage with consumers across multiple touchpoints [19][21]. Group 5: Future Directions - The article concludes that the journey for Chinese brands is far from over; the next challenge is to be chosen and loved by consumers in various cultural contexts [20][21]. - The upcoming "Waterman Star Program" aims to provide ongoing insights into the experiences of Chinese brands as they navigate international markets [20][21].

Core Viewpoint - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are becoming significant players in international trade, but they face challenges such as low brand recognition and high consumer trust barriers in overseas markets. Balancing short-term sales conversion with long-term brand building is essential for SMEs venturing abroad [2][4]. Group 1: Current Market Dynamics - In 2024, there are 645,000 foreign trade enterprises in China, with SMEs accounting for over 70% of this total [2]. - The traditional focus on sales over brand building has led many companies to adopt a "goods for cash" strategy, which can result in a vicious cycle of rising traffic costs and low repurchase rates [4]. - A study tracking 700 brands over 12 years indicates that the effectiveness of performance advertising diminishes over time, suggesting that solely focusing on performance ads is not a sustainable strategy [4]. Group 2: Importance of Brand Building - 68.6% of advertisers believe that brand communication effectiveness meets or exceeds expectations, highlighting a shift towards valuing brand building [4]. - Global consumers are willing to pay a premium for trusted brands, with 87% indicating they would do so [4]. - Establishing consumer trust is crucial for achieving brand premium and long-term profit growth [4]. Group 3: Evolving Advertising Strategies - Advances in advertising technology have made it easier to quantify the effectiveness of brand advertising, moving away from the "blind box" approach [6]. - The new brand export model emphasizes precise ad placement, direct consumer interaction, and personalized services to create beneficial connections [6]. Group 4: Consumer Behavior Insights - Modern consumer shopping journeys are increasingly non-linear and fragmented, requiring brands to build cohesive recognition across multiple touchpoints [8]. - Consumers typically interact with brands through 20 to 500 touchpoints during their purchasing process, necessitating a comprehensive marketing strategy [8]. Group 5: Amazon's Marketing Solutions - Amazon's full-funnel marketing solution addresses the non-linear consumer journey by creating a complete loop from awareness to consideration to purchase [9]. - The effectiveness of integrated multi-channel advertising campaigns is nearly 60% higher than single-channel efforts [9]. - Amazon's advertising solutions, including self-service streaming TV ads, provide SMEs with low-barrier, high-efficiency options for brand building [10][13]. Group 6: AI and Efficiency in Advertising - Amazon's AI-driven marketing suite enhances advertising efficiency by predicting audiences likely to convert based on advertising goals [13]. - The integration of AI tools allows SMEs to create effective advertising materials without the need for large teams or high budgets, thus supporting their brand-building efforts [17].