In the ever-evolving landscape of social media platforms, Zhihu (知乎) has emerged as a shining star in China’s digital realm. With its unique focus on knowledge sharing and intellectual discussions, Zhihu offers a refreshing space for professionals to connect, learn, and engage. In this blog, we will delve into the world of Public Relations and explore how B2B companies can harness the potential of Zhihu to enhance their communication strategies. Get ready to unlock the secrets of effective B2B communication on this captivating platform.

Zhihu (知乎) is a popular Chinese social media platform that is often compared to Quora in the United States. It was launched in 2011 and has since become one of the largest question-and-answer platforms in China. Zhihu allows users to ask and answer questions on a wide range of topics, including science, technology, entertainment, and more. Users can also follow specific topics and authors and create personalized feeds based on their interests. In addition to Q&A, Zhihu also features articles, reviews, and other types of content created by users. Users can upvote and downvote content; the most popular content is featured prominently on the platform.

The Comparison with WeChat

While Zhihu and WeChat (微信) both occupy prominent positions in the Chinese social media landscape, they serve different purposes and cater to distinct user needs. WeChat is a multifunctional platform combining messaging, social networking, and other features. It is widely used for personal communication, business networking, and even e-commerce. On the other hand, Zhihu is more focused on knowledge sharing, intellectual discussions, and professional networking.

WeChat’s strength lies in its massive user base and all-in-one functionality, making it a comprehensive communication tool for individuals and businesses. It allows users to connect with friends, join group chats, share updates, and conduct business transactions. WeChat’s Moments feature resembles a social media feed, where users can share photos, videos, and articles with their contacts.

Case study:

Browzwear

Introducing the Leading Solution for Digital Transformation

Influence Matters prioritized social media with the re-building of WeChat account by enriching content assets in different angles and designing a brand-new WeChat menu with more interactive features.

In contrast, Zhihu’s unique value proposition lies in its emphasis on knowledge and expertise. It provides a platform for users to seek and share in-depth knowledge, engage in intellectual discussions, and establish themselves as thought leaders. Zhihu’s Q&A format fosters a sense of community and encourages users to contribute their insights and experiences. Additionally, the platform’s upvoting system rewards quality content, ensuring that valuable information rises to the top.

By utilizing Zhihu’s features effectively, B2B companies can establish thought leadership, engage with their target audiences, and create meaningful connections that drive business growth.

Establishing a Thought Leadership

Zhihu’s foundation lies in its commitment to knowledge and expertise. B2B companies can leverage this platform to position themselves as thought leaders within their industries. By providing insightful and valuable answers to industry-related questions, companies can build credibility, gain the trust of the Zhihu community, and solidify their reputation as go-to experts in their respective fields. Remember, thought leadership is the gateway to establishing long-term relationships and driving industry influence.

Case study:

Everledger

Building a brand presence from Zero to One

Influence Matters team developed in-depth analysis in identifying opportunities and objectives to position Everledger as the leader in digital transparency and trust with an active Zhihu presence.

Engaging Audiences and Building Relationships

Zhihu presents a golden opportunity for B2B companies to directly engage with their target audiences. By actively participating in discussions, responding to questions, and sharing relevant content, companies can forge meaningful connections with potential customers. The key lies in being responsive, helpful, and genuinely interested in addressing the pain points of the audience. Through consistent engagement, B2B companies can cement their brand reputation and create lasting relationships that pave the way for fruitful collaborations.

Tech topic in Zhihu Page with more than 14.5 billion views

Content is the Currency of Influence

Zhihu’s article and review features provide a powerful avenue for B2B companies to showcase their expertise and knowledge. By creating compelling and informative content, companies can captivate a wider audience and position themselves as trusted sources of information. Craft articles that address industry challenges, provide actionable insights, and offer valuable tips. The upvoting system on Zhihu rewards quality content, allowing it to gain visibility and reach a broader segment of the platform’s user base.

Zhihu has emerged as an invaluable social media platform for B2B communication in China. By tapping into its unique features and leveraging its emphasis on knowledge sharing, B2B companies can establish thought leadership, engage with target audiences, showcase expertise through content, and forge collaborations that propel their business growth. As you embark on your PR journey, remember the power of Zhihu and embrace its potential to elevate your brand to new heights. So, gear up, dive in, and let Zhihu be your trusted companion in mastering the art of B2B communication in China.

Three Approaches to Get Started with Zhihu for B2B Companies

1. Deliver Insights by Answering Questions: Identify topics relevant to your industry and expertise, and start answering questions on Zhihu. By providing valuable insights and building thought leadership, you can attract potential customers and gain a following.

2. Proactive User Engagements: Engage with users by responding to comments and questions, and by sending holiday greetings and collecting feedback. Zhihu provides a good environment for B2B companies to have 2-way communication with potential customers more closely.

3. Amplify the Value of Existing Content: Publish existing content on Zhihu to optimize awareness. Because articles published on Zhihu appear at the top of Baidu research results, B2B companies can leverage this feature and use Zhihu as an additional content distribution channel to attract potential customers.

Developing an effective social media strategy on Zhihu can be challenging, especially for companies that are new to the platform or unfamiliar with the Chinese market. That’s where Influence Matters comes in. Our expertise in social media and China can help companies navigate the complexities of Zhihu and develop a winning strategy that drives results. If you’re interested in learning more about how Influence Matters can help your company succeed on Zhihu and other social media platforms in China, visit our website at https://influencematters.asia/ or contact us directly. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to tap into the vast potential of the Chinese market with the help of Influence Matters.

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