Xiaohongshu Usage Guidelines (7)

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71. What does "non-reported post" mean?  
A "non-reported post" refers to advertising posts created in collaboration with a business outside of Xiaohongshu’s official Pugongying platform. For example, a business might reach out via private message and pay you directly through WeChat to promote their product. These posts bypass Xiaohongshu’s commission system, allowing businesses to save money and creators to earn more. However, this violates the platform's policies, and Xiaohongshu may penalize such posts through measures like limiting traffic or banning accounts.

72. Are non-reported posts strictly prohibited?  
Not necessarily. If the advertisement is subtly integrated into your content and doesn’t appear overtly promotional, it’s less likely to be flagged.

73. What is a KOC?  
KOC (Key Opinion Consumer) refers to everyday users (non-influencers or KOLs) who are categorized based on follower count and content quality:  
   - High-quality KOC: 1,000–20,000 followers, average engagement of 100+, with decent content creation skills. Essentially, they are low-follower KOLs.  
   - Ordinary KOC: 300–10,000 followers, with no strict data requirements. They primarily create simple image-text posts or write based on provided materials and have limited content creation skills.  

KOCs are often recruited through group chats or direct outreach.

74. Is it still a good time to start on Xiaohongshu?  
It depends on your goals:  
   - For follower growth: It’s still feasible. Gaining followers can build influence and enhance your personal image among colleagues and friends. It’s not overly difficult, and there’s still plenty of opportunity.  
   - For monetization: The focus has shifted from follower count to "low-follower, high-monetization" models. Traditional advertising deals are harder to secure as businesses now prefer live-streaming for better ROI. If you’re comfortable with live-streaming or have your own products, Xiaohongshu offers one of the lowest barriers to entry and highest returns compared to platforms like Douyin or WeChat Channels.

75. Should I accept free advertising opportunities from major brands?  
Collaborations should be mutually beneficial. While the brand seeks exposure, you need to determine what you’ll gain in return.  

Keep in mind: If the collaboration doesn’t go through Xiaohongshu’s Pugongying platform, avoid making the advertising too obvious. Bypassing the official platform infringes on Xiaohongshu’s interests, and they may penalize you with warnings or traffic limitations, which can take months to recover from.  

Consider the risks and rewards carefully. If you’re uncertain about what you stand to gain, it’s better to decline.

76. What are the monetization methods on Xiaohongshu?  
Here are some monetization strategies:  
   - (1) Selling accounts: Accounts with 8,000+ followers are easier to sell, typically priced at 100–150 RMB per 1,000 followers.  
   - (2) Sponsored posts: Although harder to secure now, some brands may pay to have their products featured in your posts.  
   - (3) Content replacement: Brands may pay you to replace certain elements in your viral posts with their product ads.  
   - (4) Live-streaming: Selling products through live streams.  
   - (5) Affiliate marketing: Adding product links to your posts.  
   - (6) Opening a store: If you have your own products, you can sell them directly.  
   - (7) Driving traffic to private domains: For example, promoting consulting services or paid courses.  

A common strategy is to use a secondary account to drive traffic, such as directing users to a group chat or subtly displaying your WeChat ID. You can also list a symbolic product (e.g., 1 RMB) in your store to collect buyers’ contact information.

77. Does monetization on Xiaohongshu require a large follower base?  
Not anymore. Traditional monetization relied on viral posts to grow followers, followed by securing high-paying sponsorships. However, brands are now prioritizing live-streaming over ads, as it yields better conversion rates.  

The current approach is to attract a niche audience with your posts and convert them into customers through live-streaming. Even with just 50 followers, if 5 convert into customers, the revenue can be significant.

78. Which niches are best for sponsored ads?  
   - Parenting: Ideal for new mothers who enjoy sharing and have ample time.  
   - Home improvement: Suitable for those renovating or redecorating their homes or showcasing large, well-decorated spaces.  
   - Tech: Perfect for tech enthusiasts who love reviewing gadgets like phones and computers.  
   - Beauty: Best for those who are comfortable sharing their personal lives, love shopping, and have unique features or personalities.

79. Which niches won’t be profitable in 2024?  
   - (1) Ad-dependent niches: Relying solely on ad revenue is no longer sustainable as brands are shifting budgets to live-streaming.  
   - (2) Film, editing, or resource accounts: These often lack originality and face high competition.  
   - (3) Pure product promotion: Content that doesn’t offer practical or emotional value won’t attract engagement.  
   - (4) Treating Xiaohongshu like a personal diary: Posting random updates without a clear strategy won’t yield results. 

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