How Australian Restaurants Can Use Redbook to Attract Chinese Tourists and International Students

With the surge of Chinese tourists and international students returning to Australia post-pandemic, restaurants have a golden opportunity to tap into one of the most powerful digital ecosystems in China — Redbook (Xiaohongshu). Once known primarily for fashion and lifestyle, Redbook has now become a critical platform for travel, food, and shopping recommendations among Chinese millennials and Gen Z. In fact, one of the current trending search topics among this audience is: "Best food spots in Australia recommended by locals on Redbook" — a keyword that Australian restaurants must pay attention to.

Why Redbook Is a Game-Changer for Australian Restaurants

Redbook combines elements of Instagram, Pinterest, and TripAdvisor, making it the go-to app for discovery. Chinese tourists and international students rely heavily on Redbook for trusted user-generated reviews and visual content when exploring dining options overseas.

Here are a few reasons why Redbook is particularly powerful:

• High Trust Factor: Redbook is built around peer reviews. Chinese consumers trust fellow users more than traditional ads.

• Visual Storytelling: With an emphasis on photos, short videos, and influencer posts, Redbook lets restaurants showcase their ambiance, signature dishes, and experiences.

• Search-Driven Discovery: Users search keywords like “Australian seafood platter,” “Brunch in Sydney,” or “Affordable Melbourne eats,” meaning good visibility leads to real-world foot traffic.

• Algorithmic Boost for Niche Appeal: Redbook prioritizes high-engagement content, helping restaurants get discovered based on themes — whether it’s vegan-friendly menus, halal certification, or Instagrammable decor.

Benefits for Australian Restaurants

Implementing a Redbook marketing strategy can offer several competitive advantages:

1. Increased Exposure to a Fast-Growing Demographic

Chinese students in Australia often share their dining experiences with friends and family back home. One viral post can result in a sustained increase in traffic. According to the Australian Government Department of Education, there are over 170,000 Chinese international students currently enrolled in Australian institutions.

2. Higher Conversion Rate from Search to Visit

Unlike other platforms, Redbook users search with strong intent — they are actively looking for places to visit. A top-ranking Redbook post can directly influence a user's next meal decision.

3. Build Authentic Reputation and Credibility

Being featured organically on Redbook helps build brand credibility in a way traditional advertising can’t match. A few good reviews from micro-influencers or student ambassadors can lead to an influx of footfall.

Who Should Manage Redbook for Your Restaurant?

Managing Redbook effectively is not just about posting nice pictures. It involves understanding Chinese consumer behavior, trending keywords, and algorithmic preferences. The ideal candidates include:

• Bilingual Social Media Managers: Someone fluent in Mandarin and English who understands Australian culture and Redbook etiquette.

• Chinese International Students as Ambassadors: Partnering with Chinese students already living in Australia can help generate localized and authentic content.

• Digital Agencies Specializing in Chinese Platforms: Like SODA Global — more on that below.

How SODA Global Uses Redbook Marketing to Help Australian Restaurants Attract Chinese Tourists

This is where SODA Global, a professional business agency specializing in cross-border digital marketing, comes in.

🚀 What SODA Global Offers:

• Strategic Redbook Campaign Design: We create tailored campaigns based on location, cuisine type, and target demographic.

• Influencer Matching: SODA Global partners with micro and macro Chinese influencers based in Australia to promote your restaurant with real engagement.

• Content Creation: Our bilingual team produces high-quality visuals, captions, and hashtags to ensure posts rank high on Redbook's algorithm.

• Performance Tracking and Analytics: We provide monthly reports to show how many users viewed, shared, and saved your restaurant’s posts.

• Compliance and Cultural Fit: We ensure your brand messaging resonates authentically with Chinese customers while aligning with local Australian standards.

💡 Case Example:

One of our recent campaigns for a seafood restaurant in Sydney resulted in a 300% increase in bookings over just one Redbook campaign month. Collaborations with five Chinese students generated 200,000+ views and 1,500+ shares — turning digital engagement into real dining revenue.

Take Action Now — Be Where Your Customers Are Searching

The tourism and student markets are rebounding, and Chinese travelers are once again exploring Australia's vibrant food scene. But the key to attracting them lies not just in having a great restaurant, but in being visible on the platforms they trust most — like Redbook.

Whether you run a cozy café in Melbourne, a fine-dining restaurant in Sydney, or a regional spot with local charm, Redbook marketing is no longer optional — it’s essential. Redbook Marketing That Helps Australian Restaurants Attract Chinese Tourists

Contact SODA Global Today

Ready to attract more Chinese customers through Redbook?

📞 Get in touch with SODA Global for a free consultation today! 📧 Email: info@sodaglobal.com 🌏 Website: www.sodaglobal.com 📱 WeChat: SODA-Global (for Mandarin support)

Let us help you turn Redbook clicks into real-life customers.