How to Balance Paid Ads and Organic Content on Rednote
This post is part of the “Content Platform” series. Click here to view the series introduction and why it was created.
Introduction
In the world of Rednote marketing, the question isn’t whether to use paid ads or organic content — it’s about balancing both. Brands often overlook how these two strategies complement each other. This article explains how to effectively manage both to get the most out of Rednote.
1. The Role of Both Paths
- Paid Ads: Solve the cold start problem and ensure visibility for new products or events in a short period.
- Organic Content: Build trust, improve search visibility, and ensure users stick around.
2. Common Scenarios
- New Product Launch: Paid ads quickly boost visibility.
- Brand Building: Organic content maintains long-term presence.
3. Key Takeaways
Paid ads and organic content have different values.
Paid ads drive traffic, while organic content helps convert and retain users.
The key is not choosing one over the other, but strategically balancing both based on the stage you’re at.
4. How to Find the Right Balance
Understand Their Roles
-Paid Ads: Get noticed.
-Organic Content: Get remembered.
Adjust the Ratio Based on Stages
-Launch/Promotion Period: Focus on paid ads for speed.
-Stable Period: Shift to organic content with paid ads as a supplementary boost.
Ensure a Smooth Transition
The traffic from paid ads should always lead to sufficient organic content on your homepage. Without it, visitors will leave quickly.
Measure Performance
-Paid Ads: Look at click-through rates and conversions.
-Organic Content: Look at engagement metrics (comments, shares, search hits).
Use both together — if paid ads bring in traffic but engagement is low, you need more organic content. If organic content performs well but lacks reach, paid ads can amplify it.
Conclusion
Successful Rednote marketing relies on a combination of paid ads and organic content. Ads bring quick visibility, while organic content creates long-term value. The key for brands is knowing how to shift focus between the two and integrate them into a cohesive strategy.
By The Olivia
Content & SEO Strategist for China Market.
You May Also Like:
Rednote Brand Starter Guide: Practical Steps for Getting Started
A beginner’s guide to Rednote (Xiaohongshu) for brands—covering goals, profile setup, content direction, posting rhythm, and performance tracking.
Evergreen Content in China: Why It Doesn’t Stick—and What to Do Instead
Evergreen content is supposed to bring long-term value. But on Chinese platforms, even the best ideas often disappear in days. Here’s why—and what to publish instead.
Rednote Recommendation System: Brand Visibility Isn’t About Luck
On Rednote, good content doesn’t guarantee reach. This article breaks down how the recommendation system works—and what brands can do to stay visible.
Ready to take your content further?
Let’s build a strategy that resonates in the Chinese market.
THE OLIVIA WAY
© 2025 THE OLIVIA WAY. All rights reserved.