Hiii! I’m Zoe Li, the founder of ZL Marketing.
I'm also a Content Creator, Xiaohongshu KOL, and a Digital Nomad.
My goal is to help your business get seen and attract more Chinese customers via Xiaohongshu.
1️⃣ I left my 9-5 job.
Before 2020, I used to work in-house as a marketing and social media specialist for several top companies in China.
But deep down, I knew I wasn't truly satisfied…
Don't get me wrong. I've always loved marketing. Seeing products succeed through creative work – that's what excites me.
But working from 9 to 5 every day at the same desk just didn't feel right.
I wanted more freedom in my life, to choose where I work from, how I work, who I work with, and to make more of an impact.
So I left my job, packaged my knowledge, expertise, and marketing obsession, and turned it into a service by starting freelancing.
Yes, it was tough at first to be completely on my own.
But I hustled, took on any opportunities to keep my dream alive. I worked for different clients, often without expecting much in return.
2️⃣ I started my marketing agency.
After a year of hard work, I gained the trust of bigger clients with larger projects and marketing budgets.
It felt like a sign, a message from the universe, telling me it was time to grow further.
So I created my own company, on August 20th, 2021, ZL Marketing was born at a coworking space in Chengdu, China.
Starting a company felt like diving into the unknown, dealing with LLP registration, managing finances, legal matters, and team building, but I saw it as a great adventure.
On the other hand, my business is taking off.
I partnered with some well-known names, helping my international clients excel in their social media presence in China—think WeChat, Xiaohongshu, and more.
From managing social media pages to handling million-dollar ad campaigns, I've got it all covered.
3️⃣ I've pivoted my business to focus on Xiaohongshu.
As a regular user, I spend a lot of time on Xiaohongshu.
I use Xiaohongshu for finding travel tips abroad.
I rely on Xiaohongshu for workout routines and makeup tutorials.
I enjoy personal moments on Xiaohongshu through touching or funny stories shared by other users.
As a content creator, I've experienced the amazing community vibe, where the audience is highly engaged and supportive.
Also, I've built a dedicated audience with organic content on Xiaohongshu, without paying for ads or boosts.
Finally, the change is evident in my social media marketing agency.
In the past, clients approached me for WeChat, Weibo, and Zhihu...
But nowadays, it's all about Xiaohongshu! One client even told me it's a big opportunity for small businesses and she is afraid of missing out.
Yes, Xiaohongshu has become the real deal! 👍
So in 2024, I've shifted my business from Chinese Social Media Marketing to focusing on Xiaohongshu Marketing!
4️⃣ Now I'm a digital nomad entrepreneur!
In the past 3 years, since I work remotely, I've been traveling around the world and working from anywhere.
From the peaceful beaches of Bali to the lively streets of Bangkok, from the creative hub of Amsterdam to the captivating cities of Paris, Venice, and even the vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul...
Besides, I've had the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, especially like-minded individuals, global citizens, entrepreneurs, and nature enthusiasts.
I'm living the life I always dreamed of!
Looking back, I really appreciate the journey of my business and the digital nomad lifestyle.🙏