China marketing for universities and schools
MDS Collective helps universities and schools build a verified, trusted presence where Chinese students and parents actually look. We've done this work since 2017, first as Mimosa Marketing, from our team in Shanghai.
Chinese families research differently now. A translated brochure and a quiet WeChat account won't get you on the list.
Students and parents pick schools on cost, quality and reputation. They ask AI which schools to consider, read real student stories on RedNote and Zhihu, then check your official WeChat to make sure you're legitimate. Miss a step and you're easy to skip.
- Students & parentsWeighing cost, quality and reputation
- AI searchDeepSeek, Doubao, Kimi, Qwen, ERNIE Bot
- RedNote & ZhihuReal student stories and reviews
- Official WeChatVerified, trusted, up to date
- Your admissions teamQualified leads, handed over
Up to the admissions decision, MDS manages all of this for you.
A stronger bridge to millions of Chinese students and parents.
Marketing in China doesn't need to be complicated. It should always be done with honesty and integrity.
We started in 2017 with one goal: help universities and education companies find their way through China's fast-changing digital landscape. Since then we've helped some of the world's top institutions cut through the complexity of setting up cross-border social media accounts and websites.
What you get is a tailored setup that's quick to launch, built around your school's goals. It's a natural fit for universities that don't have a dedicated marketing team covering China.
Our pricing is always transparent, and there are never any hidden fees.
Built for schools without a China team.
Deep platform knowledge
China's platforms and advertising rules change constantly. We keep track of what matters for education and turn it into a clear plan for your school.
Strategy and daily execution
We've worked with top institutions and know how to hit enrollment goals while keeping every stakeholder on board. We set the strategy with you, then run it day to day.
Clear reporting
Weekly, biweekly or monthly reports in English, plus access to Paragon, our client dashboard that brings every Chinese platform into one view.
Fair, scalable pricing
No hidden fees, ever. Plans grow with your presence in China, and you can start with a three-month commitment.
Everything your school needs in China.
- Verified official accountsRegistration and official verification of your WeChat Service Account, RedNote brand account and Weibo.
- Localized contentYour news, courses, faculty and student stories, rewritten for Chinese readers rather than just translated.
- AI search visibilityWe track and improve how DeepSeek, Doubao, Kimi, Qwen and ERNIE Bot describe your school when families ask.
- Community managementReplies to comments and messages every day. When someone is ready to talk, we pass the lead to your admissions team.
- Student voices and KOLsAlumni, current students and education creators who tell your story in a way families believe.
- Chinese micrositeA fast, localized site that loads in mainland China, with ICP filing and lead capture built in.
- Crisis managementIssues addressed within 24 hours, weekends included.
Plans that grow with you.
Essentials
A strong foundation for your China presence.
- Initial consultation and ongoing strategy
- RedNote brand account setup and verification
- Up to 18 localized posts per month
- Weekly comment management
- Monthly reporting and alignment call
- Shared account manager
Professional
Everything you need to grow your school's presence.
Everything in Essentials, plus:
- WeChat Service Account registration and verification
- Up to 30 localized posts per month
- Up to 4 WeChat long-form articles per month
- Daily comment management and lead handoff
- AI search visibility tracking
- Dedicated account manager
- Crisis response within 24 hours, weekends included
Immersion
For schools ready to scale quickly.
Everything in Professional, plus:
- Chinese microsite with ICP filing
- sCRM for lead generation
- Student ambassador and KOL programs
- Up to 12 WeChat long-form articles per month
- Zhihu, Douyin and Bilibili
- Dedicated account manager and copywriter
- Crisis response within 12 hours, weekends included
Three-month minimum on every plan. Pay annually and save 10%.
Questions schools ask us.
Are you a recruitment agency?
No. We build and run your school's presence in China, but we don't recruit students on your behalf.
Will you talk to students and families for us?
Yes, in comments and messages on your official accounts. When someone is ready for a real conversation, we pass the lead to your contact, usually an international admissions officer.
Which platforms should we focus on?
Most schools start with RedNote and WeChat. RedNote is where students research schools and share real experiences. WeChat is where families go to confirm you're official and stay up to date. Schools that want to go further add Zhihu, Douyin and Bilibili.
Why does AI search matter for universities?
More students and parents now ask AI tools like DeepSeek and Doubao which schools to consider. Those answers lean heavily on RedNote, Zhihu and official accounts, so the work we do there also shapes what AI says about you. We track it so you can see it change.
How do we know which plan is right for us?
Book a free consultation. We'll recommend a plan based on your school's size, programs and long-term goals.
Do you offer short-term or annual plans?
All plans start with a three-month minimum. Pay annually and you save 10%, billed at the start of each year.
How do we work together?
A weekly 30-minute Zoom or Teams call keeps everyone on the same page, plus your reports and dashboard in between.
What does the process look like?
We take what you already publish, adapt it for Chinese students and parents, post it on your official accounts, and track engagement so every month gets sharper.
Can you promote a specific event, including in China?
Yes. Info sessions, webinars, campus visits and in-person events in China. Ask us about one-off projects.
Can you create Chinese versions of our website and brochures?
Yes. It's included in Immersion, or we can take it on as a standalone project.
Can you help us support current Chinese students and alumni?
Yes. Building community with prospective students, current students and alumni is at the heart of what we do.
Let's talk about your China strategy.
Tell us a little about your school and what you'd like to achieve with Chinese students and parents. We'll come back within one business day with ideas and a plan recommendation.
+1 781 366 0168United States+86 21 5271 5778China
Still deciding? Play a game while you think about it
Still deciding? Play a game while you think about it