WeChat Mini Programs
WeChat Mini Programs (also know as Mini Apps) are multi-platform Android and iOS compatible apps living within WeChat. These apps do not need to be purchased, downloaded and installed - instead, they more akin to H5 websites with added functionality delivered via WeChat APIs.
Apps can be discovered in the same way as the Official Accounts through search, QR code or sharing. Recently opened apps can be accessed by pulling down on WeChat’s home screen.
Mini Programs offers additional functionality through developer APIs allowing you to built custom apps.
Apps can access phone’s location, use WeChat Pay for in-store and online payments, use embedded websites, custom back-end, store user login and activity information and more.
Mini Programs are a great choice for restaurants (ordering and in-house payments), destinations (travel guides and navigation) and many other use cases.
WeChat Mini Programs
What is a ‘WeChat Store/Shop’?
It’s simply a type of a WeChat Mini Program used for shopping.
While exceedingly popular for local restaurants and cafes, WeChat stores are not the right choice for western brands wanting to sell online in China.
There several reasons for this:
WeChat stores are difficult to discover and only receive traffic during campaigns.
Vast majority of online shopping is done on Tmall and JD.com
Shoppers prefer to have all their shopping history on one platform.
Tmall and JD.com provide security whereas WeChat stores do not.
Tmall and JD.com provide cheap and highly effective advertising options. Meanwhile, advertising on WeChat is expensive and inflexible.
