The recent government decision to ban unregistered social media and messaging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp has significantly impacted businesses and enterprises across Nepal. This move, aimed at enforcing regulation, has left many companies scrambling for alternatives to connect with their customers. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity to explore and leverage registered platforms that can effectively fill the void. This post will guide you through the right alternatives to ensure your business continues to thrive.
Why Were These Platforms Banned and How Does It Affect My Business?
For years, businesses in Nepal have relied on two primary types of platforms for their digital marketing and communication efforts:
- Social media platforms: Primarily used for reaching new customers through advertising campaigns.
- Messaging platforms: Essential for direct engagement, interaction, and customer service.
These tools were crucial for three main business functions: running ad campaigns to attract customers, engaging with them through direct messaging, and informing them about offers, discounts, and vouchers. The core reason for the ban is the failure of these major international platforms to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology as required by Nepali law. This has created an urgent need for businesses to pivot to legally compliant and effective alternatives.
What Messaging Apps Can I Use Instead of WhatsApp?
With WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger being restricted, businesses need a reliable channel for one-on-one communication. Fortunately, several messaging platforms are registered and fully operational in Nepal.
Registered Messaging Platforms in Nepal:
- Viber
- WeTalk
- Nimbuzz
- Telegram
Why Viber Business Messaging is the Right Fit
For businesses that heavily relied on WhatsApp Business for communication, Viber Business Messaging emerges as a powerful alternative. It allows you to send promotional, transactional, and informational messages with a verified sender ID. Automation capabilities, similar to WhatsApp, are also possible.
With a user base that may have surpassed 10 million active users in Nepal by 2025, Viber presents a vast and engaged audience for businesses to connect with. This makes it an excellent opportunity to maintain and even enhance your direct customer communication strategies.
What Social Media Can I Use for Ads Instead of Facebook?
The ban on major platforms like Facebook and Instagram necessitates a shift in social media advertising strategies. Businesses must now focus on the registered platforms where their audience is migrating.
Registered Social Media Platforms in Nepal:
- TikTok
- Poppo Live (OpoLive)
- Global Diary (Global Link)
Leveraging TikTok for Business Growth
TikTok stands out as one of the most popular social media platforms in Nepal, commanding significant user attention and engagement. As users shift from banned platforms, TikTok’s user base is likely to grow even larger.
For businesses, this presents a golden opportunity. TikTok Ads offer a robust way to handle branding and advertising, much like you did on Facebook and Instagram. By establishing a strong presence on TikTok, you can ensure your business remains visible to a large and active customer base.
How Can My Business Grow From This Challenge?
Business is a journey of navigating through highs and lows. The true measure of a resilient business is its ability to transform problems into possibilities and leverage those possibilities for growth. The current social media landscape in Nepal, while challenging, is also an invitation to innovate and adapt.
By embracing registered platforms like Viber Business Messaging and TikTok, you can not only mitigate the impact of the ban but also discover new avenues for scaling your business.
If you are wondering what Viber Business Messaging can do for your business, here is a comprehensive blog (viber marketing in Nepal) I wrote earlier. You can find out all the possibilities of Viber Business Messaging for your business growth. Read it, implement it, and I’ll see you in the next blog.
