Running a business in Nepal isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Between the power cuts, chaotic traffic, and rules that make you go, “Wait, what?”—it’s easy to feel stuck. But here’s the thing: social media can be your secret weapon. It’s affordable, effective, and honestly, kind of fun. Let’s chat about how you can make it work for your business.
Why Social Media Matters in Nepal ?
As of January 2024, Nepal had 13.50 million social media users, accounting for 43.5% of the population. Let me tell you about this small Dhaka shop in Patan. It had been there forever, mostly selling scarves and jackets to walk-ins and tourists. Nothing fancy. Then, the owner’s niece—an Instagram pro—started posting pictures of their products. She added little stories about the artisans who made them.
And boom! Orders started rolling in—Pokhara, Dharan, even overseas. That little shop turned into a mini sensation. Social media did what no tourist brochure ever could.
It’s not just shops, either. A Pokhara homestay owner began posting dreamy photos of mornings by Phewa Lake and nearby hiking trails. Six months later? Their bookings doubled. Social media’s like a magic wand for your business, opening doors you didn’t even know existed.
Pick Your Platform : It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
Not all social media platforms are created equal. Facebook is like dal-bhat—solid, reliable, everywhere. Instagram? Think momo with jhol—trendy and eye-catching. TikTok’s your street food—quick, fun, and sometimes surprisingly addictive. And for the corporate types, LinkedIn is your cup of chiya.
Selling handmade jewelry? Instagram’s perfect for showing off your designs. Running a trekking agency? Facebook groups are gold for finding adventure seekers. Take that Jhamsikhel restaurant that used TikTok for live cooking sessions while their Facebook focused on reviews and discounts. The result? Foodies flocked to their door.
Post Regularly: Content Is King, Consistency Is Queen
You’ve heard the phrase “Content is king” a hundred times. But let’s not forget—even a king needs a queen. Consistency is what keeps the crown on.
Imagine your favorite momo stall. If it’s closed half the time, you’d find another, right? Same with social media. If you’re posting one week and ghosting the next, your followers will lose interest.
Take this café in Thamel. Every Friday, like clockwork, they post about their weekend specials—organic coffee, fresh cakes. People actually plan their visits around those posts. That’s the power of being regular.
And no, you don’t have to post daily. Even three posts a week can work wonders. Use Canva for snazzy designs, Buffer for scheduling, and mix it up—photos, videos, polls. Keep it fresh.
Chat With Your Audience
Social media isn’t a billboard; it’s more like a chautari—a place to chat, share, and connect.
For example, a local clothing brand posted a photo of a kurta with the caption, “Perfect for a Nepali wedding?” The comments section lit up. People tagged friends, shared jokes, even debated colors. Engagement went through the roof.
Or take that trekking agency that shared a photo of their guide helping a tourist on a tricky trail. Caption: “Our guides don’t just show the way; they’ve got your back.” Tons of likes, shares, and inquiries followed. Talk to your audience, and they’ll talk back—and maybe even buy.
Don’t Fear the Ads
Think ads are expensive? Nope. Even a small budget can pack a punch.
A Biratnagar IT company spent NPR 5,000 on Facebook ads for free pickup on computer repairs. Result? Over 50 new customers in a month. That’s not bad for a tiny investment.
Start small. Ads that feel genuine—solving a problem or telling a story—work best. A yoga studio in Kathmandu promoted beginner’s classes with a video of a student sharing how yoga helped her manage stress. Sign-ups jumped 30%. It’s like planting seeds for digital word-of-mouth.
Keep It Real : Show Your Human Side
People connect with stories, not perfection. Share behind-the-scenes moments, introduce your team, or laugh at your blunders.
A Bhaktapur bakery tried making sel roti for Tihar. The dough was too runny, and their sel roti looked like pancakes. They shared the video anyway. It was hilarious, heartwarming, and earned them more attention than a perfectly polished post ever could.
Or celebrate festivals. A ceramics shop posted a video of their team making traditional Diya’s for Tihar. It wasn’t just about selling Diya’s; it showed their roots, and customers loved it.
Learn, Adapt, and Improve
Social media’s all about trial and error. Some posts will flop; others will fly. That’s fine.
A trekking agency noticed their hidden trail videos got way more engagement than Everest Base Camp posts. So, they leaned into that and doubled their engagement. Check your analytics, figure out what clicks, and do more of it. Don’t be shy to ask your audience what they want to see.
Team Up: Collaborate and Cross-Promote
Two heads are better than one, right? Collaborate with local businesses for mutual growth. A Lalitpur coffee shop hosted a live painting event with a local artist. The artist’s followers discovered the coffee shop, and vice versa. Win-win.
And don’t overlook influencers. A Kathmandu food blogger could showcase your restaurant, or a travel vlogger might feature your homestay. Collaborations can open doors you didn’t even know were there.
Social Media Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Growing your business on social media takes time. It’s like planting a tree—you water it, care for it, and wait. Some days, your posts might get fewer likes than your friend’s dal-bhat photo. That’s okay.
Every like, comment, and share is a step forward. Who knows? Your next big customer might find you through a simple post.
And hey, when in doubt, there’s always TikTok. Who doesn’t love a good dance challenge?
Social media isn’t just a tool; it’s an opportunity. Whether you’re selling handcrafted bags in Pokhara or running a tech startup in Kathmandu, there’s room for you to shine.
Start small, use what you have, and keep going. Even the most successful pages started at zero. Your journey could inspire someone else to start theirs.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your phone, log in, and let the adventure begin!
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