Email automation delivers 42% higher open rates in Nepal compared to bulk emails (Source: Nepal Digital Marketing Survey 2024)

While most Nepali businesses chase social media algorithms, smart entrepreneurs are quietly leveraging a more reliable channel: email automation. At Gurkha Technology, we’ve seen local e-commerce stores increase repeat sales by 300% and service businesses reduce customer churn by 45% through strategic automation. Here’s how it works in our context.

Why Email Automation Works in Nepal

78% of Nepali internet users check email daily - primarily on mobile (Data: Nepal Telecommunications Authority)

1. Higher Engagement
   Nepali open rates average 28-34% vs global 20% (Mailchimp Nepal Data)

2. Lower Competition
   Only 12% of local businesses use automation beyond basic newsletters

3. Cultural Timing Advantage
   Our data shows highest opens during:
   • Morning commute (7-9 AM)
   • After dinner (8-10 PM)
   • Saturday mornings

For more on this, see our post on Nepali email habits.

The 4 Email Flows Every Nepali Business Needs

This is a simplified version of the email lifecycle model.

1. Welcome Series (3-5 Emails)

Example: Bhatbhateni's welcome series increased repeat purchases by 27%

What works in Nepal:

• Include a video introduction from founder
• Offer first purchase discount (even 10% works)
• Explain returns/COD policies clearly

2. Abandoned Cart Recovery (3 Emails)

Local tweak:
Add WhatsApp/SMS follow-up for 60% recovery rate (vs 35% email-only)

3. Post-Purchase Nurturing

Proven structure:

1. Order confirmation (with shareable content)
2. Shipping update (SMS+email)
3. “How to use” guide (Nepali/English bilingual)
4. Review request (with incentive)

4. Re-engagement Campaigns

Dashain-themed reactivation emails see 2x higher engagement

Best triggers:

• 60+ days inactive
• Before major festivals
• After service area expansion

Platform Recommendations for Nepal

Platform	Best For	Nepali Support	Cost (Monthly)
Mailchimp	Beginners	Limited	$10-$50
Brevo (ex-Sendinblue)	E-commerce	Good	$25-$100
Moosend	Agencies	Basic	$8-$30
Zoho Campaigns	Corporate	Excellent	$3-$20

Our pick: Brevo for most businesses - handles Nepali fonts well and has affordable automation. For more options, see our post on marketing automation tools.

Writing Emails That Convert in Nepal

Bilingual subject lines increase open rates by 18% (Gurkha Tech client data)

1. Subject Lines That Work
   • “तपाईंको अर्डर तयार छ!” (Your order is ready!)
   • “Only 5 left at Kathmandu warehouse”
   • “Ram dai’s special offer for you”

   For more tips, see our guide to email subject lines in Nepal.

2. Content Tips
   • Place important info above the fold (mobile view)
   • Use conversational Nepali for service businesses
   • Include clear call-to-action buttons (not just links)
3. Design Must-Haves
   • Loads under 3 seconds on NTC/Ncell data
   • 500px max width for mobile readability
   • Local payment method icons

   Our post on email design in Nepal has more.

Real Campaign Results from Nepal

1. Himalayan Java Coffee
   Birthday email automation → 22% redemption rate (vs 3% from social)

2. Daraz Seller
   Abandoned cart sequence → ₹1.2M recovered monthly

3. Dental Clinic
   Appointment reminders → 92% reduction in no-shows

Getting Started Checklist

1. Choose platform (start with free plan)
2. Build 100-subscriber list (offer lead magnet). See our guide on list growth in Nepal.
3. Set up welcome automation
4. Create monthly newsletter template
5. Train staff on basic analytics. Our post on email metrics can help.

"Start with one workflow. Our first automation was just a thank-you email after inquiries. Within months, it handled 80% of our follow-ups." — Suresh K., Kathmandu Tour Operator

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

❌ Buying email lists (ruins deliverability)
❌ Sending without mobile testing
❌ Ignoring festival calendars
❌ Over-automating personal touches

Learn more about email marketing mistakes in Nepal.