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
-
Higher Engagement
Nepali open rates average 28-34% vs global 20% (Mailchimp Nepal Data) -
Lower Competition
Only 12% of local businesses use automation beyond basic newsletters -
Cultural Timing Advantage
Our data shows highest opens during:- Morning commute (7-9 AM)
- After dinner (8-10 PM)
- Saturday mornings
The 4 Email Flows Every Nepali Business Needs
1. Welcome Series (3-5 Emails)
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:
- Order confirmation (with shareable content)
- Shipping update (SMS+email)
- “How to use” guide (Nepali/English bilingual)
- Review request (with incentive)
4. Re-engagement Campaigns
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.
Writing Emails That Convert in Nepal
- 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”
- 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)
- Design Must-Haves
- Loads under 3 seconds on NTC/Ncell data
- 500px max width for mobile readability
- Local payment method icons
Real Campaign Results from Nepal
-
Himalayan Java Coffee
Birthday email automation → 22% redemption rate (vs 3% from social) -
Daraz Seller
Abandoned cart sequence → ₹1.2M recovered monthly -
Dental Clinic
Appointment reminders → 92% reduction in no-shows
Getting Started Checklist
- Choose platform (start with free plan)
- Build 100-subscriber list (offer lead magnet)
- Set up welcome automation
- Create monthly newsletter template
- Train staff on basic analytics
"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