E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, DEC 20 -

Facebook might be a platform for many to socialise, but for businesses, it has turned out to be one of the most viable tools for marketing products/services.

From biggies like Ncell, Bhat Bhateni, HH Bajaj and UFO to apparel stores like Mad About Bags and Roots Fashion, cosmetic outlets like Isadora, eateries like Attic Bar and Himalayan Java, and multiplex chains QFX and Big Cinemas, every one is busy updating their Facebook pages to promote their business. “Facebook is such a medium which can directly connect us with our customers. It has really been helpful for us to promote our products and services,” said Sanju Koirala, corporate communication manager at Ncell.

Ncell, which started its Facebook page some six months ago, has 127,725 active users and the number is increasing every day. According to Koirala, the platform has helped them disseminate messages and receive feedback from customers which has played a crucial role in the company’s growth. “The influence of Facebook in urban areas is wonderful and the medium has strengthened our reach to a certain section of people,” Koirala said.

For many, Facebook is also one of the cost effective tools for brand promotion. Companies are found posting information about new arrivals, schemes and answering public queries, thus developing intimacy with prospective customers.

“The best part of Facebook is that we can post anything instantly. This has also helped us earn more credibility,” said Arshad Shah, facility manager at QFX, a subsidiary of Quest Entertainment that operates multiplex QFX Central in Civil Mall, Sundhara, and two movie theatres—QFX Jai Nepal and QFX Kumari—in Hattishar and Putalisadak, respectively. QFX has been banking heavily on Facebook promotion as most of its service seekers are youth. “Around 50 percent of the movie buffs coming to QFX get updated from Facebook,” said Shah, adding that it has also helped them estimate the success of a movie before its screening. QFX has 10,037 active followers.

Ditto is the case at UFO Clothing, the country’s largest retail apparel chain. “Facebook is viral. Anything you share spreads out within minutes through comments, likes and follows. And, this has largely helped us strengthen our brand image,” said Sachin Shrestha, manager of UFO. “Within four months of the starting of our page, the number of our active users has reached 13,505,” said Shrestha.

UFO expects that the number will hit the 50,000 mark within one year. Shrestha said Facebook has made easier for them to determine what customers prefer and import the products accordingly.

Posted on: 2011-12-20 09:34

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