In the digital world, it seems that only a handful of social media platforms are given a seat at the table. Whatsapp, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and, in more recent years, TikTok are often the focus of people’s attention. Because of this excessive focus on the Big 5, people rarely pay attention to apps like Telegram.
While this social media is often dismissed as just another messaging app, it has evolved into a marketer’s dream. Telegram offers businesses an edge over platforms struggling with appropriating their algorithm and ad saturation.
Telegram vs. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is possibly the most famous messaging app in Africa. This social media app has been the go-to platform for African businesses for a long time, but it comes with limitations. Its restricted group sizes, frequent spam bans, and an algorithm that prioritizes personal chats over business messages don’t always make it the choice application to market with. Telegram, on the other hand, allows businesses to build massive communities without these restrictions.
Telegram has no algorithm interference, so businesses can send updates to customers without worrying about reach drops. The social media also supports channels with unlimited subscribers, meaning a single message can reach thousands instantly.
No More Struggling With Algorithm Changes
One of the biggest struggles for businesses on platforms like Instagram and Facebook is algorithm unpredictability. Posts that once reached thousands of followers can suddenly disappear from a person’s feed, forcing businesses to pay for ads just to be seen.
Telegram solves this problem. No matter how many followers a business has, whether 100 or 100,000 subscribers, every message sent in a Telegram channel goes directly into the users’ inboxes, allowing subscribers access to a variety of information and products. There are no algorithm interferences, no shadowbans, and no need to “boost” posts.
Telegram Bots: Automating Customer Service and Sales
African businesses, especially SMEs, often struggle with managing customer inquiries due to high message volumes and a limited number of people answering these inquiries. AI-powered bots help automate responses, answer FAQs, and even process orders without the need for people to step in.
For businesses running e-commerce, coaching, or digital product sales, Telegram bots can handle payments, provide order updates, and manage customer interactions in real time.
More Privacy, Less Spam
One thing Africans value online is their privacy, and this has caused a struggle in several aspects. Many Africans hesitate to join business groups on WhatsApp because their phone numbers become publicly visible. This has led to spam, unwanted messages, and even scams.
Telegram protects users’ privacy, allowing people to join channels without sharing their numbers. This increases trust, making customers more comfortable engaging with businesses. Additonally, it makes people who use Telegram frequently regular consumers.
The Future of Telegram Marketing in Africa
The inflated data costs and increased restrictions on traditional social media platforms have brought the need for different digital marketing strategies, and Telegram is a cost-effective, high-reach alternative
In conclusion, for businesses willing to adapt, Telegram should not just be a choice. Telgram should be a necessity for marketing professionals all over the world.
What do you think about Telegram? Have you ever used it? Let us know down below. For another social media marketing tactic, click here.
