Telegram vs. WhatsApp: Why Turkish Advertisers Are Missing Out on a Global Marketing Opportunity

In many countries, Telegram is not just a messaging app—it has evolved into a powerful tool for businesses and marketers alike. Countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE have embraced Telegram for its flexibility and capabilities, especially when compared to WhatsApp.

Thousands of sales channels operate successfully on Telegram, overcoming WhatsApp’s limitations and local restrictions. Despite this, many Turkish advertisers remain hesitant and slow to adopt it, missing out on untapped opportunities in the global market.

The Case of Medical Tourism in Turkey

A friend working in medical tourism recently approached me with a dilemma. They were running ad campaigns targeting patients for plastic surgery and orthopedic treatments in Turkey but weren’t seeing the expected engagement. Their chosen platforms? WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and other traditional channels.

When I suggested Telegram, they were initially skeptical. For them, Telegram was merely a tool for transferring large files or sending heavy documents from some of "strange customers" they say. This perception, shared by many in Turkey, overlooks Telegram’s marketing potential.

I had to show that Telegram is becoming more than tool for community by example.

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MEDevel.com | Open-source Apps for Healthcare and EnterpriseHazem Abbas

Why Telegram Outshines WhatsApp

Telegram isn’t just another messaging app; it’s a marketing powerhouse. Here’s why:

1. Advanced Tools and API: Telegram’s API and bot ecosystem allow businesses to create custom automation, integrate payment systems, and build unique user experiences. Learn more about Telegram’s bot capabilities in our article.
2. Flexibility: Telegram supports large groups, channels, and even supergroups, making it ideal for sales and marketing.
3. Built-in Payments: Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram has native payment features that simplify transactions within the platform.
4. Global Adoption: In markets where WhatsApp faces restrictions, Telegram thrives. This is particularly true in the GCC region, where businesses rely on Telegram for everything from customer service to direct sales.

Testing Telegram for Medical Tourism

To prove its potential, we ran test campaigns on Telegram. We partnered with popular channel managers in GCC countries and targeted specific demographics. The results? Promising engagement, with patients expressing interest and even initiating conversations.

However, challenges remained:

• Finding the Right Channels: Identifying influential Telegram channels was new territory.
• Language Barriers: Tailoring content to the audience’s language and culture was crucial.
• Lack of Local Expertise: Few developers in Turkey specialize in building Telegram tools.

Despite these hurdles, the campaign’s success highlighted Telegram’s untapped potential for Turkish businesses targeting international markets.

Embracing Change

Turkish advertisers must ask themselves: Are we ready to pioneer new marketing strategies, or will we continue leaking resources on ineffective channels?

The question isn’t whether to start using Telegram—it’s whether you’re willing to embrace a platform that can revolutionize your campaigns.

Learning from Global Examples

For more insights on Telegram’s transformative impact, check out our article “Telegram’s Impact During War”. It explores how Telegram has been used for information dissemination and communication during crises, showcasing its reliability and scalability.

Additionally, explore our guide on building Telegram bots to understand how businesses can automate tasks and create engaging user experiences.

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MEDevel.com | Open-source Apps for Healthcare and EnterpriseHazem Abbas

The Future of Marketing in Turkey

Telegram may not be mainstream in Turkey yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Ignoring its potential won’t delay its inevitable rise. By adopting Telegram now, Turkish businesses can position themselves as pioneers, ready to capitalize on its features and global reach.

So, what’s your next move? Will you adapt, or will you watch others seize the opportunity?