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Rakuten Viber reinforces its commitment to Ukraine by appointing its first Country Director

Rakuten Viber has appointed Ilya Boshnyakov as Country Director in Ukraine

Kyiv, April 10, 2024 — Rakuten Viber appointed Ilya Boshnyakov as the Country Director in Ukraine. He will lead the local team, oversee the adaptation of the new features for the Ukrainian market and diaspora worldwide, and manage partnerships, marketing, and communications in the country. Previously, VP of Global Marketing &amp; Growth Atanas Raykov was responsible for these activities from the office in Sofia, Bulgaria.Atanas Raykov, Rakuten Viber's VP of Global Marketing and Growth, comments on the new appointment: “Ukraine is one of the key countries for Rakuten Viber, and we were looking for a highly reputable leader who understands Ukrainian needs and how our product can best match them. At Rakuten Viber, we are building an extensive ecosystem of seamlessly integrated features and services that allow our users to save time, money, and effort in their key daily tasks. According to this strategy, Ilya will be responsible for local launches of all new products and solutions to ensure that Ukraine sees as many of the latest innovations from Rakuten Viber as possible. We have been meticulously looking for the right person. Now that he is finally on board, we are focused on greatly scaling up our activities."Ilya Boshnyakov shares his impressions of the first weeks in the team: "I have long admired the concept behind Rakuten Viber, which first set the app as the standard for many aspects of daily life and has now built an entire ecosystem of products, content, and services on that foundation. I am excited to join the team and collaborate on solutions that have a tangible positive impact on users, businesses, and the economy as a whole."Previously, Ilya led the technology media outlet AIN.UA for 8 years. In the last 3 years, he launched AIN.Capital, AIN.Business, and Recruitika. Before his media career, Ilya managed recruiting and HR for a group of British technology companies covering FinTech, GameDev, MarTech, and other industries.&nbsp;

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Discover the power of Viber Rich Business Messaging for the elevated customer experience 

The Rise of Conversational Commerce: How Viber Rich Business Messaging is Transforming the Customer Experience

In recent years, with the advent of smartphones and the widespread availability of mobile internet, the way we live, communicate, and shop has completely transformed. Gone are the days when making a purchase required a visit to a physical store or spending countless hours navigating complex websites. With just a tap of a finger, we can now order goods and services from anywhere in the world, all from the convenience of our mobile devices.Conversational commerce takes this convenience to a whole new level by enabling businesses and customers to engage in real-time conversations through messaging platforms. It allows for seamless, interactive communication, transforming transactions into conversations and creating a more engaging and satisfying customer experience.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/what-are-viber-business-messages/">Viber Rich Business Messaging</a>, which consists of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Viber Business Messages</a> and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Viber Chatbots</a>, is at the forefront of this conversational commerce revolution. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, businesses can now connect with their customers on a deeper level, providing personalized recommendations, answering queries, sending booking confirmations or transactional details, and even completing transactions within the chat interface.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Conversational Commerce: Enhancing Customer Experience Through Personalization and Convenience</h2><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/what-is-conversational-commerce/">Conversational commerce</a> is a significant shift in modern business interactions, as it enables companies to engage customers in natural and meaningful two-way exchanges. This approach refers to the use of messaging apps, chatbots, voice assistants, and other conversational interfaces to facilitate sales and customer service.&nbsp;One of the key advantages of c-commerce is the ability to provide personalized experiences. By leveraging data and AI-driven technologies, companies can tailor their interactions to individual customers, taking into account their preferences, pain points, purchase history, and even their current context. This level of personalization creates a sense of being understood and valued, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.Another benefit of c-commerce is the convenience it offers to customers. With <a href="https://cxm.co.uk/webexs-guide-to-conversational-messaging-can-enhance-brand-interaction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">messaging apps being a preferred method of communication for many people</a>, they can easily engage with businesses at any time and from anywhere. Whether it's seeking product recommendations, getting real-time support, or making a purchase, customers can do so effortlessly through a conversation. Plus, conversational commerce eliminates the need to switch between different platforms or websites, improving accessibility for customers.Furthermore, it allows for interactive and engaging experiences. Through chatbots and voice assistants, brands can guide customers through the buying process, provide product information, and even offer personalized recommendations. This interactive nature adds an element of fun and excitement to the buyer’s journey, making it more memorable and enjoyable.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Viber Business Messages: Seamless Conversations, Unforgettable Experiences</h2><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-business-messages-essentials-for-brand-growth/">Viber Business Messages</a> empowers brands to have real-time, personalized conversations with their customers, unlocking new levels of customer engagement and satisfaction. With its impressive features and capabilities, this platform is a game-changer in the world of customer communication.&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Customized and individualized conversations: Viber Business Messages allows businesses to tailor their communication to ensure an experience that resonates with the customer. Be it a query, support request, or promotional message.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Instant messaging for smooth interactions: Businesses can have instant communication with their customers, just like having a conversation with a friend. This enables frictionless back-and-forth interactions, fostering trust and reliability between the brand and the consumer. Whether it's resolving a customer's concern or offering real-time support, this platform empowers you to be there for your customers when they need you the most.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Showcase creativity and brand personality: Brands can incorporate emojis, files, pictures, and even videos into their messages, adding a touch of visual appeal to their conversations.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Use interactive buttons to drive engagement and conversions: Businesses can use interactive buttons, such as call-to-action buttons, to guide customers toward specific actions or promotions. This not only enhances the user experience but also drives increased engagement and conversions.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Easy conversation management with reply and pin features: Users can reply to specific messages, allowing for easy context within the conversation. Messages can also be pinned for quick reference.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Effortless sharing and accessing of information: Users can copy codes, emails, and links directly from the message, making sharing and accessing information a breeze.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Visual communication through photos and videos: Customers can send photos and videos to the brand, enabling them to share visuals that give additional context or support their inquiries. This rich media integration allows for a more immersive and comprehensive customer experience.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Send messages up to 1000 characters for comprehensive communication: Businesses can effectively convey their message with Viber Business Messages, providing all the necessary details in a concise yet comprehensive manner. This eliminates the need for multiple exchanges and ensures that customers have access to the information they need without any hassle.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Auto-reply messages for added convenience: With this feature you can automatically respond to customer inquiries, even outside of regular business hours, ensuring that no message goes unanswered.&nbsp;</li></ul>With Viber Business Messages, your brand can <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/faster-customer-service-and-lower-costs-how-viber-business-messages-make-it-happen/">elevate customer experiences</a> by integrating interactive messaging, multimedia content, and efficient customer support. By providing a convenient and engaging communication platform, you can strengthen brand loyalty and drive business growth.<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Tailoring Experiences for Success: The Benefits of Personalization</h3>Tailoring messages and offers to individual customers is key to building strong relationships and driving loyalty.Studies show that customers expect personalized interactions from businesses. In fact, <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/EpsilonMktg/the-power-of-me-the-impact-of-personalization-on-marketing-performance#1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">80%</a> of consumers are more inclined to buy from companies that provide tailored experiences, while <a href="https://c.smarterhq.com/resources/Privacy-Personalization-Report.pdf?mtime=20200616175059&amp;focal=none" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">72%</a> indicate that they will only interact with brands that provide personalized messaging. By delivering <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/ua/blog/post/the-benefits-of-personalization-how-tailoring-content-to-your-audience-can-improve-engagement-and-conversions/">customized content</a>, businesses can not only meet customer expectations but also increase engagement and conversions.Viber Business Messages equip brands with the tools they need to create and send personalized messages to their customers. By leveraging customer data and insights, businesses can send tailored messages and offers. For example, new customers can receive personalized onboarding messages, offering special discounts or free samples to help them get acquainted with products or services.&nbsp;Additionally, Viber Business Messages allows businesses to send automated reminders, personalized recommendations, and exclusive offers based on customer behavior and purchase history. This level of customization creates a personalized journey for each client, increasing their satisfaction and loyalty to the brand.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">The benefits of personalized recommendations and targeted marketing campaigns</h4>1. Enhanced Customer Experience: Personalized recommendations create a meaningful and relevant customer experience, boosting loyalty and engagement.2. Increased Sales: When a client feels understood and valued, the chances of making a purchase skyrocket. Individualized recommendations tap into the customer's preferences and buying behaviors, enabling you to provide offers that are almost impossible to resist.&nbsp;3. Cost-Effectiveness: Tailoring messages maximizes the impact of your marketing budget, ensuring each dollar spent delivers the desired results. Moreover, with Viber Business Messages brands pay for delivered messages only.4. Improved Customer Retention: By consistently providing relevant offers and recommendations, you foster loyalty, encouraging customers to return for future purchases.5. Data-Driven Insights: Personalized recommendations and targeted marketing campaigns generate a wealth of data. By analyzing this data, you can gain valuable insights into customer behaviors and trends, informing future marketing strategies.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Convenience at Every Step: Viber Business Messages and the Streamlined Transactions</h2>Rakuten Viber Business Messages cater to a wide range of business needs:&nbsp;Send <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/enhancing-customer-experience-in-transportation-logistics-with-viber-business-messages/">order confirmations</a> with attached receipts directly to your customers, providing them with all the necessary information at once. Keep your customers informed about the status of their orders with a tracking link, ensuring transparency and satisfaction.Want to authenticate registrations? Deliver <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/enhancing-security-efficiency-revolutionizing-banking-communications-through-viber-business-messages/">one-time passwords</a> (OTPs) through Rakuten Viber, simplifying the login process for your users and enhancing security.Running low on stock? Send personalized triggers to encourage repeat purchases, offering discounts or promotions on frequently ordered items.Don't miss out on appointments or meetings. Viber allows you to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-business-messages-for-thepharmaceutical-industry/">send reminders</a> to ensure your customers never forget important engagements.Showcase your products directly within the messaging platform: You can provide visually rich product photos or videos, detailed descriptions, and even consumer reviews. This not only enhances the customer experience but also increases the likelihood of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/why-your-e-commerce-strategy-needs-rakuten-viber-a-path-to-success/">making a purchase</a> right then and there.Supply customers with real-time product information. Whether it's the latest stock availability, pricing updates, or limited-time promotions, you can keep your customers informed and engaged.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_Rich_Business_Messaging_solutions_for_streamlined_customer_interactions_94d6c60614.png"><figcaption>Viber Rich Business Messaging solutions for streamlined customer interactions</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Chatbots to Virtual Assistants: The Evolution of Conversational Commerce</h2>Viber <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-evolution-of-chatbots/">Chatbots</a> are a great rich business messaging tool that allows brands to provide automated around-the-clock support and sales assistance. Brands can customize their chatbots with interactive buttons, send personalized notifications to customers, and engage them with photos, emojis, and GIFs. They can also showcase products with carousels and lead customers to complete transactions directly in the bot. With the ability to showcase products, provide real-time information, and facilitate seamless purchases, Viber Chatbots eliminate the need for customers to jump through hoops while navigating multiple websites or filling out lengthy formsThe future of chatbots in conversational commerce is promising, thanks to advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence and natural language processing (NLP). These technologies empower businesses to create even more advanced and intelligent chatbot systems that can understand and respond to customer queries with greater accuracy and efficiency.Furthermore, AI and NLP technologies enable chatbots to learn and improve over time. With every interaction, chatbots can gather valuable insights and data, allowing businesses to refine their marketing strategies, improve customer service, and enhance the overall user experience.&nbsp;In addition to AI and NLP, other advancements include the integration of voice commands and virtual assistants. Voice technology is becoming increasingly popular, with devices like smart speakers and virtual assistants becoming commonplace in households. Customers will be able to make purchases, order products, and access customer support services using voice commands, making shopping even more convenient and hands-free.Conversational commerce will seamlessly integrate across various channels, including websites, mobile apps, social media platforms, and messaging apps. Customers will enjoy a consistent experience, regardless of the channel they choose to interact with the brand, resulting in a frictionless purchasing process.Conversational commerce is here to stay, and companies that embrace it will gain a significant competitive advantage in the future. By leveraging AI, integrating with popular platforms, and providing personalized, context-aware communication, businesses can create engaging customer experiences, drive sales, and build long-lasting relationships.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Empowering Businesses, Enchanting Customers</h2>As the world of conversational commerce continues to evolve, Viber Rich Business Messaging remains at the forefront of the customer experience transformation. By providing a perfect solution for personalized interactions, it empowers businesses to meet the evolving demands of today's consumers. With its ability to enhance the customer experience and foster loyalty, this tool is revolutionizing the way brands connect with their clientele. Stay ahead of the curve and embrace the power of Viber Rich Business Messaging to <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">transform your customer experience</a>.

Discover the power of Viber Rich Business Messaging for the elevated customer experience

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Rakuten Viber announces dynamic partner program to maximize advertising effectiveness

Starting with Greece: Rakuten Viber launches Partner Excellence Program for advertising companies

Athens, Greece – February 13, 2024 – Rakuten Viber, one of the leading global communication companies and a pioneer in Greece, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of a cutting-edge incentive program tailored for advertising agencies in Greece. This dynamic initiative reflects the company's commitment to fostering mutually beneficial collaborations within the Greek market, assisting advertising agencies in their growth through enhanced education and new tools, thereby building stronger relationships with their clients.With the Partner Excellence Program, Rakuten Viber underscores its dedication to cultivating relationships with advertising agencies in Greece. Ready to reveal the program, Rakuten Viber sees Greece taking the lead as the inaugural market in its global rollout. This marks a significant milestone, underlining once again the strategic importance of the Greek market for Rakuten Viber.The elements of this program aim to fortify agencies and their clients to reach new heights. By opting to become official partners through the Rakuten Viber Partner Excellence Program, advertising agencies not only elevate their recognition and prestige but also gain exclusive tools that empower them to deliver distinctive services, reinforcing and enriching their collaborative endeavors.The program will have three different tiers—Partner, Gold Partner, and Platinum Partner—to access exclusive privileges, such as:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Recognition: public acknowledgment as official partners.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Education and training: access to specialized educational resources and training programs.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Priority access to new products: early access to new products or features, providing a competitive advantage.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Premium support: availability of premium support services for the highest level of assistance.</li></ul>With the Rakuten Viber Partners Excellence program, advertising agencies demonstrate their commitment to best practices in Viber's products, and each level's certification serves as a testament to the reliability by Rakuten Viber.&nbsp;To learn more information about the program's benefits for advertising agencies, please visit the <a href="https://stage.forbusiness.viber.com/partner-excellence-program/">landing page</a>.“We always strive to innovate in our industry, offering exceptional added value to our core services and more functionalities. Our mission with this program is clear: to be your steadfast partner in the advertising market's journey toward unparalleled success," stated Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer of Rakuten Viber. “We tailored the Rakuten Viber Excellence Program to be a reliable companion, offering new advantages that enable companies and advertisers to chart new paths to success. I am genuinely excited about the incredible journey we are about to embark on and look forward to celebrating new successes for your company through our collaboration”.

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Rakuten Viber boosts digital transformation of Greek brands at Athens event

Shaping the future: Viber for Business exclusive event in Greece

Athens, Greece – January 25, 2024 – On January 24, Rakuten Viber, the global leader in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, held its first exclusive business event in Greece in seven years. The event took place at the stunning Lighthouse at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens, with a focus on exploring innovative solutions addressing contemporary business challenges. The focal point of the event was Viber for Business, an ecosystem of solutions for all business needs, powered by the well-known Rakuten Viber app.Led by Rakuten Viber's senior executive team, including CEO Ofir Eyal on his first visit to Greece since taking the role, and Chief Revenue Officer Cristina Constandache, the event drew in top industry experts and leading brands in Greece. Ofir Eyal referred to Greece as a flagship market for many Rakuten Viber updates and emphasized the country's pivotal role in the company's superapp development.&nbsp;"Greece is one of the biggest stars of Europe, seamlessly blending its heritage and culture with technology and progress. Watching how Greeks preserve their rich history while embracing innovation is truly inspiring," says Ofir Eyal, CEO at Rakuten Viber. "We are honored to be a part of your digital transformation journey, helping local businesses change, grow, and innovate."<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Ofir_Eyal_CEO_at_Rakuten_Viber_d893313537.jpg"><figcaption>Ofir Eyal, CEO at Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>This was followed by the honorable commencement delivered by Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou. He emphasized the importance of empowering digital transformation to make Greece even more outward-looking, brighter, and digital. In addition, a separate reference was made to the digital assistant mAIgov, the first Artificial Intelligence application for the Greek public sector. It further facilitates the daily lives of citizens and businesses, simplifying and accelerating their interaction with the state.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Dimitris_Papastergiou_Minister_of_Digital_Governance_87c90ac9d4.jpg"><figcaption>Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance</figcaption></figure>Delving into the latest digital trends and future predictions, Rakuten Viber’s Chief Revenue Officer, Cristina Constandache, highlighted the key factors businesses need to be aware of today for future success. Notable trends include direct-to-consumer marketing, two-way brand-user interaction, and a reduced number of MarTech tools used by brands. Cristina noted that brands might soon be seeking a single platform to address their needs, and superapps are expected to continue their emergence in Europe, following significant success in Asia with examples such as WeChat, Line, and Grab.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Cristina_Constandache_Chief_Revenue_Officer_at_Rakuten_Viber_c1ce5f6bf5.jpg"><figcaption>Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>Rakuten Viber’s Noa Bar Shay, Sr. Director, Partnerships &amp; Sales, and Konstantin Kostadinov, Sr. Sales Director CEE &amp; CIS, presented how brands can use Viber for Business solutions as a superapp ecosystem for their various business needs: building brand awareness, boosting sales, increasing ROI, enhancing customer experience and building loyalty and more.&nbsp;They noted that the top-5 industries using Viber for Business today in Greece include: retail &amp; ecommerce (43%), finance &amp; insurance (14%), health &amp; wellness (11%), FMCG (10%), IT &amp; telecom (7%), closely followed by hospitality.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Noa_Bar_Shay_Konstantin_Kostadinov_Rakuten_Viber_f09832c566.jpg"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber’s Noa Bar Shay, Sr. Director, Partnerships &amp; Sales, and Konstantin Kostadinov, Sr. Sales Director CEE &amp; CIS</figcaption></figure>Leading industry experts and top brands in Greece shared their insights on digital transformation and trends. Expert insights included a fireside chat and a panel discussion on how brands should navigate the current digital landscape and what they should consider when building digital strategies.&nbsp;Rakuten Viber’s team offered a glimpse of a few upcoming releases that Greek brands can expect in the future. These include a click-to-message ad that allows brands to convert leads to customers in a few steps, a brand-new solution for one-time passwords, enhanced security for brand-user interactions, and an opportunity for users to make free calls to brands, recently launched worldwide."All of these updates are part of our superapp strategy, which involves building an ecosystem of solutions for businesses of all sizes to address their needs," says Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber. "Our goal is clear – to empower Greek businesses to innovate and to serve as a global superapp that addresses their local needs."Following the presentations, attendees enjoyed a networking soirée and a special performance by the exceptional Thodoris Marantinis, singer of the band Onirama.Watch the key highlights from the dynamic Viber for Business event in Greece in this <a href="https://youtu.be/Z_Ku0YlgMK0?si=pjXubnj-ONVyHoTc">video recap</a>.<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/Z_Ku0YlgMK0?si=o4Dp9A-6e85c5WFp"></oembed></figure>

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Rakuten Viber launches a unique business tool, serving as an in-app call center 

Rakuten Viber expands its portfolio for brand-user interaction with Business Calls 

<a href="https://www.viber.com/">Rakuten Viber</a>, the global leader in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, announces the global launch of Business Calls, a solution designed to enhance communication between businesses and their customers on the app. Brands can establish a new communication channel, letting customers make free international calls to their landline numbers directly through Rakuten Viber—a unique service in the messaging app industry.&nbsp;The new offering is particularly valuable for businesses that rely on call centers. In-app calls can serve various purposes, such as assisting with product inquiries, order tracking, and post-sales support in the retail and delivery sector. Banks can address account inquiries, schedule appointments, manage transactions, and offer financial advice and support, while pharmacies can assist with prescription refills, share branch schedules, and provide consultations on allergic reactions and side effects. Rakuten Viber brings a powerful tool to businesses across various industries to effectively address customer queries in a convenient place, ultimately enhancing the customer experience.&nbsp;Surveys indicate that <a href="https://www.liveperson.com/resources/reports/2021-conversational-commerce/">91% of consumers</a> prefer brands that offer the option to either call or message.&nbsp; Viber Business Calls enhances the current communication suite of Viber for Business Solutions and complements the existing business messaging solution, which has facilitated connections between customers and brands. With the introduction of Business Calls, Rakuten Viber offers users the freedom to choose their preferred method of communication with a brand, whether through calling or messaging.&nbsp;The in-app call option allows users to make calls seamlessly within the same app, eliminating the need to switch applications. This boosts conversions for brands, facilitates immediate query resolution, mitigates customer frustration that can result in negative feedback and reputation damage, and opens up opportunities for upselling and cross-selling products during conversations.Early adopters have the opportunity to create searchable business accounts with an embedded Viber Business Call button or add the solution to their existing accounts in the app, allowing customers to easily find and call the service. Users can also initiate a call directly from a chat with a business, for example, reaching out to a delivery service to reschedule a parcel delivery after receiving a notification. Brands can include a Rakuten Viber call link on their websites, making it even more convenient for customers to get in touch with them.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Using_Viber_Business_Calls_to_contact_brand_0edb2b9b20.png"><figcaption>User contacting a brand directly from a chat via Viber Business Calls</figcaption></figure>All business calls will be free for customers, regardless of their location. This is particularly beneficial for serving customers calling from abroad, such as a foreign traveler seeking information about their booking or a local bank client experiencing issues with their credit card overseas. It allows to improve global brand accessibility, elevate crisis management, and gain a competitive advantage by providing free support calls for customers anywhere. Businesses can choose to either designate a specific number for Rakuten Viber or continue using their regular call center number.&nbsp;"Rakuten Viber was the first messaging app to offer business messaging nine years ago, revolutionizing the way businesses communicate with their customers. Since then, we have developed a robust business messaging ecosystem and are now taking a significant step forward by introducing in-app Business Calls, a distinctive offering in the market,” says Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber. "Being a superapp means providing our users with as many value-added services as possible throughout their day and offering brands more opportunities to engage with their customers. This update marks our next step in advancing our global superapp strategy."Viber Business Calls are now available for integration globally. To use the solution, brands can inquire with the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-partners/">official partners of Rakuten Viber</a> whether they already support Business Calls or <a href="mailto:calls@forbusiness.viber.com">contact the Rakuten Viber team</a> and learn how to get started.To discover more about Viber Business Calls, visit <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/business-calls.pdf">this page</a>.&nbsp;

Rakuten Viber launches a unique business tool, serving as an in-app call center 


Rakuten Viber expands its portfolio for brand-user interaction with Business Calls

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Rakuten Viber now has an office in Kyiv, Ukraine,  along with Rakuten Advertising and Rakuten Rewards

Rakuten Expands Commitment to Ukraine with New Office in Kyiv

Rakuten Group, Inc., a leading technology conglomerate and owner of Rakuten Viber, Ukraine’s most widely adopted messaging and communications app, today announced that the Group has established an office in the heart of the country’s capital city, Kyiv, and plans to join Ukraine’s “Diia City” initiative to grow the country’s IT sector. The new Rakuten office opened its doors earlier today.Three of Rakuten’s businesses – Rakuten Viber, Rakuten Advertising, and Rakuten Rewards – currently have software development and digital marketing operations concentrated in Kyiv and Odesa. The new Kyiv office will enable local contributors to work together to bring valuable technology products and services to users around the world, further cementing Ukraine’s reputation as an IT innovation hub. Rakuten’s commitment comes after Chairman and CEO Mickey Mikitani recently accompanied Japanese government officials on a diplomatic mission to Ukraine in September 2023. Serving as a representative of Japan’s private sector, Mikitani met with Ukraine leaders including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister for Innovation, Development of Education, Science and Technology and Minister of Digital Transformation. Rakuten has provided consistent support to Ukraine throughout the war and demonstrated a commitment to its people, economy and post-war reconstruction. Among other actions,&nbsp;<a href="https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2023/0802_02.html">Rakuten signed a memorandum of understanding with VEON Ltd.</a>&nbsp;(NASDAQ: VEON, Euronext Amsterdam: VEON) to collaborate on the reconstruction of the country’s infrastructure through open radio access networks (Open RAN) and digital services. Additionally, Rakuten launched the&nbsp;<a href="https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/update/2022/0228_02.html">Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Emergency Relief Fund</a>&nbsp;through its online donation platform, Rakuten Clutch&nbsp;Special Charity Fund, and held a&nbsp;<a href="https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/update/2022/0311_01.html">t-shirt donation drive to support Ukraine</a>&nbsp;that raised more than 1.3 billion yen*.&nbsp; Mikitani has also shown strong personal support for Ukraine on multiple occasions. At the war’s onset, he made a personal donation of 1 billion yen to the Ukrainian government for humanitarian aid. Last winter, he supported the donation and delivery of 500&nbsp;power generators to Ukrainian citizens through the Samurai Donation Project. In recognition of his efforts and those of Rakuten Group, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Japan recently awarded Mikitani with the national Order of Merit for distinguished service*. Rakuten's plans for its Kyiv location include additional hiring in the technology sector and appointment of a country manager to oversee local operations. One of these is expected to be the launch in Ukraine of Rakuten Viber’s digital wallet service, following its successful introduction in several European countries. This service will provide Viber users in Ukraine, where its app is installed on 98% of mobile phones, with enhanced financial accessibility, including the ability to send money in and out of the country through secure instant messaging transactions. *1. Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Emergency Relief Fund: Approximately 1.29 billion yen&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Charity T-shirt donation drive for Ukraine: Approximately 51 million yen Both fundraising events ended June 30, 2022. *2. Ukraine Order of Merit (Distinguished service), third class.

Rakuten Viber now has an office in Kyiv, Ukraine,  along with Rakuten Advertising and Rakuten Rewards


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Review key mobile messaging marketing trends in 2023 and how Rakuten Viber makes the most of them

2023 Recap: Top Mobile Messaging Marketing Trends

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Discover how Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages can help you boost your online and in-store sales

Maximizing Sales: The Power of Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages

Rakuten Viber has recently celebrated its 13th birthday and today it is one of the leading global messaging apps with users in more than 190 countries around the world. It allows people to connect via voice and video calls, private and group text messaging, media sharing, and much more. But it's not just a tool for personal communication, it's also a dynamic platform to connect with customers and solve business goals, providing solutions such as <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-solutions-for-brands-business-messages-chatbots-ads-lenses-stickers-and-business-inbox-feature/">Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages</a>. Introduced years ago as the first business tools on the app, they now help more than 20,000 brands all over the world to reach wider audiences, enhance brand visibility, and boost sales. Let’s see how these solutions that once have shaken the traditional marketing landscape can benefit your brand today.&nbsp;<h2>Redefining Advertising Strategies with Viber Ads</h2>The importance of digital campaigns in today's competitive market cannot be overstated. As the world becomes increasingly connected, businesses must adapt their strategies to reach customers where they are most active – online. Digital ads have been proven to enhance brand awareness by a staggering <a href="https://techjury.net/blog/ppc-stats/#gref" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">80%</a>, making them a vital tool in any marketer's arsenal. They also have a considerable influence on online behavior, with the likelihood of consumers searching for brand-specific terms increasing by <a href="https://techjury.net/blog/ppc-stats/#gref" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">155%</a> after being exposed to display ads. This heightened interest can directly translate into sales, as customers are <a href="https://techjury.net/blog/ppc-stats/#gref" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">70%</a> more likely to purchase via a retargeting ad. With these impressive statistics, it's clear that digital advertising is not just a trend but a necessity for companies aiming to thrive in the digital age.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Viber Ads</a> offer businesses an opportunity to increase <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/maximizing-the-power-of-viber-advertising-solutions-for-building-brand-awareness/">brand awareness</a> and bring more customers, thus driving both online and in-store sales. It allows companies to showcase their advertising where people spend the majority of their time – on a chat app – while placing it natively within the interface. These ads can target the audience based on their interests and demographics, making it easier to attract their attention. It helps brands to stay on top of minds of their potential customers, increasing the chances of turning them into buyers, whether they choose to purchase online or in the store. Moreover, brands can get analytics about the performance of their ads to further strengthen their campaigns and optimize their strategies for maximum impact.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_Ads_on_Rakuten_Viber_2d58dafbc5.png"><figcaption>Examples of different ad placements on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>For online sales, Viber Ads can drive traffic directly to an e-commerce website or a specific product page. Potential customers can be redirected to the store website by clicking on the link inside the ad, thereby facilitating an immediate purchase. This can be particularly effective during the sales season or in combination with special promotions and discounts that incentivize potential consumers to buy online. Soon, Viber Ads will also allow brands to lead customers to a specific product or selection of products within the app.&nbsp;For in-store sales, Rakuten Viber Ads can be used to promote events, new product releases, or deals available only at physical locations. Geolocation features can target Rakuten Viber users in a specific area, making the ads highly relevant and timely. This can drive foot traffic to physical shops, enhancing the opportunity for in-store sales.In a time where competition is rife and businesses are looking for effective methods to stand out, Viber Ads offer a great solution. It allows companies to reach out to their customers in a way impossible with <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-ads-vs-traditional-advertising-efficiency-and-scale/">traditional advertising</a> channels. They can help businesses build strong relationships with their clients and drive revenue, both online and in-store.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Use_Rakuten_Viber_Ads_for_targeted_campaigns_a1a375253f.png"><figcaption>Targeted Viber Ads campaigns&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><h2>Unlocking Customer Engagement: The Impact of Viber Business Messages</h2><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Viber Business Messages</a> is a powerful tool to engage clients in a more personalized and interactive manner. It allows companies to send alerts, promotional messages, and service notifications directly to their customers' Rakuten Viber app. Moreover, consumers can reply or send questions, facilitating two-way communication. Businesses can also share images, videos, buttons, URLs, and various types of files in the messages, making them more engaging and informative. It's all about enhancing customer experience and building stronger relationships while simultaneously bringing more opportunities to drive sales.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Rich_media_Viber_Business_Messages_1b03ab62ee.png"><figcaption>Examples of rich-media Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure>The many <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-for-business-how-to-increase-engagement-and-drive-sales/">benefits of Viber Business Messages</a> include:• Broad User Base: Rakuten Viber boasts over 1 billion Android downloads, making it a widely-used messaging app globally. This assures businesses that clients from their customer base are already on the app and can be effectively reached there.&nbsp;• Direct and Instant Communication: Viber Business Messages allow brands to communicate directly with their customers in real-time. This direct and instant communication enables brands to provide immediate support, answer questions, and resolve issues efficiently.• Enhanced User Satisfaction: Businesses can integrate their CDP or CRM system with Viber Business Messages to send targeted messages to their clients, thereby increasing loyalty and enhancing client satisfaction. It ensures that every interaction is relevant to the audience.• Improved Conversion Rates: Brands can send promotional offers, assist with purchases, send updates on the delivery, and collect feedback through a single chat. This helps customers to get all essential information in one place, prevents platform-switching that can lead to shopping fatigue, and thereby increases conversion rates.• Detailed Analytics: Rakuten Viber provides analytics of your marketing campaigns, including seen and click-through rates. This allows companies to monitor their success and optimize for better results.&nbsp;• Cost Efficiency: With Rakuten Viber, businesses can benefit from pricing strategies that maximize their ROI. For example, when sending Business Messages, brands only pay for messages that are delivered, ensuring that the campaign budget is allocated to customers who have received the messages.&nbsp;<h2>Leveraging Viber Business Messages for Retail Success</h2>Viber Business Messages offer plenty of opportunities for businesses to establish a stronger bond with their customers, boost sales, and drive revenue.1. Personalized Promotions: Utilize Rakuten Viber to send consumers <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-effectively-engage-your-audience-on-viber-without-overwhelming-them/">customized promotional messages</a> or discounts based on their purchase history and preferences. Making them unique and relevant to each client increases their likelihood of purchase.2. Sales Event Updates: Keep your customers informed about new product releases, exclusive launches, or upcoming sales. This creates anticipation and increases the chance of clients visiting your online or physical store.&nbsp;3. Customer Service: Viber Business Messages can be an effective <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/faster-customer-service-and-lower-costs-how-viber-business-messages-make-it-happen/">customer service</a> tool. Prompt resolution of consumer inquiries or issues not only improves client satisfaction but also fosters a positive relationship with the consumer, encouraging them to frequent the store.4. Product Recommendations: Based on customer purchase history, recommend products they might be interested in. Such personalized suggestions can act as a catalyst for additional purchases.5. Loyalty Programs: Use Rakuten Viber to update customers about their loyalty program status, reward points, and exclusive member-only offers. This not only gives customers a sense of exclusivity but also incentivizes them to make more purchases to earn more bonuses.6. Feedback Requests: Ask customers for feedback on their shopping experience or on products they've bought. This not only provides valuable insights for the company but also makes customers feel valued and heard, which can encourage repeat purchases.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_business_messaging_on_Rakuten_Viber_8a6bc1b084.png"><figcaption>Using Viber Business Messages in retail&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><h2>A New Era of In-Store Sales: The Potential of Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages&nbsp;</h2>Using Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages can help you enhance your in-store sales. Here's how:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Boosted Brand Awareness: Using Viber Ads can boost your brand awareness among customers. Increased recognition can lead to more in-store visits and, therefore, more revenue.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">In-Store Experiences: Promote unique experiences, such as expert consultations or live demonstrations, via Viber Business Messages or Viber Ads. These events can attract customers to your physical location.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Cross-promotion: Collaborate with other local companies to offer joint promotions that can be redeemed in-store. Spread the word about these deals via Viber Business Messages.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">In-store Pickup: Promote 'buy online, pick up in-store' services through Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages. This can increase visits to your store and potentially lead to additional purchases.</li></ul><h2>Increase Your Sales Footprint with Viber for Business</h2>Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages were the first solutions that helped businesses interact with audiences on Rakuten Viber. With Viber Business Messages, businesses can engage with their customers personally and directly communicate promotions, updates, and essential information. This not only enhances the customer experience but also drives sales and fosters brand loyalty. Viber Ads provide an effective way for businesses to advertise their products or services. With its targeting capabilities, brands can ensure that their ads reach the right audience, resulting in higher brand awareness and helping to drive sales. Moreover, businesses have access to analytics and valuable insights into campaign performance, enabling them to optimize their strategies and maximize their return on investment.&nbsp;If you’d like to learn how Viber for Business solutions can help your brand achieve your goals, don’t hesitate to <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">reach out to us</a>.&nbsp;

Discover how Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages can help you boost your online and in-store sales 

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Discover how collaboration between different messaging players can benefit the industry

Recap: Key Discussions at MEF CONNECTS Omnichannel 2023

The Mobile Ecosystem Forum events are always a great source of learning and inspiration for professionals in the industry, and one of the most productive ways to get insights from fellow participants is — through open conversations. At <a href="https://mobileecosystemforum.com/event/mef-connects-omnichannel/">MEF CONNECTS Omnichannel 2023</a>, our Chief Revenue Officer, Cristina Constandache, and Head of Carrier Relations, Messaging, Ritu Taneja, took part in two excellent discussions, alongside industry experts:<ul><li>Catalin Badea, VP Product Management at netnumber Global Data Services</li><li>Ron Bonnici, VP Pre-Sales &amp; Product Management at HAUD</li><li>Silvija Renusa, Senior Product Partnership Manager at Infobip</li><li>Paul Louden, Regional Director UK &amp; Ireland at Sinch</li><li>Moderated by James Williams, MEF Director of Programmes</li></ul>Here are some key takeaways from these sessions.Connecting the Dots: New and Old in the OmnichannelA lot of modern conversations about traditional channels such as SMS and the “new-comers” (having been in the messaging business for over a decade, we use the term loosely) such as OTT messaging apps — focus on comparing the two, as competition. However, the simple truth is that, when it comes to omnichannel strategies, businesses should not choose one channel, but rather look for the most effective ways to use them in synergy. So, for most enterprises, it’s not a question of whether to pick SMS or a messaging app, so much as a quest to optimize their communication via both: to be most effective, to engage their customers better, and to save costs.&nbsp;As Cristina Constandache put it, OTT messaging doesn’t have to be an alternative to SMS when they can instead <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/mef-the-changing-dynamics-in-business-messaging/">work together</a>. One example from Rakuten Viber’s own practice is the SMS Fallback feature that allows our clients to automatically deliver via SMS those messages that couldn’t be delivered via Rakuten Viber (for example, if the intended recipient is not connected to the Internet). This is just one example, showing how intelligent communication strategies that use SMS and Rakuten Viber in tandem can create a better experience for the brands’ customers.Driving Omnichannel Adoption: the ChallengesBusinesses are certainly seeing value in many individual channels, and, as Paul Louden astutely pointed out, there’s an appetite for omnichannel. But there are two challenges enterprises face here: one, building a cohesive omnichannel strategy where channels work optimally and supplement each other without duplicating information and cluttering the brand-user communication. And two — integrating it all smoothly, which is where companies like Infobip and Sinch come in to save the day, that is to make implementation and use of the omnichannel strategy easier and more seamless for the brands.Another challenge is how fast <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/navigating-the-digital-transformation-trends-shaping-the-future-of-messaging-and-connectivity/">digital transformation</a> impacts communication tools. Although the pace of technological progress can hardly be viewed as a bad thing, it leaves many enterprises struggling to keep up with the ever-shifting landscape of digital communication. As a result, many companies may be underestimating the potential of some tools, such as rich messaging, or, even if interested, lack the understanding to implement them effectively. So, education of business clients is another major goal that Rakuten Viber shares with our messaging partners. Ultimately, the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-types-and-advantages-of-viber-business-messages/">advantages of rich business messaging</a> — such as the personalization capabilities, the inherent two-way nature, and the versatility of applications — speak for themselves and drive adoption.Transcending Boundaries: Use Cases for Rich Business MessagingOne important driver of digital transformation is the abundance of use cases that benefit from an optimized messaging strategy. Communication channels are applied by different departments, for different goals across each enterprise: from providing effective customer support in a channel where customers already spend their time — to sending promotions and other marketing messages or driving sales directly.&nbsp;Even <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/enhancing-security-efficiency-revolutionizing-banking-communications-through-viber-business-messages/">security can be empowered</a> by messaging: as Ritu Taneja pointed out, the ongoing challenges in identity verification have created a demand among businesses for additional safeguards, especially when communicating sensitive customer information. This is one of the reasons Rakuten Viber is working on a new offering that provides an extra layer of security for transactional business messages and helps ensure that the right messages reach the right customers.&nbsp;Establishing trust in brand-user communication is an important objective for which rich business messaging is being used by companies in a wide range of industries, from banking and finance to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-viber-for-business-for-retail-brands/">retail</a> and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/enhancing-customer-experience-in-transportation-logistics-with-viber-business-messages/">delivery</a> companies. These are aided both by the ability to send files, images, and video safely — and by the very conversational nature of two-way communication.&nbsp;Collaboration: Synergy between Actors in the IndustryFor Rakuten Viber, a collaborative approach has always come naturally: aside from working directly with our business clients, we have long relied on partnerships with other major stakeholders in the industry, including developers, MNOs, and, of course, our messaging partners. That includes joint efforts in driving product awareness, adoption, and customer education and onboarding.But as Silvija Renusa pointed out, another form of inter-industry collaboration is being each other’s clients: for example, many MNOs work with aggregators, such as Infobip, to use Rakuten Viber as a communication tool to reach their customer base (for instance, with special offers and entire marketing campaigns). Similarly, our partnership with Netnumber helps Rakuten Viber solve our verification objectives at scale.As our Chief Revenue Officer Cristina Constandache summarized it, “There is a place for every channel in this ecosystem, it’s just a matter of joining the dots. Finding a way to jointly educate the enterprises on how to best use the omnichannel.”You can watch the recording of these sessions here:&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/SDKM3ESwpTw?si=mf-U5qkiqcTCD2EG"></oembed></figure>Connecting the Dots: Building Untapped Synergies to Advance Businesses<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/8nr_ZXKgmp0?si=imSp_49tGqziDw4C"></oembed></figure>Phone Number Verification: Must-Haves, Methodologies &amp; Mastery

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Discover how Viber Business Messages boost secure banking communication and integration

Enhancing Security & Efficiency: Revolutionizing Banking Communications through Viber Business Messages

In today's digital age, secure and efficient customer communication has become a cornerstone of success in the banking industry. With the surge of online and mobile finance platforms, customers expect instant yet secure conversations with their financial institutions. According to a study by The Motley Fool Ascent, <a href="https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/digital-banking-trends/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">92%</a> of consumers consider the security of their data one of the most important features when choosing their bank. Meanwhile, research published in the International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences shows that communication and information accessibility accounted for a <a href="https://faculty.uobasrah.edu.iq/uploads/publications/1646395792.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">36%</a> variance in customer experience.Meeting these expectations is where <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Rakuten Viber’s Business Messages</a> step in. A part of the app’s Rich Business Messaging, it offers a secure, real-time means of communication, enabling banks to interact directly with their clients in an efficient, streamlined manner. This approach not only <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-banks-can-use-viber-to-reach-out-to-young-generation/">aligns with users' expectations</a> but also adds value to their experience.&nbsp;This article explores how Viber Business Messages can enhance client service, shows its key security features, and demonstrates how banks can successfully integrate business messaging into their communication strategies.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Mastering Mobile Messaging: A Look at PrivatBank and Ukrsibbank's Strategy</h2>The banking industry has seen significant changes in the way banks communicate with their customers. Viber Business Messages is an innovative tool that has redefined customer communication in the industry. Its successful implementation by leading banks throughout the world showcases its potential to drive customer engagement and improve the delivery of services. Let’s look at the real-life example showcasing how Ukrsibbank used Viber Business Messages.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/ukrsibbank/">Ukrsibbank</a>, a subsidiary of the French international bank BNP Paribas operating in Ukraine, aimed to increase client adoption of their mobile app and educate existing clients on its functionalities. To achieve this, Ukrsibbank turned to Rakuten Viber’s official partner <a href="https://www.gms-worldwide.com/">GMS</a> and utilized Viber Business Messages, integrating images, CTA buttons, and standard text to drive user engagement and enhance campaign performance. The adoption of Viber Business Messages was a game-changer for Ukrsibbank. Over three months, they sent 6M+ messages to their clients via Rakuten Viber, resulting in a 2x higher conversion rate compared to traditional SMS. The campaign exceeded initial expectations with a 50% increase in app downloads and a 30% rise in app usage.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Ukrsibbank_using_Viber_Business_Messages_for_marketing_d90ea8301c.png"><figcaption>Ukrsibbank using Viber Business Messages for marketing</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Unmatched Security: Safeguarding Your Business Communications with Rakuten Viber</h2>Rakuten Viber Business Messages offers a robust suite of features, ensuring that banks and financial institutions can <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-power-of-customer-data-how-to-use-it-to-improve-your-marketing-efforts/">reliably communicate with their users</a>.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">All public server connections are made over HTTPS only, designed to provide a secure connection that guards against interception and eavesdropping.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Specific IPs are whitelisted for each business, adding an extra layer of security and trust for users.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">All Viber Business Messages are encrypted in transit, ensuring a high level of security for brand-user interactions.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Client information is never sold, reinforcing Rakuten Viber's commitment to privacy.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Messages are not stored on Rakuten Viber servers after delivery, further safeguarding client data.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Rakuten Viber’s servers support numerous security standards and compliance certifications to make sure we provide secure communication.</li></ul>These are just a few measures that Rakuten Viber is taking to secure communication on the platform. The company is also continually developing new solutions to enhance security further. The upcoming updates will include the possibility for brands to highlight any non-compliant activity for the recipient’s number before sharing essential information, such as OTP passwords, transaction notifications, account balance updates, and other confidential information. It further solidifies the security of transactional business messages which is essential for the financial industry.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_Business_Messages_for_sharing_important_information_9109b1cc1f.png"><figcaption>Viber Business Messages for sharing important information</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Streamlining Customer Communication: The Power of Efficiency with Rakuten Viber Business Messages</h2>Banks can significantly benefit from using Rakuten Viber Business Messages to enhance customer communication efficiency.&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">The platform provides instant message delivery, ensuring clients receive real-time updates on transactions and account balances.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">The provision of read receipts enhances transparency, confirming that messages have been successfully received.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Rakuten Viber's automation capability allows banks to program responses to frequently asked questions, freeing up time and resources for other crucial tasks.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">The platform maximizes engagement through personalized messages, fostering a stronger customer bond.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Rakuten Viber's security features mentioned above offer an added layer of protection, ensuring all communications are secure.</li></ul>To sum up, utilizing Rakuten Viber Business Messages in banking not only boosts efficiency and customer service but also fortifies client loyalty through its engaging and protected platform.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Enhancing Customer Experience: Implementing Rakuten Viber Business Messages in Banking</h2>To integrate Rakuten Viber Business Messages into your financial operations, find <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-partners/">a trusted messaging partner</a> well-versed in the financial sector. This partner will guide you throughout the process, providing crucial support tailored to your needs. The next step involves the creation of your business account.&nbsp;How to open a Rakuten Viber Business AccountYour chosen partner will fully support the creation of your dedicated business account and integration with your existing banking CRM system. This integration is essential to streamline and manage customer interactions skillfully. After the successful setup and once clients from your existing database have approved to receive notifications from you, you can begin client engagements, providing real-time updates and personalized services through Rakuten Viber.In order to fully leverage the potential of Viber Business Messages in the banking sector, you can follow a set of best practices. Here are several tips for successfully implementing Viber Business Messages in your financial operations:1. Thorough Training: Ensure your team is well-trained in utilizing the new platform. This will help seamless integration and efficient use of Rakuten Viber’s Business Messages.2. Clear Onboarding: Make sure to notify your customers about the new communication channel through the onboarding message on Rakuten Viber and by sharing information in your other channels.&nbsp;3. Consent is Crucial: Remember to send messages to the clients from your own customer database who gave consent to receiving marketing communication from your bank (for example, when filling out a loyalty program).4. Integration with Existing Systems: Correctly integrate Rakuten Viber into your existing CRM system. This will help in tracking user interactions and providing personalized service.5. Regular Updates: Update your customers with the latest information about your bank’s promotions. This will help in keeping your clients informed and engaged.6. Prompt Response: Open two-way communication with your clients through Viber Business Messages, enabling real-time conversations. This approach ensures swift responses to user inquiries and requests, fostering trust and boosting client satisfaction.7. Analyze and Improve: Regularly analyze the performance of your Rakuten Viber Business account. Use insights to upgrade your communication strategy.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_Business_Messages_for_enhancing_bank_clients_experience_e6943be603.png"><figcaption>Viber Business Messages for enhancing bank clients' experience</figcaption></figure><h2>Rakuten Viber: A Game-Changer in the Banking Sector</h2>Here are just a few examples of how financial organizations can use Viber Business Messages:<ul><li>Send messages about transactions to keep clients informed</li><li>Remind about important account updates</li><li>Share news about new products or services</li><li>Send interesting and informative content using multimedia features</li><li>Answer questions and provide support</li><li>Send messages based on what each client is interested in</li></ul>While banks increasingly use business messages to&nbsp;send updates, help customers, and share new offers, they also turn to Viber for Business suite to achieve more business goals. The super app makes it easy for banks to reach a wide audience, promote banking services, and strengthen customer relationships. For example, Rakuten Viber also allows banks to set up chatbots to answer questions and provide support. This helps banks stay connected and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-power-of-viber-for-banks-boosting-customer-engagement/">engage more with their clients</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/raiffeisen-bank/">Raiffeisen Bank</a>, a leading financial institution in Serbia, aimed to amplify its mobile presence and offer an integrated digital experience to its existing and prospective customers. Raiffeisen Bank has chosen to utilize Rakuten Viber's Stickers and Chatbot to optimize its client engagement. Focusing on the interactive and automated elements of the platform, the bank launched an animated "free &amp; subscribe" Rakuten Viber sticker campaign and developed a chatbot in the native Serbian language. The results were striking: the campaign reached 850K Serbian users, saw over 209K sticker packs downloaded, and recruited over 120K chatbot subscribers, significantly enhancing brand awareness and client engagement.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Raiffeisen_Bank_using_Viber_Chatbot_and_Stickers_for_client_engagement_6bc8d74b73.png"><figcaption>Raiffeisen Bank using Viber Chatbot and Stickers for client engagement</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Stepping Up Banking Security and Communication: How Rakuten Viber Business Messages Makes the Difference</h2>The integration of Viber for Business solutions, Business Messages, in particular, has proven to be a significant step toward secure and efficient customer communication for many banks. This comprehensive platform and its tools enhance the financial industry's service, operational efficiency, and security.Other benefits include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Automated messages for account activities</li><li>24/7 customer service with automatic responses</li><li>Secure communication</li><li>Powerful marketing tool for targeted promotions</li><li>Greater client loyalty due to improved service</li><li>Ability to track client engagement and response</li><li>Automated reminders for bill payments or due dates</li><li>Easy integration with existing banking systems</li></ul>Adopting Viber for Business solutions, and Business Messages in particular, is not just about staying on par with technology trends; it's about future-proofing your financial operations and setting a new standard in customer service. It's an investment in your bank's future, ensuring you remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving banking industry.If you're interested in Viber Business Messages for your banking needs, feel free to <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">reach out to our team</a>.

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Discover how to use Viber for Business to optimize your retail marketing funnel

The Ultimate Guide to Viber for Business for Retail Brands

Retailers face a variety of challenges, including attracting new customers, maximising sales, and building loyalty. Finding a native environment for brand-user interactions across various touchpoints to solve all of these challenges can be tricky, yet messaging apps can be an effective solution. <a href="https://datareportal.com/global-digital-overview" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Nearly 95% of adults</a> worldwide actively use chat apps, making them a great way for retail brands to interact directly with consumers. &nbsp;Rakuten Viber provides a cost-effective and efficient suite of tools for a variety of business goals. <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/">Viber for Business</a> solutions work in synergy, offering an array of features to connect seamlessly with clients, regardless of their location or stage in the buying process. Retail brands can personalize customer communication by integrating the app's business solutions with CRM and CDP tools. Rakuten Viber's rich media capabilities provide a powerful opportunity to create visually appealing, interactive, and engaging content that drives brand awareness, engagement, and ultimately, purchases.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">The Viber for Business Ecosystem: Boost Your Marketing, Sales and Customer Service</h2>A global leader in messaging communication, Rakuten Viber has an active, payable audience. The app has successfully established a worldwide presence, spanning more than 190 countries. It makes Rakuten Viber a valuable platform for businesses around the world aiming to connect with their audiences.Viber for Business suite of solutions is designed to help brands drive sales, enhance marketing, and improve customer support.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Advertising solutions</a>, which include Viber Ads, branded Viber Stickers, and branded Lenses, provide creative and effective ways to promote a brand to a wide user base.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-solutions/">Rich Business Messaging solutions</a>, which are made up of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Business Messages</a> and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Viber Chatbots</a>, allow brands to strengthen their communication with customers. Viber Business Messages offer retailers a streamlined and efficient communication channel to become closer to their customers. Brands can drive purchases by delivering personalised promotional messages, send important notifications through transactional messages, and provide around-sales customer service through conversational messages. Viber Chatbots allow businesses to provide automated support, available 24/7 without the added costs of human resources. This gives human service agents time to focus on more complex customer care needs, ultimately enhancing customer experience.All messages from brands land in the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/boost-your-brand-with-the-power-of-business-inbox/">Business Inbox</a> by default – a dedicated folder for brand-user interactions that keeps brand-consumer conversations separate from regular chats.With the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/milestone-release-meet-commercial-account-and-business-inbox/">Business Account</a>, retailers can also establish a brand presence on Rakuten Viber. This is a searchable account where customers can learn more about the brand and initiate a conversation.&nbsp;Viber for Business offers all the business solutions a brand needs at <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/what-viber-tools-to-use-at-each-step-of-the-customer-journey/">each stage of the marketing funnel</a> to build awareness, spark interest, drive conversion, and nurture loyalty. Let's explore how Rakuten Viber for Business can solve retailers’ pain points and help them achieve their goals at each of these stages.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Rakuten_Viber_for_Business_solutions_1_fb9bcabef8_f009f88942.png"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber for Business: suite of solutions for all your needs</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">From Awareness to Loyalty: Optimizing the Marketing Funnel with Rakuten Viber for Business</h2>Retailers can use Viber for Business solutions for various business needs. Here are some of the ideas on how brands can achieve their objectives with Viber along the marketing funnel.<h3>Awareness</h3><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Enhance brand visibility. Use a range of Viber Ad formats and placements that can be seamlessly integrated into chat or call screens, as well as other frequently visited areas.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Catch customers’ attention. Design interactive AR Viber Lenses for your audience to use in the photos or videos. This is a great way for people to connect with your business in a non-common way.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Generate new leads. Use a synergy of solutions on Rakuten Viber. For example, you can reach users with Viber Ads with a CTA button incentivizing them to share contact information and sign up for your marketing offers. Then, you can send targeted offers via Viber Business Messages. You can also use branded Stickers, Lenses, and Ads to bring prospective customers to your chatbot on Rakuten Viber.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Drive product demand. Make the most of Viber Ads by utilizing the targeting options by age, gender, geographical location, and even personal interests. You can also create and launch personalized campaigns with contextually relevant creative content and offers.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Inform existing clients about new offerings. Multimedia features of Viber Business Messages allow you to interact with your customers in a more visually pleasing way through photos, videos, and emojis, and better showcase your products.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Building_brand_awareness_with_Viber_for_Business_solutions_d6e1d479b5.png"><figcaption>Building brand awareness with Viber for Business solutions</figcaption></figure><h3>Interest</h3><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Stay top of mind. Reach a wide audience with compelling Viber Ads and show your competitive advantage or facilitate immersive product interactions with AR-powered Viber Lenses.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Re-engage interested customers. Use Viber Ads to reignite their existing interest and encourage action. You can also use CRM and CDP insights to send Viber Business Messages with restock alerts to customers who are interested in the product. Don’t forget to share helpful content through Viber Business Messages, showcasing products through rich media.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Generating_interest_via_Viber_Lenses_Ads_and_Business_Messages_48bf84c496.png"><figcaption>Generating interest via Viber Lenses, Ads, and Business Messages</figcaption></figure><h3>Conversion&nbsp;</h3><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Boost conversions with flash offers. Use Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages to share limited-time offers with the relevant segments of the audience.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Enhance holiday sales by communicating special deals. Send discount alerts or offer customers an extra perk with their purchased product to drive seasonal sales via Viber Business Messages or Viber Chatbot.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Fight cart abandonment. Send reminders about items left in the cart and offer personalized discounts on abandoned items using Viber Business Messages and Viber Chatbots.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Upsell and cross-sell. Use customers’ purchase history to recommend products &amp; make personalized offers through Viber Business Messages. Use interactive carousels in Viber Сhatbot to suggest add-on products that go with the customer’s main purchase.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Converting_leads_into_customers_via_Viber_Advertising_and_Messaging_solutions_cb15aeb875.png"><figcaption>Converting leads into customers via Rakuten Viber Advertising and Rich Business Messaging solutions</figcaption></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">Loyalty</h3><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Encourage repeat purchases. Remind buyers about their bonuses or discounts through Viber Business Messages or Viber Chatbots.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Build long-term relationships. You can use Viber Chatbots to provide your customers with convenient access to the loyalty program details.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Collect customer feedback. Automate customer feedback collection via Viber Chatbot to get product insights efficiently. Use Viber Business Messages to collect feedback and promptly address any issues in personal, 1-to-1 chats.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Personalise your customers’ experience. Send personalized gifts and offers to earn customer loyalty and celebrate your relationship with each customer in a personalized holiday greeting using Viber Business Messages.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Re_engaging_customers_and_building_loyalty_via_Viber_Messaging_solutions_638da269f1.png"><figcaption>Re-engaging customers and building loyalty via Rich Business Messaging on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>Viber for Business supports retailers from raising awareness to fostering customer loyalty while enhancing the buyer’s journey.<h2>The Impact of Viber for Business on Customer Support and Experience</h2>According to HubSpot research, <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/service/customer-service-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">93%</a> of consumers are likely to continue buying from companies that provide exceptional customer service. Viber for Business solutions can help retailers significantly enhance support and the customer experience. Brands can provide real-time customer support via conversational Viber Business Messages and instantly answer urgent questions from many customers at the same time by using a Viber Chatbot to automatically reply.&nbsp;&nbsp;It allows seamless interaction between the brand and its users, enabling quick and efficient problem-solving. By integrating CRM and CDP tools with Rakuten Viber's Rich Business Messaging, brands can access relevant information for each user's query.&nbsp;Retailers can save resources by automating responses to frequently asked questions using a Viber Chatbot. It will also help brands prevent customer loss during off-hours, as Viber Chatbots can deliver customer support 24/7.Rakuten Viber makes it easy for brands to update customers on their orders and transactions. Retailers can provide rapid order status updates using Viber Business Messages or Viber Chatbot, giving customers easy access to necessary information. They can also empower customers to directly manage their orders, ensuring seamless delivery. Plus, with Viber Business Messages, brands can easily send important documents like receipts, warranties, and bills. Thus, customers will have all the information they need organised in one place.&nbsp;Rakuten Viber also allows for easy verifications through OTP messages, important reminders, and updates on purchase status.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Providing_customer_support_with_help_of_Viber_for_Business_solutions_6c999f90df.png"><figcaption>Providing customer support with the help of Viber for Business solutions</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">A Seamless Customer Journey: The Power of Viber for Business Solutions in Action</h2>In the current digital landscape, the client's purchasing journey is no longer a straightforward path. Instead, it has evolved into a complex process where consumers interact across multiple channels, devices, and touchpoints before making a purchase. Businesses need to be present where their audiences are, and Rakuten Viber, with <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-in-2022-trends-defining-the-future-of-brand-user-communication/">over a billion downloads on Android alone</a>, provides just that platform.To understand how users become loyal customers on the app, let's explore how your brand can influence a customer's journey with Viber for Business solutions. Imagine that a potential client comes across a Viber Ad and decides to opt in to marketing notifications from your brand. You can then send a personalized discount via Viber Business Message, enticing them to make a purchase. To keep the product top-of-mind, you can use Viber Ads for retargeting, reminding the person about the item they showed interest in. To further spark interest, you can send additional information about the product via another Viber Business Message.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_user_s_introduction_to_the_brand_3c273eec03.png"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber user's introduction to the brand</figcaption></figure>Later, the client adds products to their cart and subscribes to your chatbot to have easy access to your offering. To encourage completion of the purchase, you can send a reminder about the items in the cart via a Viber Chatbot. Once a purchase is made, a confirmation and receipt are sent via Viber Business Message.&nbsp;After the purchase, you can continue the interaction by collecting post-purchase feedback using Viber Business Messages. This prolonged engagement helps to build a lasting relationship with the client, fostering loyalty and encouraging repeat purchases.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Customers_receiving_around_sales_support_on_Viber_410d560f06.png"><figcaption>Customers receiving around-sales support on Rakuten Viber&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><h2>Success Stories of Viber for Business Clients</h2><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/coca-cola/">Coca-Cola</a>, the world's largest beverage company, wanted to expand its mobile presence and engage with both existing and new consumers in Bulgaria. To achieve these goals, Coca-Cola strategically partnered with Rakuten Viber because of its connected and engaged audience in the country. Through the launch of Viber Stickers with a promo code mechanism and a chatbot experience on Rakuten Viber, Coca-Cola was able to reach a wider audience and drive conversions over a 3-months period. By cross-promoting this campaign across their social channels and supporting an "under-the-cap" sweepstake, Coca-Cola achieved impressive results, including almost 30,000 cap codes redeemed and a 30% conversion rate, 10 times higher than the industry average.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_campaign_results_for_Coca_Cola_in_Bulgaria_0e885982e7.png"><figcaption>Coca-Cola’s marketing campaign using Viber for Business solutions</figcaption></figure>The <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/primer/">Primer Group of Companies</a>, a prominent retailer in the Philippines known for distributing a variety of consumer goods, utilized personalized promotional Viber Business Messages to stimulate client interest and drive sales. In collaboration with Rakuten Viber's messaging partner, <a href="https://www.infobip.com/">Infobip</a>, Primer sent e-vouchers to the clients of its youth apparel and lifestyle store Bratpack. The result was a staggering 401% surge in sales and a code redemption conversion rate of 53%.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Primer_s_campaign_via_Viber_Business_Messages_3d9b8161f5.png"><figcaption>Primer’s campaign via Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure>Another compelling example is <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/leroy-merlin/">Leroy Merlin</a>, the largest home improvement retailer in Europe. They were looking for innovative ways to make interactions with the members of their new loyalty program more convenient. With the help of Rakuten Viber’s official messaging partner, <a href="https://www.m-stat.gr/">M-STAT</a>, Leroy Merlin adopted Viber Business Messages to communicate with their loyal customers. The outcome was a 300% faster customer service response and a 20% growth in basket size.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_Business_Messages_from_Leroy_Merlin_e04d976177.png"><figcaption>Leroy Merlin sending Viber Business Messages to their customers</figcaption></figure><h2>Harness the Power of Viber for Business for Retail Success</h2>Rakuten Viber for Business is the ultimate retail solution that directly addresses the needs of today's customer-centric market. Its ability to support every stage of the marketing funnel, from raising awareness to fostering loyalty, makes it an indispensable tool for retailers. Thus, retail brands around the world already see great results using Viber for Business solutions.&nbsp;In short, if you're a retailer and not using these instruments yet, you're missing out on a potential game-changer for your business. Leverage Viber for Business and experience firsthand the difference it can make in your customer engagement. Your audience is already on Rakuten Viber; it's time for your business to be there, too.Feel free to <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">contact our team</a> to learn more about Viber for Business capabilities for your retail brand.

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Discover how to increase sales and engage customers during Black Friday with Rakuten Viber solutions

Rock Your Black Friday Sales with Rakuten Viber Tools

Black Friday, the annual shopping extravaganza that occurs on the last Friday of November, has become a highly anticipated event for both consumers and businesses alike. With huge discounts and limited-time offers, it's a race to snag the best deals.&nbsp;In the age of digital shopping, retailers have shifted their focus to online platforms to reach a wider audience and increase sales. The following statistics show why it's crucial to embrace mobile marketing as an essential part of your Black Friday campaign:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://influencermarketinghub.com/black-friday-mobile-shopping-trends/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">89%</a> of shoppers rely on their mobile devices to read product reviews before making a purchase, emphasizing the need to have a strong mobile presence.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Smartphones accounted for a substantial <a href="https://www.salecycle.com/blog/blog/2022-black-friday-ecommerce-strategy-stats-report-webinar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">74%</a> of the total traffic on Black Friday.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Mobile shopping on Thanksgiving and Cyber Week in 2022 reached an all-time high and accounted for an impressive <a href="https://news.adobe.com/news/news-details/2022/Adobe-Cyber-Monday-Drove-11.3-Billion-in-Online-Spending-Breaking-E-Commerce-Record--/default.aspx#:~:text=Get%20started-,Adobe%3A%20Cyber%20Monday%20Drove%20%2411.3%20Billion%20in,Spending%2C%20Breaking%20E%2DCommerce%20Record&amp;text=SAN%20JOSE%2C%20Calif.,Black%20Friday%20and%20Cyber%20Monday." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">55%</a> of online sales.</li></ul>One tool that has proven to be highly effective in Black Friday marketing is Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Viber for Business solutions</a>. Rakuten Viber offers a range of tools and features designed to help businesses connect with their customers, and these tools are especially relevant during this busy shopping season. From managing orders and deliveries to sending personalized alerts and announcements, Rakuten Viber for Business provides a comprehensive suite of solutions for companies to engage with their audience and drive sales.In this blog article, we will explore the various ways in which retailers can leverage Rakuten Viber for Business solutions to step up their Black Friday marketing efforts and achieve their goals.<h2>Achieving Black Friday Campaign Goals with Rakuten Viber Tools&nbsp;</h2>During Black Friday campaigns, businesses pursue several key goals to maximize their success and capitalize on the shopping frenzy. With the help of Rakuten Viber's diverse range of features and capabilities, businesses can effectively reach and engage their target audience, drive sales, and enhance customer satisfaction.&nbsp;<h3>Build Brand Awareness, Engage and Acquire New Customers</h3>Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/more-than-ads-discover-creative-tools-on-viber/">Viber Ads, Stickers, and Lenses</a> are powerful tools for brands to engage with a wide audience and leave a lasting impression that can help drive customer acquisition.Rakuten Viber Ads allow companies to reach a vast user base and showcase their products or services. With various formats available, such as banners, videos, and native ads, brands can effectively communicate their message and capture the attention of potential clientele. By targeting specific demographics and interests, Rakuten Viber Ads ensure that the right audience is reached, improving the chances of acquiring new customers.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Sephora_s_Black_Friday_campaign_with_Rakuten_Viber_Ads_5e4793b354.jpg"><figcaption>Sephora’s Black Friday&nbsp;campaign with Rakuten Viber Ads</figcaption></figure>Branded Viber Stickers offer a unique and fun way to engage with users and increase brand visibility. On average, each sticker is shared 11 times, and over 1 billion stickers are sent every month. By creating custom stickers, you can tap into this phenomenon and establish a strong brand identity. These stickers can be shared among users, spreading the word about your Black Friday promotions and attracting new potential buyers.Branded <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/get-creative-with-viber-lenses-how-to-leverage-them-for-unique-marketing-strategies/">Viber Lenses</a> provide an interactive and immersive brand experience for users. Brands can create augmented reality lenses that allow users to try on products virtually or visualize how they would look in their homes. This innovative feature not only captures attention but also ensures a memorable experience that can leave a lasting impression on potential customers. One of the key benefits of using Lenses is the potential for viral engagement. Users love to share their fun and creative lens captures with their friends, amplifying brand reach and visibility. Within just three months of launching globally, over <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-for-business-recap-how-brands-and-users-communicated-in-2021/">52 million</a> lens captures were generated. You can link your chatbot with Rakuten Viber Ads, Stickers, and Lenses, guiding audiences to subscribe to the bot where you can steer them toward making a purchase.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/e_MAG_campaign_customer_acquisition_with_Viber_Stickers_and_Chatbots_6858b12503.jpg"><figcaption>eMAG campaign: customer acquisition with Viber Stickers and Chatbots</figcaption></figure><h3>Generate Interest and Drive Conversion</h3>As a business, you want to make sure you reach as many customers as possible and stand out from the competition. That's where <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Rakuten Viber Business Messages</a> come in, offering a powerful platform for brands to engage with their clientele directly where they are – on their smartphones.&nbsp;Business Messages enable brands to showcase their products, services, and special Black Friday deals directly to users. By leveraging eye-catching visuals and compelling copy, brands can capture the attention of potential customers and generate interest. You can include up to 1000 characters of text, images, videos, links, call-to-action buttons, and various types of files.&nbsp;Take advantage of rich media features to provide more information and showcase your offering. For example, if a client wants to see a product from a different angle, simply send them a picture. If a buyer is unsure about which product to choose from a category, send a video displaying all the options. And if a client needs specifications or wants to review warranty terms, just send them the relevant file. By using these rich media features, brands not only help customers make more informed purchase decisions but also keep them engaged and interested.Additionally, with Rakuten Viber's business messages, you only pay for delivered messages and ensure that you achieve your goals with every resource you invest.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Increasing_conversion_with_Viber_Business_Messages_74f33af8c8.jpg"><figcaption>Increasing conversion with Viber Business Messages&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><h3>Improve Customer Satisfaction</h3>As businesses gear up for the busiest shopping day of the year, it's crucial to have the right tools in place to ensure a satisfying customer experience.<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">During the busy Black Friday period, consumers are pressed for time and more likely to engage with brands that cater to their preferences and needs. Use Rakuten Viber's conversational features to interact with customers and help them find the perfect product. Whether it's answering their questions, providing product recommendations, or guiding them through the buying process, Business Messages allow you to offer personalized support.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Keep your customers informed about their Black Friday purchases by using transactional Business Messages. You can send order confirmations, updates on shipping status, and even tracking information. This proactive approach helps build trust and provides a seamless shopping experience.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">The buyer’s journey doesn't end with the purchase. With Viber Business Messages, you can offer post-sales support, address any concerns, and guide shoppers through the return or exchange process. This level of customer care helps build loyalty and encourages repeat business.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Black Friday provides a great opportunity to gather valuable insights about your customers' experiences. Use Viber Business Messages to send feedback requests to improve your products and services for future campaigns.</li></ol>During the hectic Black Friday rush, it's essential to provide immediate responses to customer inquiries. With Viber Chatbots, you can be available 24/7, instantly answering questions related to promotions, availability, and more. According to HubSpot Research, <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/live-chat-go-to-market-flaw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">82%</a> of consumers expect immediate responses to their sales or marketing questions. By meeting these expectations, you can build trust, engage customers, and drive sales.Not only can our Chatbots assist with personalized shopping experiences, but they can also streamline the payment process. People can shop and <a href="https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2022-07-27/our-latest-super-feature-viber-pay/">make payments</a> within the Rakuten Viber app, eliminating the need to switch between different channels.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Using_Viber_Rich_Business_Messaging_to_enhance_customer_experience_254e52b0c9.jpg"><figcaption>Using Rich Business Messaging on Rakuten Viber to enhance customer experience</figcaption></figure><h3>Increase Sales and Revenue</h3>The primary goal of Black Friday campaigns is to drive sales and revenue. Businesses aim to attract customers with compelling offers, discounts, and promotions to encourage them to buy during this peak season.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.infobip.com/blog/black-friday-shopping-trends-and-insights">Infobip's research</a> revealed that 54% of consumers are annoyed by impersonal messages, while 47% simply ignore messages that lack personalization. By integrating Rakuten Viber Business Messages with your CRM or CDP, you can tap into your customer database to gather valuable insights. This integration allows you to segment your audience based on their preferences, purchase history, and demographics, enabling you to deliver targeted messages that resonate with their needs and interests.Similarly, Rakuten Viber Ads offer robust targeting capabilities. Brands have the flexibility to target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, location, and more. This level of precision enables you to reach the right consumers at the right time, prompting them to make a purchase.Cart abandonment is a common challenge businesses face, especially during high-demand shopping events like Black Friday. With Rakuten Viber Business Messages, you can reach out to customers who abandoned their carts and provide them with personalized reminders and offers to entice them to complete their purchases. By addressing their hesitation and offering relevant incentives, you can significantly reduce cart abandonment and skyrocket your sales.Cross-selling and upselling are valuable strategies to increase your average order value. Viber Business Messages and Viber Chatbots allow you to showcase related products, suggest complementary items, or offer exclusive discounts to encourage shoppers to add more to their carts. By strategically promoting additional products or services, you can see a surge in sales and maximize your revenue during the Black Friday frenzy.<h2>Level Up Your Black Friday Strategy with Rakuten Viber</h2>The <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/holiday-marketing-with-viber-in-2023/">holiday season</a> is in full swing, and it's important to capitalize on every opportunity during this period, whether it's Black Friday sales, Christmas campaigns, or making the most of the 'Fifth Quarter'—the period between Christmas and late January when consumers still have a high intent to purchase with remaining cash from returned items and gift cards.Whether you're a smaller retailer or a global retail giant, Rakuten Viber campaigns on Black Friday can help you cut through the competition, boost revenue, and make a lasting impact. With the platform's powerful targeting capabilities, you can deliver tailored offers and promotions directly to your customers' mobile devices. By integrating chatbots into your campaigns, you can provide instant customer support, automate answers to frequently asked questions, and guide shoppers through their purchase journey. This not only ensures a seamless shopping experience but also boosts brand trust and loyalty. Rakuten Viber's rich business messaging capabilities enable brands to reach their customers directly, delivering personalized offers, exclusive discounts, and timely updates on Black Friday deals. The ability to send rich media content, such as images, videos, and interactive CTA buttons, enhances the buyer’s experience and increases engagement.Feel free to <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">contact our team</a> to learn more about increasing your seasonal sales with Rakuten Viber.

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Discover how Rakuten Viber Ads enhance reach, engagement, targeting, and ROI

Rakuten Viber Ads vs Traditional Advertising: Efficiency and Scale

In the ever-evolving landscape of advertising, businesses are constantly seeking more efficient and scalable methods to reach their target audience. Traditional media, such as television, print, and radio, have long been the go-to options for reaching a wide demographic. However, with the rise of digital platforms, new advertising opportunities have emerged, including <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Rakuten Viber Ads</a>.The following statistics demonstrate the current landscape and the reasons why businesses are shifting toward mobile and digital:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://www.webfx.com/local-seo/statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">78%</a> of local mobile searches result in an in-store purchase, indicating the potential for businesses to drive foot traffic and sales through mobile advertising.</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://www.webfx.com/digital-marketing/statistics/mobile-marketing-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">61%</a> of consumers state that they are more likely to purchase from mobile-friendly websites, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt their advertising strategies to cater to mobile users.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Mobile users account for <a href="https://www.webfx.com/ppc/statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">52%</a> of PPC ad clicks, underscoring the importance of targeting this audience to maximize advertising effectiveness.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Consumer_trends_in_using_mobile_platforms_31d0aa3dc9.png"><figcaption>Consumer trends in using mobile platforms</figcaption></figure>Amidst these changing dynamics, Rakuten Viber Ads offer a unique advertising approach, leveraging the popularity and widespread usage of the Rakuten Viber messaging app. Unlike traditional methods, Viber Ads aim to capture users' attention in a non-intrusive way, seamlessly blending into the user interface, ensuring a more positive and engaging experience. These ads are designed to be visually rich, featuring compelling images or videos, enticing text descriptions, and clickable calls-to-action buttons.In comparison, conventional advertising often relies on interruptive tactics, such as commercials during television shows or banner ads on websites. While these techniques can still be effective, they may not always capture users' attention in the same way that Rakuten Viber Ads do. Moreover, they can often be costly and it can be challenging to track and measure the return on investment accurately.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">The Importance of Advertising Efficiency and Scale</h2>Advertising efficiency and scale are crucial in enabling businesses to reach their clientele and drive sales.Efficiency refers to the ability to reach the right audience with the right message at the right time. It involves optimizing advertising campaigns to maximize results while minimizing costs. With the advent of technology and platforms like Rakuten Viber Ads, advertisers have the opportunity to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, ensuring that their message is seen by the most relevant audience.On the other hand, scale pertains to the reach and impact of an advertising campaign. Traditional advertising tactics such as television, radio, and print ads have limited reach and are often expensive. However, with Rakuten Viber Ads, businesses can tap into a vast user base and have the potential to reach millions of users, both locally and globally. This scalability allows businesses to increase brand awareness on a larger scale.In this blog, we will explore the efficiency and scale of Rakuten Viber Ads compared to traditional advertising techniques. We will dive into the benefits and limitations of each approach, providing insights to help businesses make informed decisions when it comes to their advertising strategies.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Traditional Advertising: Types, Processes and the Pros and Cons&nbsp;</h2>Traditional advertising is a tried and true method that has been used for over a century to promote brands, products, and services successfully. In this digital age, where <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-mobile-marketing-for-e-commerce-businesses/">online marketing</a> dominates, this approach still holds its ground as a reliable and effective strategy.Types of Traditional Advertising:1. Print Advertising: Magazines, newspapers, flyers, brochures, and billboards. These timeless mediums allow you to capture the attention of your target audience, whether they are flipping through the pages of a magazine or driving down the highway.2. Broadcast Advertising: Television and radio commercials. These platforms allow you to tell your story visually or through audio, engaging viewers and listeners in a way that can be more memorable than other forms of advertising.3. Outdoor Advertising: Billboards, posters, and signage. These larger-format displays can’t be ignored, capturing the attention of consumers as they go about their daily activities.4. Direct Mail: You can also reach consumers directly through their mailboxes. This type includes postcards, catalogs, and promotional letters, allowing for targeted campaigns that can be personalized to your audience.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Types_of_traditional_advertising_6e4a2f52dd.png"><figcaption>Types of traditional advertising</figcaption></figure>Advantages of Traditional Advertising1. Tangible Presence: Traditional advertisements provide a physical presence that can't be easily ignored or clicked away. They allow consumers to hold and interact with your brand or message, leaving a lasting impression.2. Wider Reach: Traditional advertising reaches a diverse audience, including individuals who may not be active or easily reachable online.&nbsp;3. Established Credibility: By utilizing traditional methods, you can tap into the familiarity and credibility that comes with these established advertising channels.Limitations of Traditional Advertising1. Limited Interactivity: It doesn't offer immediate interaction or feedback from consumers. It can be one-way communication, limiting the opportunity for immediate engagement or data collection.2. Higher Costs: It often requires significant financial investment, especially for prime placements or airtime. The production, distribution, and maintenance costs associated with traditional advertising can be higher compared to online alternatives.3. Difficulty in Measuring ROI: Tracking the success of traditional advertising campaigns can be challenging. Unlike online advertising, where you can easily monitor clicks, views, and conversions, conventional methods may rely on surveys or indirect indicators to measure effectiveness.4. Lack of targeting and personalization: It often relies on mass media channels that broadcast messages to a wide range of people, regardless of their specific interests, demographics, or preferences. This means that a significant portion of the audience may not be interested in or relevant to the product or service being advertised. Additionally, traditional marketing methods are unable to tailor the message to address consumers’ unique pain points or desires.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Next-Level Advertising: Exploring the Advantages of Rakuten Viber Ads in Efficiency and Scale</h2>In today's fast-paced digital world, advertising has evolved drastically. Gone are the days of traditional marketing methods that relied solely on billboards, TV commercials, and print ads. The rise of mobile technology and social media platforms has given birth to a new era of advertising, and leading the way in this digital revolution is Rakuten Viber Ads.Rakuten Viber Ads offers a fresh and innovative approach, allowing brands to connect with their target clientele in a more personalized and engaging way. Unlike conventional strategies, Rakuten Viber Ads harnesses the power of mobile messaging to deliver highly targeted and relevant content to users.So, what sets Rakuten Viber Ads apart from traditional channels? Let's take a closer look:1. Precision targeting: Rakuten Viber Ads leverages the data-driven nature of mobile messaging to deliver ads to users who are most likely to be interested in a particular product or service. Through advanced targeting capabilities, brands can reach their desired audience demographics, location, and interests, ensuring maximum impact and return on investment.2. Engagement and conversion: Rakuten Viber Ads go beyond the passive nature of traditional advertising by offering brands to add interactive CTA buttons leading to their websites or chatbots and channels on the app. This not only <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/maximizing-the-power-of-viber-advertising-solutions-for-building-brand-awareness/">increases brand awareness</a> but also drives customers further down the marketing funnel.&nbsp;3. Seamless integration: Unlike intrusive pop-up ads or disruptive commercials, Rakuten Viber Ads seamlessly integrate into the user experience. Ads appear naturally within the messaging interface, creating a non-disruptive and organic experience. This ensures that users are more receptive to the content, leading to higher engagement rates and a positive brand perception.4. Measurable results: With Rakuten Viber Ads, brands can track and measure the performance of their advertising campaigns in real time and optimize their campaigns for better results. This data-driven approach ensures that advertising budgets are spent effectively and efficiently.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_Ads_on_Rakuten_Viber_18d75b59e7.png"><figcaption>Examples of different types of Rakuten Viber Ads</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Rakuten Viber Ads vs. Traditional Advertising: Analyzing the Metrics of Cost, Reach, Engagement, Targeting, and ROI</h2>In comparing Rakuten Viber Ads and traditional campaigns, several aspects are critical: cost, reach, engagement, targeting, and ROI.Starting with cost, Rakuten Viber Ads offer a targeted and flexible pricing model that scales with your specific needs and usage, unlike traditional advertising campaigns that can be expensive and have fixed charges regardless of engagement or success. For example, newspaper ads can include substantial design costs and fixed space charges. The cost-effectiveness of Rakuten Viber Ads becomes evident when considering reach and engagement.Concerning reach, Rakuten Viber boasts a <a href="https://www.usesignhouse.com/blog/viber-stats#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20Viber%20users,of%208%20minutes%20per%20interaction.">massive and diverse user base</a> worldwide. This global reach presents an incredible opportunity for brands to connect with a broad range of audiences across different markets. From local businesses to international corporations, Rakuten Viber Ads offers a platform for brands of all sizes to make a global impact. Although traditional advertising may have a broader reach, Rakuten Viber Ads offer a more focused and efficient way to reach a relevant and receptive audience.Engagement on Rakuten Viber is quantifiably higher since ad placements are designed to ensure high CTRs and viewability rates way above industry standards. For instance, click-through rates (CTRs) for ads in the Business Inbox, a dedicated folder for brand-user communication, average at around 4.5%. Another example is Rakuten Viber's post-call ads which boast a 22% higher viewability rate compared to the industry benchmark.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Post_call_and_Business_Inbox_ad_placements_on_Rakuten_Viber_7a8bb60fdc.png"><figcaption>Post-call and Business Inbox ad placements on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>Rakuten Viber Ads provide superior targeting capabilities due to utilizing user demographics, interests, and location data. This level of segmentation is quite hard to replicate with conventional means. Traditional methods may blanket an entire region, whereas Rakuten Viber allows for hyper-focus, for example, targeting Android users within a specific age bracket and geographical location.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Use_Rakuten_Viber_Ads_for_targeted_campaigns_ebdfe7c89f.png"><figcaption>Use Rakuten Viber Ads for targeted campaigns&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>In contrast to traditional advertising, where tracking ROI can be challenging, Rakuten Viber Ads facilitate the attainment of measurable results. This is supported by high viewability rates and CTRs, robust targeting capabilities, and mechanisms for guiding customers from ad engagement to visiting the brand's bot or website for additional information. All of these features contribute to boosting ROI and ensuring that businesses achieve their goals with every resource they invest.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Rakuten Viber and the Changing Landscape of Advertising in the Future</h2>As the advertising landscape continues to evolve, businesses are realizing the need to shift from traditional methods to more efficient and scalable options. One such option is Rakuten Viber Ads, which offer a unique and dynamic approach to advertising, leveraging the popularity and widespread usage of the Rakuten Viber messaging app. With their ability to capture users' attention in relevant moments, provide visually appealing content, and target a wide range of audience segments, Rakuten Viber Ads present a compelling alternative to traditional strategies. Moreover, the growing popularity of messaging apps makes Rakuten Viber Ads even more relevant in today's mobile-first age.The future of advertising is set to be influenced by various paramount trends. First, we are progressing toward a mobile-first world. Consumers increasingly rely on mobile devices for price comparisons, product research, deal discovery, and shopping. Mobile commerce is anticipated to flourish in the future, necessitating advertising <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/mobile-ad-monetisation-best-practices-to-succeed-in-the-new-business-season/">tailored for mobile viewing</a>. Second, personalization is a crucial emerging trend. Brands are leveraging data to customize their customers' experiences. As retailers gain more access to customer information, this trend is predicted to soar.In addition, the advent of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/superapp-for-marketers-part-1-what-is-a-superapp/">superapps</a> is an intriguing future prospect. Superapps offer comprehensive services including payments, transportation bookings, food deliveries, messaging, and much more. Superapps are growing in popularity globally and are forecasted to involve innovative technologies that enrich the shopping experience for customers. Platforms like Rakuten Viber align with this trend through the variety of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/">features</a> and integrations.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_s_superapp_features_solutions_and_capabilities_7cc691af32.png"><figcaption>Superapp capabilities of Rakuten Viber for Business</figcaption></figure>The future of advertising promises to be more dynamic and personalized. Emerging technologies and trends will continue to shape the industry, and it's crucial that advertisers adapt and evolve according to these new advancements.Feel free to <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-ads-form">contact our team</a> if you'd like to learn more about Rakuten Viber Ads and elevate your advertising strategy.

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Discover how Rakuten Viber Business Messages boost tourism communication and guest experience

Personalizing Guest Experience and Driving Direct Bookings with Rakuten Viber Business Messages in the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry

By 2024, it is projected that over <a href="https://www.insiderintelligence.com/content/sizing-mobile-messaging-app-opportunity-marketers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">75%</a> of internet users globally will be utilizing a messaging app on a monthly basis. This figure indicates an enormous opportunity for the travel and tourism industries to capitalize on this trend. By leveraging instant messaging tools, they can streamline their operations, from booking confirmations to real-time customer support.&nbsp;Notably, messaging apps are not just for exchanging information; they have evolved into versatile business tools. From sending key notifications through transactional messages to sharing personalized offers via promotional messages, these platforms offer various solutions tailored to the diverse needs of organizations. That’s what got the term “<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/superapp-for-marketers-part-1-what-is-a-superapp/">Superapp</a>”.The way people plan their trips and leisure activities has changed a lot. Nowadays, they focus more on unique experiences and interact with brands in many ways. Today, potential clientele don't just visit a website; they engage with brands on social media, read reviews, and contact them via messaging platforms for further information.The pandemic has changed what travelers expect, with a greater emphasis now on creating memorable experiences rather than just being provided with a service. Surprisingly, <a href="https://engage.sinch.com/blog/instant-messaging-apps-tourism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">25%</a> of all customer interactions in the tourism sector already happen in instant messaging apps. This trend highlights how important it is for brands to understand and adapt to the communication methods their audience prefers.In this blog post, let’s explore how <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Rakuten Viber Business Messages</a> can help elevate these interactions and transform the guest experience in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.<h2>The Power of Rakuten Viber Business Messages</h2>Rakuten Viber Business Messages is a communication tool that allows businesses to connect with their customers, share different types of content, and reply to customer questions within one thread. It enables companies to send their clients customized messages, notifications, offers, updates, and help manage bookings, which helps keep them engaged and build better relationships.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-types-and-advantages-of-viber-business-messages/">Rakuten Viber Business Messages</a> are tailored to suit the diverse needs of organizations:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Transactional Messages are used for sending important notifications. These can include booking confirmations, payment reminders, shipping status, and other crucial real-time information.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Promotional Messages are designed to share offers, discounts, or new product announcements, helping drive sales and increase customer engagement.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Conversational Messages (two-way communication) allow businesses to offer customer support or gather feedback, facilitating direct interaction between the brand and its customers.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Rakuten_Viber_Business_Messages_for_airlines_and_hotels_315a246a73.png"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber Business Messages for airlines and hotels</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Enhancing Guest and Traveler Experience with Rakuten Viber Business Messages</h2>Building on the communication solutions described above, Rakuten Viber Business Messages can help personalize the guest experience in several ways:1. Send targeted and personalized messages to guests. These can include welcome notes, booking confirmations, customized recommendations, and special deals based on the guest's preferences and past interactions.2. Enable guests to ask questions, make special requests, or provide feedback in real time through the messaging app. Businesses can respond promptly, ensuring that guests feel valued and attended to throughout their stay.3. Send timely notifications and updates to guests. These can include information about check-in/check-out procedures, room upgrades, changes to amenities or services, and local events or attractions.&nbsp;4. Send recommendations to guests based on their interests, preferences, and location. This helps guests discover nearby restaurants, attractions, or activities aligned with their interests, enhancing their overall stay.5. Gather feedback and reviews from guests. After their stay, properties can send a message requesting feedback or inviting guests to leave a review on platforms like TripAdvisor or Google.6. Communicate exclusive discounts or rewards to guests who are part of a loyalty program.&nbsp;Companies can also utilize <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">chatbots</a> to provide automatic support 24/7. Chatbots work without the costs that come with human staff, allowing the team to focus on more complex customer needs. They can provide instant answers to frequently asked questions, such as check-in details, baggage restrictions, or travel requirements. For instance, once a person books a flight, the bot can provide information about guidelines for the destination, such as necessary vaccines, visas, or online forms.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Creating_advanced_customer_experience_with_Viber_Rich_Business_Messaging_0df684c9bc.png"><figcaption>Creating advanced customer experience with Viber Rich Business Messaging</figcaption></figure>Use case: How airlines can use Rakuten Viber Business Messages to improve customer experienceAirlines can leverage Rakuten Viber Business Messages in numerous ways to enhance the traveler experience.&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Provide instant notifications and useful information to their clients. For example, assistance with issues such as lost baggage.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Answer specific queries, like the required documents for traveling with a service dog.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Assist in arranging special accommodations, like a specific onboard menu for a passenger with dietary restrictions.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Share travel tips, destination guides, and local recommendations. This can include information about popular attractions, dining options, transportation, and cultural insights. By providing valuable and personalized content through Rakuten Viber Business Messages, airlines can help customers make the most of their trips.</li></ul>Overall, by leveraging the tool, airlines can enhance client satisfaction, build loyalty, and differentiate themselves in a competitive industry.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_airlines_using_Rakuten_Viber_Business_messages_f76d2b2b9e.png"><figcaption>Examples of airlines using Rakuten Viber Business messages</figcaption></figure><h2>Seamless Reservations: Enhancing Direct Bookings with Rakuten Viber Business Messages</h2>Rakuten Viber Business Messages play a key role in driving direct bookings by providing a seamless communication channel between accommodation providers and customers. This includes the following:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Ability to send reservation confirmations, adding to user convenience</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Sending real-time status updates, keeping customers informed about any changes to their booking, such as room upgrades or alterations in check-in/check-out timings</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Suggesting the option of automated messaging, allowing for the delivery of messages at specific times or triggered by certain events, such as timely reminders about upcoming check-in dates</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Communicating with members of the property's loyalty program. Accommodation providers can send personalized deals, rewards, or exclusive benefits to their loyal customers, incentivizing them to book directly and take advantage of these special perks.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Facilitating instant <a href="https://thebusinessmanual-onemega.com/messaging-app-viber-easily-book-flights-hotels-soon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">booking and payment</a> by sharing respective links in the chat with customers who would like to complete their reservations. This streamlined process eliminates the need to switch from the app and look for information on external websites or make phone calls, making the whole procedure more intuitive.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Supporting two-way communication, allowing customers to respond to booking confirmations and status updates. This interactive feature enables clients to ask questions or request further information, with accommodation providers being able to respond promptly, offering necessary assistance and addressing any concerns.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Including visual elements, such as images or videos of the booked room or interactive buttons for easy access to additional details or adjustments to their bookings.</li></ul><a href="https://www.cebupacificair.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CEBU Pacific</a>, a budget airline in Asia, used the power of Rakuten Viber Business Messages to increase travel demand among its customers during the travel restrictions. The airline initiated a time-bound campaign, distributing CEB SUPER PASS vouchers via Rakuten Viber. These vouchers allowed one to book one-way flights to any destination within the Philippines and could be used at any time during the year. This straightforward, adjustable, and economical strategy yielded impressive outcomes: conversion rates improved by 278% in comparison to email campaigns, and cost efficiency increased by 26%.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Cebu_Pacific_using_Viber_Business_Messages_to_drive_sales_71ac579e0c.png"><figcaption>Cebu Pacific using Viber Business Messages to drive sales</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Driving Change: Rakuten Viber Rich Business Messaging in Ridesharing and Public Transport</h2>Rakuten Viber Business Messages has revolutionized the way ridesharing companies and public transport systems communicate with their clientele. Take BlaBlaCar for instance, a global ridesharing giant. They experienced an issue with informing passengers about changes to their ride, like a driver canceling a trip.To solve this, BlaBlaCar began using Rakuten Viber Business Messages and SMS to communicate with drivers and customers, resulting in passengers receiving booking confirmations, notifications, and the ability to share last-minute ride requests through Rakuten Viber.When there was no data signal, BlaBlaCar made sure messages still got through with SMS. BlaBlaCar's support team could also check if messages were delivered in real time, and step in when needed. This helped ensure a smooth customer experience.Thanks to this new approach, customer complaints decreased, issues were solved quicker, and positive reviews increased.&nbsp;But it's not just ridesharing companies that can benefit. Public transport systems can also harness the power of messaging apps. For example, a chatbot can alert passengers about delays or cancellations, provide timetable updates, and even allow users to select specific routes and times. In Sofia, Bulgaria, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.editcreation.com/cgm-viber-bot/">Urban Mobility Center </a>launched a public service chatbot on Rakuten Viber where users can pay for parking spaces and get information on local traffic.&nbsp;One of the key benefits of using chatbots for the public transport industry is their always-on availability. Chatbots can operate 24/7, ensuring that passengers receive important reminders and alerts at any time of the day or night. This is particularly useful for passengers who rely on public transport for their daily commute or those who travel during off-peak hours.Another advantage of using chatbots for public transport notifications is their ability to handle large volumes of queries simultaneously. During peak hours or in situations where there are disruptions in the transport network, the number of inquiries from passengers can be overwhelming for human operators. Chatbots, on the other hand, can handle multiple conversations simultaneously, providing prompt responses to passengers' queries and concerns.<h2>Shaping the Future of Travel with Rakuten Viber Business Messages</h2>Rakuten Viber Business Messages have notably transformed the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries by facilitating real-time, personalized communication. This platform is a perfect solution for boosting guest experiences, stimulating direct bookings, and building stronger customer relationships. It enables businesses to send tailored offers, immediate updates, and quick responses to clients' inquiries. Additionally, with rich-media capabilities including the sharing of hotel room imagery, videos of local attractions, and useful files such as travel itineraries, Rakuten Viber Business Messages enrich the customer's journey from the planning stage to the actual trip.As customer expectations evolve, Rakuten Viber Business Messages are poised to become an even more integral part of the industry's communication strategy. By effectively leveraging this platform, businesses can not only stay ahead in the competitive landscape but also create memorable user experiences that keep clients coming back.<a href="https://b2b.viber.com/apply-for-bm">Reach out to our team</a> to learn how Viber Business Messages can help achieve the goals of your travel business.&nbsp;

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Explore how Rakuten Viber for Business can transform your e-commerce strategy and direct marketing

Why Your E-commerce Strategy Needs Rakuten Viber: A Path to Success

Businesses must explore new ways of growth and customer reach. One such avenue is the integration of Rakuten Viber into your e-commerce strategy. With mobile e-commerce projected to account for a staggering <a href="https://www.oberlo.com/blog/ecommerce-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">42.9%</a> of all e-commerce sales by 2024, the significance of leveraging communication platforms like Rakuten Viber is more relevant than ever. A <a href="https://www.textrequest.com/ebooks/state-of-business-texting-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">2023 report</a> from business texting software company Text Request highlights that an impressive 69% of consumers now prefer receiving texts related to making payments, while 46% express interest in texting businesses for sales inquiries. This blog post delves into how Rakuten Viber can be incorporated into your e-commerce strategy for unparalleled success in today's competitive digital marketplace.&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Navigating Rakuten Viber: A New Frontier for Businesses</h3>Rakuten Viber is a multifaceted messenger that not only serves individual users but also provides companies with the opportunity to reach their target audiences effectively. This globally popular app is available in over 190 countries and across multiple platforms such as Apple Store, Google Play, Huawei Store, and Xiaomi Store. This wide accessibility ensures that they can always stay connected regardless of your customers' devices. With over a billion downloads on Android alone, it's clear that Rakuten Viber has become a preferred communication choice worldwide. Learn more about Rakuten Viber’s product capabilities:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Rakuten Viber Business Messages</a> are a powerful tool for businesses to send targeted 1-2-1 messages and engage in meaningful dialogues with their customers. These messages can be personalized for specific campaigns or conversations, helping companies nurture leads, boost sales, and create a loyal client base.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Chatbots on Rakuten Viber</a> have gained immense popularity for their ability to provide quick and automated customer service. Rakuten Viber Chatbots are user-friendly and can be created independently or with the assistance of messaging partners to perform a range of tasks.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Rakuten Viber also offers advertising solutions</a> to help businesses reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to their e-commerce stores. These include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Native ads: These ads are seamlessly integrated into Rakuten Viber's user interface, making them appear as natural content, increasing user engagement and conversions.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Sticker packs: Businesses can create branded sticker packs to download and share, enhancing their visibility and encouraging word-of-mouth marketing.</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-use-viber-lenses-a-guide-for-marketers/">Lenses</a>: Branded filters provided by Rakuten Viber allow brands to express their identity in an engaging way, potentially going viral as users share these lenses with others.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Rakuten_Viber_for_Business_solutions_1_fb9bcabef8.png"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber for Business: a suite of solutions for your goals</figcaption></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">Mastering E-commerce: The Rakuten Viber Advantage</h3>Integrating Rakuten Viber into your e-commerce strategy offers plenty of benefits that can significantly enhance your operations. One of the key advantages is improved customer communication. Rakuten Viber allows businesses to interact with their consumers in real time, providing instant responses to queries and fostering a sense of immediacy and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-benefits-of-personalization-how-tailoring-content-to-your-audience-can-improve-engagement-and-conversions/">personalization</a>.Another significant benefit is the strengthening of customer relationships. Companies can create <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-power-of-conversation-how-messaging-apps-will-drive-marketing-in-2023/">meaningful client dialogues</a> through targeted messaging, personalized offers, and efficient client service. This not only helps in building trust and loyalty but also encourages repeat business.Additionally, Rakuten Viber provides an excellent platform for direct marketing, allowing brands to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-for-business-how-to-increase-engagement-and-drive-sales/">boost their sales</a>:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Personalized Campaigns: Businesses can send customized messages to specific customer segments, promoting their products or services directly to those who are likely to be interested.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Exclusive Offers: Sharing exclusive promotions and discounts via Rakuten Viber can incentivize purchases and increase sales.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Product Recommendations: Based on customer browsing and purchase history, personalized product recommendations can be sent to encourage further purchases.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Order Updates: By sending order confirmations and shipping notifications, businesses can keep consumers informed and engaged, enhancing their overall shopping experience.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Back-in-Stock Alerts: Informing customers of restocked items can minimize cart abandonment</li></ul>Integrating Rakuten Viber into your <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/maximize-conversions-and-performance-top-5-ideas-for-e-commerce-and-retailers/">e-commerce strategy</a> can result in improved customer communication, stronger relationships, and increased sales.<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Boost Your E-Commerce Campaign: Harness the Power of Rakuten Viber Integration</h3>To successfully integrate Rakuten Viber into your e-commerce strategy, start by selecting <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-partners/">a reliable messaging partner</a> who will guide you through the process. Following this, your chosen partner will assist in setting up your <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-open-a-viber-business-account/">Rakuten Viber business account</a> via their interface. They should supply you with either a self-service outlet or a dedicated API that you can link to your existing CRM system. Once your Rakuten Viber account is set up, connect it to your e-commerce platform using the provided plugin. This typically involves entering your Rakuten Viber account credentials or API key in the plugin settings.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_Viber_Business_Accounts_8287940dc2.png"><figcaption>Examples of official business accounts on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>After the integration is complete, customize your Rakuten Viber environment to align with your e-commerce goals. Define the trigger events that will prompt Rakuten Viber messages, such as order confirmations, shipping notifications, or abandoned cart reminders. Finally, test the system by placing test orders or triggering the specified events to ensure that Rakuten Viber messages are sent successfully. Monitor the performance of your platform and make adjustments as needed to optimize customer engagement and conversion rates.&nbsp;This integration allows you to utilize Rakuten Viber for client service, which can significantly enhance your brand's responsiveness. This not only boosts customer satisfaction but also fosters trust and loyalty. On the marketing front, Rakuten Viber serves as an effective tool for promotional activities. Its features allow companies to broadcast business messages, launch new products, and share exciting offers. Furthermore, you can use Rakuten Viber's sticker packs and interactive content to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-effectively-engage-your-audience-on-viber-without-overwhelming-them/">engage</a> your audience in a more dynamic and fun way, enriching their shopping experience.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Smart_use_of_rich_media_content_on_Viber_71a963fc8e.png"><figcaption>Engaging rich media content on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">Leveraging Rakuten Viber for Remarkable Business Results: Insights from Apple and Primer Group</h3>Several companies have successfully integrated Rakuten Viber into their operations, with Apple being a notable example. In an effort to attract new users to Apple Music and Apple TV+ and engage previously registered users, Apple has partnered with Rakuten Viber specifically in the CEE, CIS, and APAC regions. They've offered Rakuten Viber users free trial periods of up to three months, with a two-month free trial incentive for existing users to promote service renewal.To achieve these goals of customer acquisition and retention, Apple and Rakuten Viber implemented a strategic plan. Rakuten Viber created a dedicated Chatbot that enables consumers to redeem their three-month subscription in just two clicks. This Chatbot was publicized using Rakuten Viber Ads, combining native Ads in various placements and localized banners on the Explore screen. Furthermore, a specific CRM campaign was launched to target all eligible customers in selected markets within the specified regions. Rakuten Viber also leveraged its social media channels to reach the relevant audience.Apple's collaboration with Rakuten Viber in this campaign yielded remarkable results. The integration brought in over 600k subscribers to the Chatbot within just the first half-year. Impressively, nearly a quarter (over 23%) of all chatbot subscribers activated the free trials. Furthermore, over 25% of users continued with the services at the total price once their free trials concluded.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Incentivising_subscriptions_for_Apple_services_via_Rakuten_Viber_1_28e3df196c.png"><figcaption>Incentivising subscriptions for Apple services via Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>Likewise, <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/primer/">the Primer Group of Companies</a>, a Philippine retailer distributing various consumer goods brands, also utilized Rakuten Viber to enhance their business. Faced with pandemic-induced quarantine restrictions, Primer shifted its focus online, leveraging Rakuten Viber Business Messages to establish an online footprint. In collaboration with Rakuten Viber's messaging partner, Infobip, Primer facilitated online purchases for its e-commerce store, Bratpack. They used digital vouchers sent via Rakuten Viber Business Messages. This strategy led to a significant 401% increase in sales and a 53% code redemption conversion rate, further validating the effectiveness of Rakuten Viber integration.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Primer_s_campaign_via_Viber_Business_Messages_825a034c2b.png"><figcaption>How Primer facilitated online purchases via Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">Mastering Rakuten Viber Integration: Enhancing Marketing Campaign and Ensuring Customer Trust</h3>The effective implementation of Rakuten Viber into your business strategy requires deliberate planning, similar to any other communication channel. Rakuten Viber can be leveraged to supplement <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/maximize-conversions-and-performance-top-5-ideas-for-e-commerce-and-retailers/">different marketing initiatives</a> and develop a comprehensive marketing campaign. Here's how to accomplish this:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/dare-to-engage-captivate-your-audience-with-messaging-apps-and-interactive-content/">Use Rakuten Viber Ads, branded Lenses, and Stickers</a> to attract consumer attention and guide them toward an engaging Rakuten Viber Chatbot.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Utilize the chatbot to deliver bespoke offers and stimulate interest in certain services or products.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Implement Business Messages to assist consumers in making a purchase.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Provide post-sales support to convert a one-time customer into a loyal, repeat client.</li></ul>It's also crucial to disseminate relevant and valuable information that aligns with the needs and interests of your audience. Maintain a balance between promotional and informative content, such as industry updates, tips, and insights. This strategy helps position your brand as a trustworthy source of information and cultivates loyalty.Additionally, it's vital to prioritize privacy measures to protect your customers and uphold their trust. Rakuten Viber has robust features built into its platform to ensure <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-power-of-customer-data-how-to-use-it-to-improve-your-marketing-efforts/">secure communication</a>, including:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Prioritize Security: Rakuten Viber's default end-to-end encryption for private and group chats and calls sets a high standard in security measures, guaranteeing that the content of the chat is only accessible to the sender and the receiver.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Secure Brand Communication: Rakuten Viber uses <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-brands-can-find-the-most-secure-messaging-app-for-business-use/">encryption in transit</a> for Rakuten Viber Business Messages, providing an exceptionally high level of security during the data transmission process and safeguarding your brand-user communication.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Respect User Privacy: By sending Rakuten Viber Business Messages only to users who have consented to receive business notifications, Rakuten Viber respects user privacy and prevents unsolicited chats.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Enhance Security Measures: Rakuten Viber further bolsters its security by not storing messages on servers and using secure HTTPS connections exclusively, reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring the safe and secure exchange of information.</li></ul><h3 style="text-align:justify;">Empower Your E-commerce Strategy: Unlock the Potential with Rakuten Viber Integration</h3>The integration of Rakuten Viber into an e-commerce strategy fosters an enriched customer experience, enhances communication, and optimizes marketing efforts. The successful case studies of Apple and Primer Group highlight the potential of Rakuten Viber, demonstrating its capability to boost consumer acquisition, retention, and sales. With its robust security measures, Rakuten Viber also ensures the protection of user data, fostering trust among consumers. Businesses should, therefore, consider leveraging this globally popular platform to remain competitive in today's digital age. Harnessing the power of Rakuten Viber can lead to significant growth, stronger customer relationships, and remarkable company results.<a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">Start your journey </a>with Rakuten Viber now and witness the remarkable impact it can have on your brand's success.

Explore how Rakuten Viber for Business can transform your e-commerce strategy and direct marketing


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Discover more about Rakuten Viber for Business solutions for Vietnamese brands

Rakuten Viber for Business live from Vietnam: Event recap

Rakuten Viber, a global leader in cross-platform messaging and voice-based communication, shares insights on how Viber for Business solutions empower brand-user interactions globally and in Vietnam.On October 16, 2023, Rakuten Viber's senior management showcased the business offer of the world-renowned app at its first business-focused media roundtable in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. The company’s team discussed Rakuten Viber's global and local presence in Vietnam, its growing audience, and Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/viber-for-business/">Viber for Business</a> solutions for effective and convenient communication between brands and consumers.Vietnamese spend <a href="https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-vietnam" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">2h 32m</a> per day on social media and messaging apps, staying one minute longer than the average global user. Local businesses can reach their audiences through messaging as 73% of Vietnamese customers also prefer to interact with brands through chat. Rakuten Viber is well-placed to help Vietnamese businesses make the most of these trends with its growing payable audience in Vietnam where the app saw an astounding 642% spike in private calls, 24% growth in messages exchanged in channels, and a 12% increase in private messages during the first half of 2023.Being used by more than 20,000 brands worldwide, Rakuten Viber for Business offers advertising solutions (native ads, branded stickers and lenses), messaging solutions (business messages, chatbots), forthcoming business calls and an OTP solution. Rakuten Viber for Business ecosystem helps brands solve their business needs: <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/maximizing-the-power-of-viber-advertising-solutions-for-building-brand-awareness/">build brand awareness</a> and generate new leads, <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-for-business-how-to-increase-engagement-and-drive-sales/">boost sales</a> &amp; increase ROI, effectively foster customer loyalty, and more.Vietnamese businesses are already benefiting from these solutions as Rakuten Viber records a growing interest in local brand-user interactions in the first half of 2023. This includes:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Average daily Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Viber Ads</a> impressions reached 6.4M, with Vietnamese brands using ads to enhance their visibility and attract new users.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">30M stickers exchanged between users, accompanied by a remarkable 210% increase in AR-powered lens engagements. Businesses are creating <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-impact-of-visual-content-how-messaging-apps-are-changing-the-way-we-connect/">branded </a>Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-impact-of-visual-content-how-messaging-apps-are-changing-the-way-we-connect/">Viber Stickers and Lenses</a> to express themselves in a way that is more appealing, entertaining, and fun, as well as reach a younger audience.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">A significant 63% YOY growth in delivered Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Viber Business Messages</a>, with brands increasingly using this tool to send personal 1-2-1 messages to their existing client base who gave consent to receive brand notifications.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">A notable 31% increase in Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Viber Chatbots</a>, revealing the popularity of this automated tool for round-the-clock customer support and sales assistance.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_for_Business_in_Vietnam_cbe815e205.png"><figcaption>Viber for Business trends in Vietnam in H1 2023</figcaption></figure>In addition to Rakuten Viber's comprehensive ecosystem of business tools, brands also benefit from the app's robust security measures. Being graded among top-3 messaging and calling apps based on security by the German consumer organization <a href="https://www.test.de/Messenger-Apps-im-Vergleich-4884453-0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Stiftung Warentest</a>, Rakuten Viber offers end-to-end encryption for all private, group chats and private calls – something of a gold standard for private communication. It also uses the closest thing to it for brand-user communication – encryption in transit – an exceptionally high level of security for brands. The messages are not stored on Viber’s servers, connections are secure and HTTPS only – all the measures undertaken to keep the Viber experience safe for both users and brands.&nbsp;Rakuten Viber has recently taken a significant step forward in its global strategy with its toolkit for all businesses. The company has <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-debuts-giant-leap-forward-in-global-strategy-with-its-toolkit-for-all-businesses/">announced the launch</a> of a new suite of business tools designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), introducing a free, self-serve business account for small and micro businesses. Initially, the service was opened for a testing phase in the Philippines before gradually rolling out worldwide, including in Vietnam.The company is actively developing solutions and features to cater to enterprise-level businesses. Future updates include free business calls for users, an all-new OTP solution, enhanced-protection messages to confirm users' identity, engaging click-to-message ads, and more."As we expand our business portfolio, we are committed to tailoring solutions to the unique needs of businesses of different scales and locations," says Berina Tanovic, Sales Director at Rakuten Viber. "As more Vietnamese brands turn to Rakuten Viber for customer communication, we're providing solutions that enable them to connect with international and local audiences. With Viber, these businesses gain access to a secure, feature-rich communication platform that addresses their specific business needs."

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Rakuten Viber empowers businesses of every size to build their digital presence, boost customer engagement, and drive sales 

Rakuten Viber debuts giant leap forward in global strategy with its toolkit for all businesses

<a href="https://www.viber.com/">Rakuten Viber</a>, the global leader in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, launches a new suite of business tools for small and medium-sized businesses. Through the introduction of diversified business solutions, the superapp is becoming a communications hub for a wide range of businesses, supporting their marketing goals and enabling local users to discover services.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/topics/4481/personalized-marketing/#topicOverview" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Sixty percent of online shoppers</a> say they would abandon brands that fail to personalize their content. To adapt to these expectations, businesses can turn to their customers' <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/why-messaging-apps-should-be-1-choice-for-marketers/">preferred messaging apps</a> to deliver tailored experiences. With over 1 billion downloads on Android alone, Rakuten Viber introduces businesses to a large pool of potential customers and brings vast opportunities for mobile marketing. Based on this growing demand for brand-user interaction on the app, Rakuten Viber expanded its suite of tools to help businesses reach new customers, build and retain loyalty, and drive sales.The first solution to launch on the platform will be a free, self-serve communications hub for small and micro businesses to conveniently engage with local customers, manage incoming queries, enhance a business's discoverability, and drive sales. Additional value-added services for medium-to-large business accounts will be available soon.Rakuten Viber’s free offering for small and micro businesses was inspired by its successful Rakuten Viber Business Accounts product for enterprise-level companies, part of the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/">Rakuten Viber for Business suite</a>. In 2023, the company recorded a 26 percent increase in business accounts created and a 31 percent year-over-year increase in delivered <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-business-messages-essentials-for-brand-growth/">Rakuten Viber business messages</a>.&nbsp;New features include:&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Public business profile: Businesses can create a public, searchable business page featuring all essential information. The profile can be shared with customers inside the app or even with people who are not Rakuten Viber users yet.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">1:1 customer chats: Businesses can respond to customer requests right away over instant messaging.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Discoverability through Rakuten Viber search: Businesses can find and retain loyal customers on their preferred day-to-day conversations app where customers can discover local products and services by searching for the business name or category.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Dedicated chat folders: Businesses can conveniently store customer messages separately from personal messages with family and friends. Users will also have easy access to a separate <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/boost-your-brand-with-the-power-of-business-inbox/">Rakuten Viber Business Inbox</a> folder for storing their conversations with businesses.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Product catalog: Business owners can effortlessly add new products or services to their business page's catalog. Customers can explore and inquire about the items by sharing the link to the product directly in the chat.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/A_self_serve_business_account_on_Viber_119e3c841f.png"><figcaption>Insider look: Rakuten Viber’s free, self-serve business account for MSMEs</figcaption></figure>Rakuten Viber’s new self-serve business accounts are available now in <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/empowering-brands-vibers-2023-global-events-spotlight-superapp-strategies-and-solutions/">Greece and the Philippines</a> and will launch in additional countries soon. The company also plans to introduce features like broadcast messages, voice calls, and quick and automatic replies that will take communications for small business owners to the next level. Tailored pricing plans will be offered soon based on market feedback to expand the initial set of free self-serve business solutions.&nbsp;Early adopters are already starting to see positive results from Rakuten Viber’s new features for small businesses. Philippines-based shop owner Nene Tamayo opened Nene Prime Foods in 2014 to sell bottled gourmet bangus and other Filipino specialties. Rakuten Viber is Nene’s primary platform for communicating with customers, allowing her to add a personal touch to conversations that help her build and retain a loyal following. Customers can find Nene’s business when they search for Filipino food and reach out directly over one-to-one chats, enabling a <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/at-the-intersection-of-customer-service-marketing-and-brand-building/">smooth customer experience</a>.Eleni Petroulaki, a fitness and nutrition expert and owner of Fitlab, a modern fitness laboratory in Athens, shared that Rakuten Viber has been a real help for her small business: "From connecting instantly with customers to showcasing my services, Rakuten Viber has not just been a platform, but a partner for my growing business. My presence on Rakuten Viber allowed me to build stronger relationships and ensure long-term brand loyalty with my customers.’’"As we expand our business portfolio, we are committed to tailoring solutions to the unique needs of businesses of every scale,” says&nbsp; Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber. “Our mission is clear: to offer customized services for enterprises of all sizes. For those seeking growth, we deliver solutions that pave the way right within the app. With Rakuten Viber as a growth partner, businesses have a communications platform for adapting to new challenges that arise on their business journey."&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, <a href="https://lp.viber.com/smblp">visit the website</a>.

Rakuten Viber expands its overall strategy to empower businesses of every size

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Boost mobile commerce with Rakuten Viber messaging app

Mobile Commerce: How Messaging Apps are Driving Sales and Conversions

While messaging is commonly associated with casual conversations, it has rapidly emerged as a vital channel of marketing and commerce.Let’s look at numbers.In the 2020s, online shopping has experienced significant changes, primarily due to the <a href="https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/how-many-people-shop-online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">increasing number</a> of users shopping online and the <a href="https://www.smartinsights.com/mobile-marketing/mobile-marketing-analytics/mobile-marketing-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">growing preference</a> for mobile devices. This digital acceleration is here to stay, according to <a href="https://datareportal.com/global-digital-overview" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Datareportal</a>:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">An impressive 92.3% of global internet users access the web through their mobile phones, at least occasionally.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Mobile devices contribute to over 56.9% of our time spent online and generate nearly 60% of the world's internet traffic.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">More consumers make purchases on mobile devices than via desktops and laptops.</li></ul>Parallel to that, <a href="https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-global-overview-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">a staggering 94.8%</a> of adult Internet users access messaging apps and chats on a monthly basis in 2023.The growing focus on mobile commerce and the popularity of messaging apps greatly impact online shopping. Consumers now expect it to be seamless, personalized, and convenient. And it is the messaging apps that can meet and surpass expectations, enabling quick and efficient communication between brands and shoppers.<h2>Driving Customers Down the Marketing Funnel</h2>Let's explore the e-commerce capabilities of messaging apps, using Rakuten Viber as an example. Rakuten Viber for Business suite of solutions allows brands to reach their audience at each stage of the marketing funnel while building a seamless and satisfying experience for customers from beginning to end.&nbsp;<h2>Introducing the brand</h2>The awareness stage is crucial, as it significantly influences a buyer's initial opinion about a brand, and altering that opinion later can be challenging. The main aim is to leave a positive impact and ignite interest in the products or services offered. At this stage, Rakuten Viber <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Ads</a>, <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-snap-partnership/">Lenses</a>, and Stickers can help a brand stand out.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Showcasing_the_brand_via_Viber_Ads_Viber_Lenses_and_Viber_Stickers_b20c1798f5.png"><figcaption>Showcasing the brand via Rakuten Viber Ads, Lenses, and Stickers</figcaption></figure><h2>Help in selecting the product</h2>Brands can use messaging apps to answer questions and offer personalized recommendations: help with clothing fit, explain measurements, give suggestions based on a picture they send, and influence their choices.&nbsp;Today, it’s easier to select a product in an online marketplace because it usually offers a far broader choice than brick-and-mortar stores. Brands need to tap into this trend as it can only be expected to grow.At this point, promotional and conversational Rakuten Viber <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Business Messages</a> are very useful. You also will benefit from <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Chatbots</a> offering support around the clock, while Rakuten Viber Ads will help you stay top-of-mind and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/milestone-release-meet-commercial-account-and-business-inbox/">Business Account</a> will allow customers to easily find your brand and ask a question.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Offering_product_information_via_Viber_Business_Messages_and_Chatbots_95825f41f0.png"><figcaption>Offering product information via Rakuten Viber Business Messages and Chatbots</figcaption></figure><h2>Handling orders and deliveries</h2>Once a product has been chosen, a seamless ordering and delivery process is a must. This can be achieved through real-time order tracking, instant updates on shipping status, and easy access to customer support.&nbsp;Rakuten Viber Chatbots and conversational Rakuten Viber Business Messages are useful at this stage again, as well as transactional Business Messages that can inform customers about delivery times, warranties, and so much more.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Managing_orders_via_Viber_Chatbots_and_Business_Messages_3cd7d78014.png"><figcaption>Managing orders via Rakuten Viber Chatbots and Business Messages</figcaption></figure><h2>Offering post-sales support</h2>At this stage, a messaging app, with your brand present on it, is better than a salesman in a store as it’s always with your customers, at their fingertips. In the future, it is likely that people will leverage such personal assistants more and more when buying things.A customer support team is typically engaged for after-sales assistance. If their company is present on Rakuten Viber, they use <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-create-a-customer-focused-conversation-in-the-always-on-world/">conversational Rakuten Viber Business Messages</a> to address complex or unique problems and Rakuten Viber Chatbots for more common and repetitive inquiries. Brands can also use this opportunity to cross-sell similar products that their customers might be interested in.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Providing_customer_service_and_cross_selling_via_Viber_Business_Messages_876fdb79a8.png"><figcaption>Providing customer service and cross-selling via Rakuten Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/what-viber-tools-to-use-at-each-step-of-the-customer-journey/">See how Rakuten Viber for Business solutions can help your brand convert users into leads and leads –&nbsp;into customers.</a>&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Future of Commerce: Transforming Shopping</h2>The future of commerce is here, with popular channels evolving at a faster pace. Expect <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/navigating-the-digital-transformation-trends-shaping-the-future-of-messaging-and-connectivity/">conversational AI and augmented reality </a>to become even more important in messaging apps, reaching a wider audience and becoming essential for commerce. By establishing a presence on these popular apps, brands can connect with a large and expanding demographic. Countless companies have already <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/">done it with great results</a>.