The evolution of Viber chatbots

Chatbots are great news for customers and businesses alike. They let businesses offer around-the-clock support without the costs that come with human agents, but they are not about replacing humans altogether. Rather, they free up the human service agents to deal with more complex customer care needs, by handling the routine issues: the low-hanging fruit that comprise a majority of customer enquiries. And customers love their always-on, quick-to-reach nature – it means no more being kept on hold while you wait for a human agent to answer the phone.But what exactly is a chatbot? And how does Viber let brands leverage them to maximum effect?<h2>The many uses of a chatbot</h2>A chatbot is a computer program that simulates human conversation through text chats, voice commands or both. They are essentially robots that let brands have one-to-one conversations with their customers through our messaging channel – users can communicate with a chatbot as easily as if they were chatting with a friend or relative. A successful chatbot should have an easygoing, conversational nature that’s user-friendly and easy to understand.At Viber, we started using chatbots at the end of 2016. Since then, the functionality has grown and grown.We now let brands customise their keyboards for their users, depending on what use case is presented. For example, when selecting a language, instead of manually typing in “English” using a QWERTY keyboard, or even selecting it from a tedious list, the brand can present the user with a series of flags. Tap the Union Jack, and hey presto, you’ll see all text in British English. Not only is it more appealing visually, and quicker to enable conversation with the chatbot, it’s also universal across all languages – everyone will recognise a flag.Chatbots on Viber can use many different kinds of message formats to interact with users – this includes text, images, urls, videos, rich media carousels, gifs, stickers, contact cards, localisation cards and buttons. This means brands can use the full suite of messaging tools to forge and maintain stronger relationships with their customers. It lets them add more gamification, more automatic presets, to facilitate the conversation, which is a lot more engaging than your typical customer support channel. This is especially useful for informative bots specialising in areas like news. For example, we have a partnership with the WHO to send out updates about Covid, and by using a chatbot, the organisation can use all different message formats to convey this vital information to users.But it’s also useful for other uses too, like sending out recipes, tickets, polls, games, and so on.<h2>Improving customer care</h2>Of course, their use extends beyond these use cases. Using our API, brands can connect their chatbots to their CRM systems in order to improve customer service. This can let them see a user’s engagement history with the brand, say, so they’ll know if it’s a new client or an existing one. They can also customise the level of discussion with each client – by tailoring the response, you will directly meet each individual customer’s needs, rather than asking each customer the same – often irrelevant – questions.&nbsp;One aspect we take very seriously is user privacy. Users have to subscribe to chatbots in order to receive messages from them – it is always the users initiating the interaction, rather than the brands. Chatbots are searchable on Viber, to help users find relevant ones, and we showcase certain bots to help surface extra content. We want to help customers find what they need, and not let companies spam them with irrelevant promotions.<h2>When to use a chatbot</h2>Chatbots exist side-by-side with our Business Messaging proposition. That doesn’t mean brands have to choose between Business Messaging or bots. It depends on what goal they are trying to achieve with Viber. If you just want to send informative messages to clients for transactional or promotional purposes – to basically replace what you were sending with SMS – our Business Messaging channels will do the job perfectly. But if you want to have a more meaningful and immersive experience, to go further than just sending messages, then the bot is a better solution.&nbsp;For example, some of our banking partners use chatbots to take customers through the authentication process, and then to send them info like their account balance. In this way, the chatbot can replace a separate feature you would normally get from the bank’s own app. Because the messaging ecosystem has become so big, it’s now a very strong entry point for brands – they realise that it’s a smaller ask for customers to converse with them through a messaging app they already use than it is to convince them to download their own, rather limited, banking app. Who really needs another app on their phone? Especially one with such limited functionality.Viber is not the only messaging app to let brands use chatbots, but our API is more flexible in terms of what the brands can do, and the level of customisation it gives them. Some of our competitors don’t let you customise the keyboard or the user support, and they only let you communicate with text – it’s very transactional and only built for very few user scenarios. It’s very restrictive. It’s a very off-the-shelf solution, whereas ours is tailor-made, like a Saville Row suit. A lot of our clients comment on it. They love the level of customisation it gives them.

Our Senior Director of Business Messaging Solutions talks chatbots

The ever-expanding chatbot: how bots help brands 

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Viber for Business FAQ

Here at Viber, we love speaking with our customers existing and new to help them solve problems, maximise revenues and achieve business goals.Along the way we encounter a lot of different questions about how things work and as part of our mission to help, the team have collated some of our most frequently asked questions to help you on your journey with Viber for Business.<h2>How do I open a Viber for Business account?</h2>Viber for Business is not an account in the typical sense - it’s more a collection of solutions. Let’s break them down:<h3>Business Messages&nbsp;</h3>Built as an alternative to SMS, Business Messages allow brands to initiate a conversation and create a deeper connection with their existing opt-in customer base in a one-to-one setting.Whether you need to provide customer care, delivery updates, transactional services or promotional messages, our <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-solutions/">solutions offer it all</a>.&nbsp;To get started, select one of our approved <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-partners/">Business Messages partners</a> to create your channel and start sending your messages - they are on call to help you achieve your goals.To learn more about how Business Messages have evolved, check out <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/product-evolution-business-messages/">our blog</a> from Noa Bar Shay, our Senior Partnerships Account Director.<h3>Chatbots&nbsp;</h3>Chatbots are the perfect channel to engage the conversation with new and existing customers. Your bot can be a true sales channel to offer your services and sell your goods. Automate workflow by adding buttons and customizing your user keyboard.To get started, create your bot account and develop your chatbot in-house by following our <a href="https://developers.viber.com/docs/api/rest-bot-api">API guidance</a>. Need assistance? Our <a href="https://forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-partners">trusted partners</a> can help you to develop your bot.To learn more about how Chatbots have evolved, check out <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/product-evolution-chatbots/">our blog</a> from Etienne Dupont, our Senior Director of Business Messaging Solutions.<h3>Communities&nbsp;</h3>People love to gather on Viber and we’ve made it easier than ever to engage your audience with exciting content, news and updates - whatever your industry. Create your community and spread the word to gather your fans on it to keep them updated with your latest news and updates. See and measure their reactions to your messages, videos or pictures and get their attention with polls and quizzes.Create your community in 3 clicks directly in the Viber mobile app from your Chats screen:"Write” icon &gt; New Community &gt; Add a name - Save<h3>Advertising solutions&nbsp;</h3>We offer various advertising touch points within Viber for you to reach our global audience as they interact with their family and friends. Our ads are non intrusive, multi-format and versatile.&nbsp;To get started, head over to our <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Advertising Solutions</a> page, browse and pick the solution that’s right for you then get in touch using the “Get started” button - the team will be happy to assist you further.<h3>Stickers&nbsp;</h3>We believe that a picture really is worth a thousand words. That’s why we offer numerous ways to express yourself with Viber stickers - whether it be through branding with sound or animation - we’ve got you covered. With each Viber sticker shared 11 times on average with 1 billion sent per month.To get started, as per above, head over to our <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Advertising Solutions</a> page and navigate to the Stickers section.Want to learn more about all of the above? Be sure to check out our <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/media-kit-request">latest media kit</a> to learn more.<h2>How have others successfully used Viber for Business?</h2>Countless brands have used Viber for Business for successful customer relationships, campaigns and more - head over to our <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/">Success Stories</a> page for more information and get inspired!

We have collated some of our most frequently asked questions to help you on your journey with Viber for Business

What is Viber for Business? Your questions answered

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How to open a Rakuten Viber business account

<h2>Launching a Rakuten Viber business account</h2>Opening a Rakuten Viber business account is a great way to elevate your mobile marketing strategy. Rakuten Viber is one of the leading messaging apps today with users in 190 countries all over the world, with the average Rakuten Viber user is active and engaged, sending over 30 messages and launching the app 12 times daily.&nbsp;Defining your business aims is key before launching your business profile on Rakuten Viber. We&nbsp;offer <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-solutions/">two integration options </a>for different company goals. You can choose to create a Rakuten Viber Chatbot if you want to get a new audience and stay in touch 24/7, or opt for Rakuten Viber Business Messages to work with your existing client database. Both integration options allow brands to reach their customers at each step of the customer journey. You can get in touch with your customers with order confirmations, delivery notifications and other transactional messages or update them with the latest products and promotional information. You will both provide better customer support and strengthen your two-way conversations. Once you have clarified your audience and goals, you are set to go further - here is your guide on how to launch a Rakuten Viber business account in three simple steps.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_Business_Messages_and_Chatbot_examples_558022194e.jpg"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber Business Messages and Chatbot</figcaption></figure><h3>1. Choose the right messaging partner</h3>If you want to use Rakuten Viber Business Messages to your advantage, you need a verified profile. Our trusted messaging partners worldwide will assist you in launching your Rakuten Viber business account and support you from the beginning till the end of your business journey with Rakuten Viber to make sure you are getting the best experience. You can choose a partner from the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-partners/">list </a>of official Rakuten Viber partners to fit your country, industry, and aims and approach them directly, or you can also <a href="mailto:messaging@forbusiness.viber.com">contact </a>us and we will help to navigate you depending on your region and set goals.<h3>2. Register your business account</h3>Your chosen messaging partner will help you to set a Rakuten Viber business account - they will provide you with all the necessary details to register you quickly and easily. During this process, you will decide on your account name and logo to establish your Rakuten Viber business profile. You can share contact information, website URL, company profile and other relevant information in your official account, creating a mini-homepage for your customers. You tell your customers who you are and ways they can connect with you, then you can show you are a trusted brand and display information about your business. When Rakuten Viber verifies your brand, you will receive a unique ID and move one step closer to enjoying our business solutions.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Official_Viber_Business_Account_39eb302eb9.jpg"><figcaption>Official Rakuten Viber business account</figcaption></figure><h3>3. Receive a blue tick and an official Rakuten Viber business account</h3>In order to send official Business Messages, all companies are manually checked by Rakuten Viber. An official verified “business account” and “blue tick” will be granted once the brand accepts user privacy rules to ensure you are recognizable among customers. Your profile will display the information you have provided: logo, company description, website and contact information that users will see after pressing your brand name.&nbsp;Your first message info will be shared at a glance with overlay. An overlay appears on Rakuten Viber the first time you message customers - they see why they’ve received a message, who it is from and what it says. Companies utilising overlay on Rakuten Viber saw their block rates drop.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/How_to_open_a_Viber_business_account_Noa_cff9447e4d.jpg"></figure><h2>Start benefiting from Rakuten Viber Business Messages</h2>Once you have an authorised business account with a blue tick, you can start communicating with your customers and benefiting from Rakuten Viber Business Messages:<ul><li>Get real-time data on your messaging activity on Rakuten Viber - whether the messages were delivered, received, or failed, open and click rates. Discover how customers interact with your content, analyse their behaviour and adjust your mobile marketing strategy.</li><li>Send rich content messages with an image, CTA button, link or file. The message can contain up to 1000 characters.</li><li>Easily integrate Rakuten Viber Business Messages with your CRM system and personalise your messages according to predefined variables.</li><li>In case your clients do not have Internet access or are not registered on Rakuten Viber, with SMS fallback you can be sure that none of your customers will be left behind. SMS fallback ensures that your messages will be delivered via SMS if the delivery on Rakuten Viber fails.</li><li>Pay only for the messages that were delivered to your customers. Rakuten Viber doesn't charge you if the delivery failed and enables alternatives to reach your clients. You can also save money on undelivered messages by setting up TTL (Time To Live), a period of time when your message exists before being discarded. If the message was not delivered within your time limit, Rakuten Viber will not charge you for it. As a brand, you have nothing to lose, because your every message is cost-effective with Rakuten Viber business pricing.</li><li>Be confident in your security with Rakuten Viber Business Messages: Rakuten Viber is one of the most secure, if not the most secure, messaging app out there, providing all levels of security a user or a business needs to feel safe, whether it is personal chatting or interacting with businesses. It offers end-to-end encryption for private chats and calls, and encryption in transit for business messages. The messages are not stored on Rakuten Viber’s servers, so no hacker can steal them. Connections with our servers are secure and HTTPS only, push notifications do not reveal the content of your message on your customer’s device lock-screen -&nbsp; measures we undertake so you can rely on your Rakuten Viber experience.</li></ul>Creating a business account is an important step in your mobile marketing strategy and at Rakuten Viber, we do our best to provide our customers with premiere business solutions. With Rakuten Viber for Business, you can establish your brand on one of the most popular messaging apps in the world and will start benefiting immediately with our branding, security, analytics and variety of messaging options.&nbsp;Do not hesitate to <a href="mailto:messaging@forbusiness.viber.com">contact us </a>and start your journey on Rakuten Viber.

Learn how to get started to benefit both your business and customers

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Rakuten Viber offers brands a three-month free trial for Conversational Business Messages

As a global leader in messaging communication, Rakuten Viber has become a go-to platform for people to connect with family, friends, and colleagues—and this time, with brands too. Engaging conversations remain at the heart of everything Rakuten Viber offers, including its suite of business messaging solutions that help companies connect with their customers in a personal way, especially amid the rise of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/what-is-conversational-commerce/">conversational commerce</a>.Businesses that are yet to experience the benefits of one-to-one and interactive communication with their customers can try out a <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/conversational-viber-business-messages-promo2022">3-month free trial of Conversational Business Messages</a> on Rakuten Viber during a special promo period. The trial is available to any new or existing Business Messages account sending conversational messages for the first time. The promo will last from April 4th to June 30th, 2022 across global markets. Any brand sending its first conversational message during this period receives 90 days of free conversational messages from the date of the first message.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Visual_1_06_6319fe025a_113277e21f.png"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber Conversational Business Messages</figcaption></figure>What’s in it for them? Conversational messages on Rakuten Viber are counted by Sessions. A Session is a 24-hour time window allowing brands and users to exchange multiple messages in a conversation—a brand can send up to 60 messages within this time frame. A Session starts after a user messages the brand, but the brand is only charged after replying to the user. Sessions allow brands and users to have real conversations—dialogues that help brands solve user issues in real time and build a relationship with the audience.Although primarily used for customer support, Conversational Business Messages can open a new avenue of communication between brands and customers. Conversations with live agents can cover many subjects like managing order and delivery details, helping choose a product, making a booking, or managing loyalty products. Companies can also drive purchases via interactive communication, improve customer retainment, support the post-purchase experience, and more.&nbsp;It’s been found by studies that 73% of consumers prefer to communicate with a brand they can message rather than call and 58% of them believe that messaging is also the fastest way to communicate with brands. What’s more, 74% of customers prefer messaging with businesses if a real person is responding.While communication between brands and consumers is constantly evolving, business messaging is growing too. Brands actively use rich services and capabilities Rakuten Viber provides them with, and the numbers show as much: in 2021, Rakuten Viber saw a 55% surge in the number of new <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-open-a-viber-business-account/">Rakuten Viber business message accounts</a> opened to establish 1-to-1 connection with customers and a cumulative growth of 20% across all types of business messages delivered. There was a significant growth in <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-create-effective-customer-conversations-with-viber-business-messages/">Conversational Business Messages</a> across all markets, with some countries seeing a <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-for-business-recap-how-brands-and-users-communicated-in-2021/">surge of up to 300%</a>.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/conversation-not-monologue-engage-with-your-audience-on-viber/">Rakuten Viber’s Conversational Business Messages</a> can help manage multiple business cases in a single channel: brands can keep up with their customers’ demand for personal interaction—and get many opportunities to enhance the brand experience at each stage of the customer journey.Don’t miss an opportunity to start meaningful conversations with your customers: start <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/conversational-viber-business-messages-promo2022">a 3-month free trial of Rakuten Viber Conversational Business Messages</a> NOW

It’s time for companies to take their chats seriously

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What are Rakuten Viber Business Messages?

Rakuten Viber is a free messaging and calling app that allows people to connect with each other no matter where they are.&nbsp;It is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world with over 1 billion registered users, and offers a variety of features, including text messaging, voice and video calling, group chat, sticker packs, and more. Businesses can benefit from using Viber to communicate with customers by sending promotional messages, notifying about important updates, answering customer queries, and providing support.There are three types of Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Viber Business Messages:</a><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Transactional</li></ul>Transactional messages are a great way to keep your customers informed about their purchases. Also, by sending them a message through Rakuten Viber, you can let them know when their order has shipped, when it will arrive, and any other important information about their purchase. Same way, you can also send them appointment reminders, flight change alerts and other important notifications. Plus, Viber messages are delivered right to your customer's phone, so they can always stay up-to-date on their order.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Conversational</li></ul>With Rakuten Viber Business Messages, you can have one-on-one conversations with your customers, just like you would with a friend or family member.&nbsp;You can ask your customers questions, get feedback, or just chat. If you're looking for a way to reach out to your audience on a more personal level, Rakuten Viber is the perfect solution.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/what-is-conversational-commerce/">Learn more about Conversational Commerce</a><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Promotional</li></ul>Promote your business and keep your customers engaged by sending specials, coupons, discounts, and other offers. You can reach more shoppers, and with more <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-improve-your-customer-engagement-and-increase-sales-with-personalized-messages/">personalized messages</a>. Mobile messaging is a great way to engage with your audience. People are more likely to read and open a message on their phone than an email.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Different_Viber_Business_Messages_3d8950937c.png"><figcaption>Different Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure>How to Open a Rakuten Viber Business Account?<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-open-a-viber-business-account/">Getting started</a> with Rakuten Viber Business Messages is easy.<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Choose a messaging partner. The very first step is to choose a messaging partner, a company that provides the infrastructure and support for Rakuten Viber Business Messages. A partner will help you set up your account, create your company profile, and once all is set and done, they will be the ones ensuring the delivery of your messages. <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-partners/">See a list of official Rakuten Viber messaging partners.</a></li><li style="text-align:justify;">Register and create a Rakuten Viber Business Account. Then, you need to register and create a Rakuten Viber Business Account. Your messaging partner will help you in this process. When registering an account, you will include your company name, logo, and a description of your business that will be displayed on you business profile.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Receive a “blue tick” and an official Viber business account. Rakuten Viber will verify and confirm your brand’s eligibility and once the procedure is done, you will receive a blue tick that proves your account is official. You can now start sendingRakuten &nbsp;Viber Business Messages to your customers!</li></ol><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Top_Benefits_of_Viber_messaging_for_businesses_15_4fa8526a52.png"><figcaption>Official Rakuten Viber business account</figcaption></figure>A powerful tool that can help businesses reach their customers more effectively, Rakuten Viber Business Messages are now a part of an overall <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/mobile-marketing-strategy-101/">marketing and communication strategy</a> of more than 8500 companies worldwide. We have been helping these businesses connect with their customers on a more personal level, fostering better relationships and ultimately leading to more sales.The Benefits of Rakuten Viber Business MessagesThe best proof that mobile messaging works is the success of our clients. Browse our website for<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/viber-for-business/"> inspiration </a>and see <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/">case studies</a> that we hope will help you in your own marketing strategy.Rakuten Viber has <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/top-benefits-of-viber-business-messages/">a lot of advantages</a> that make it ideal for marketing purposes, including:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Reach. Viber has over 1 billion registered users, making it one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. This means that most likely your customers are on Viber, and this gives your business a reliable channel for one-to-one marketing messages.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">High engagement. Viber users are highly engaged, with 3 million of them being active on the app every single minute. This means that your marketing messages are more likely to be seen and read by your customers within the same day.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Rich media support. Viber allows you to send rich media messages, such as images, videos, and files. This makes it easy to create engaging and informative marketing content that will capture the attention of your target audience.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Customizable messages. Modify your messages with a variety of features, including opportunity to make it personal, the ability to add a call-to-action button, links, emojis. This allows you to create messages that are truly unique and will stand out from the competition.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Analytics. Viber provides detailed analytics of your marketing campaigns, including the number of messages sent and delivered. This allows you to track your success and optimize your campaigns for better results.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Top_Benefits_of_Viber_messaging_for_businesses_14_d81c5eb623.png"><figcaption>Personalized Rakuten Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure>For marketers using a CDP (customer data platform), Viber provides an easy way to integrate with your existing marketing stack with Rakuten Viber Business API and leverage your customer data for <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-do-s-and-don-ts-of-mass-messenger-marketing/">more targeted and personalized messages</a>. If you use a CRM, you can also easily integrate it with Viber to create a seamless customer experience. This allows you to reach your target audience more effectively and efficiently. Personalized, data-driven marketing is one of the most effective ways to connect with your target audience and continue to grow your business. If you're looking for a new way to reach out to your target market, mobile business messaging is a great option to consider. With its large user base, high engagement, and rich media support, Viber offers many advantages for marketing purposes.&nbsp;<a href="https://b2b.viber.com/newsletter-opt-in">Sign up for our newsletter </a>to stay up-to-date on mobile marketing trends, case studies, data-driven marketing, and other topics that are relevant to marketers in 2022.Some of the most frequent uses of business messages as shared by brands to make the most of Rakuten Viber Business Messages:Send updates to your customers. For example, business messages can help your customers track and manage their deliveries, receive purchase receipts, order confirmations, laboratory results, reminders for appointments and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provide customer service. Responding to customer inquiries, providing support, or resolving complaints through Viber business messages helps take your customer service to the next level.Promote your brand. Share any relevant information about your company, its products or services, special offers, or changes to your business.No matter what your business goals are, Rakuten Viber Business Messages are a powerful way to communicate and build relationships with your customers.&nbsp;Want to get started on using Rakuten Viber Business Messaging? <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/12dJLE_P8S9SFBitFV8l1Fw4fpwx">Drop us a request </a>and we will guide you through the process.

Discover how to get started on using Rakuten Viber Business Messages

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The chatbot evolution: from simple interactions to sentient-like conversations

Rakuten Viber Chatbots is one of the products available from Rakuten Viber for Business solutions, a great tool to enhance customer support around-the-clock, provide product information, increase the number of leads and sales, and promote your brand. The possibilities are endless.&nbsp;Chatbots have greatly evolved during the last several years, from very basic interactions to having human-like conversations. Rakuten Viber Chatbots allow developers to create a wide range of conversational experiences, which means a user can interact with a bot in many different ways, including asking questions, providing answers, and making decisions (e.g. what to order, what to do, etc.). For example, a chatbot can help a customer with a purchase, provide them with information about a product, and answer questions like "where to find it in the store", or "what size to choose". Chatbots can also help with post-purchase customer support, like managing warranties and returns.Chatbots are a relatively new technology that is being used increasingly to communicate with people online. You can see them in a variety of roles, from education to entertainment. Since their creation, chatbots have revolutionized business-to-customer conversations by providing a quick and easy way for people to get the answers they need without human operators and long waiting time. As digital assistants become more and more commonplace, it's no surprise that chatbots are following suit.&nbsp;Let's look at the evolution of chatbots, how they've changed over the years, and how you can use Rakuten Viber chatbots today.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">How Chatbots Came to Be</h2>Chatbots are computer programs that simulate human conversation. They are commonly used in online customer service to provide quick, automated responses to common questions. Chatbots can also be used for marketing, sales, and other customer engagement purposes.The history of chatbots dates back to the early days of computing. One of the first chatbots was ELIZA. It is the first program of its kind and was created by Joseph Weizenbaum in 1966. ELIZA was designed to mimic human conversation by using a script of pre-written responses. The program emulates a Rogerian psychotherapist and responds to questions and statements in natural language, and so can appear to hold conversations with users. ELIZA has been influential in developing artificial intelligence and natural language processing.Some early chatbots after ELIZA were Jabberwacky, ALICE, and Ultra Hal. Jabberwacky started its way in 1981 and was one of the first chatbots to use natural language processing. ALICE was initially created in 1995 and was rewritten to Java in 1998. However, the bot is, to the day, unable to pass the Turing Test, which is the baseline for judging how realistic the conversational skills of a bot are. Ultra Hal was created as a personal assistant and could hold conversations with humans through speech synthesis.The earliest chatbots could only respond to simple commands, such as "hello" or "what is your name?" Later, chatbots gained the ability to understand more complex questions and carry on a conversation. Over time they were upgraded to integrate with other services, such as weather, news, or maps.Today, chatbots are getting even more sophisticated. AI chatbots can learn from past conversations and adjust their responses accordingly. This allows them to have more natural and realistic conversations with people. Today, chatbots are limited only by the imagination of those who create them and the AI training data.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Use Rakuten Viber Chatbots to connect with your customers</h2>As a business, you understand that staying ahead of the curve and using the latest technology is key to keeping your edge. Rakuten Viber Chatbots are a type of conversational UI that allows users to communicate with brands through natural language, like in a conversation with a friend. As such, chatbots are a great way to provide customers with the information they need, when they need it, and in a format that is easy to access and read. They are perfect for providing FAQs, updates, and other information that your audience may need from a brand.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Get started with Rakuten Viber Chatbots</a>Why one-on-one communication with customers is keyNatural customer conversations are essential for business because they help build rapport and trust. In fact, a study by Harvard Business School found that customers who have had a natural conversation with a company are 3.8 times more likely to make a purchase. Furthermore, customers who have had a genuine conversation with a company are 1.9 times more likely to recommend the company to others.&nbsp;Here are just a few advantages that Rakuten Viber Chatbots can offer your business24/7 availability: your customers can get in touch with you anytime, day or night, even when your customer service team is offline. This is especially helpful for businesses operating in different time zones or with customers in different parts of the world. This means that your customers can always get the help they need when they need it.Personalized service: using data from your CRM or CDP systems, chatbots can provide a personalized experience for each customer. You can program them to offer tailored recommendations so that they answer product-related questions based on each customer's individual needs.Cost-effective: Rakuten Viber Chatbots can help you reduce your customer service costs by automating tasks that would otherwise need to be handled by human customer service agents. Chatbots can handle multiple chats at once. This means your customers don't have to wait in line for help. They can get the assistance they need right away without waiting for a human agent to become available.Increased efficiency: Handle customer queries more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks such as customer service inquiries, order tracking, and appointment scheduling. This frees up your customer service team to focus on more complex issues, resulting in improved customer satisfaction.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_the_multiple_services_available_on_Viber_Chatbots_c13fe058e1.png"><figcaption>Examples of the multiple services available on Rakuten Viber Chatbots</figcaption></figure>Human + AI Chatbots = Enhanced Customer ServiceLet’s look at how Rakuten Viber Chatbots can be used in banks and retail.For banks, it is a great way to offer customers 24/7 assistance and support, as well as to provide information and updates about products and services. Chatbots can be programmed to answer frequently asked questions, provide information about products and services, and even to make recommendations based on customer preferences and previous purchases. They’re a powerful tool to engage with your audience and increase loyalty and retention.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-business-solutions-for-retailers-how-to-increase-sales-and-engagement/">If you run a retail business</a>, you know the importance of first-class customer service. Because the experience a customer has with your company can often determine whether they come back, it’s essential to provide fast, efficient, and friendly assistance whenever possible. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to achieve in a world where customers are constantly on the go. That’s where Rakuten Viber chatbots can help. By using chatbots you can be available even when your stores are closed. This can help increase the loyalty of your customers and improve your brand image.&nbsp;For e-commerce, Rakuten Viber chatbots can help increase sales through upselling and cross-selling, and providing personalized recommendations, including showing products in 3D, and letting customers try on clothes or test a product before they buy it.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Enhanced_customer_experience_with_Viber_Chatbots_bdf72320b0.png"><figcaption>Enhanced customer experience with Rakuten Viber Chatbots</figcaption></figure>Rakuten Viber Chatbots have the potential to enhance your customer service in multiple ways, with one of the biggest advantages being their ability to provide a more personalized experience.Some of the examples include:<ul><li>Enhanced personalization – with Rakuten Viber Chatbots, you can add more layers to your communication and provide users with customized offers and information</li><li>Providing a fast and convenient way for customers to get in touch with your business</li><li>Answering frequently asked questions, which can help save time and improve customer satisfaction</li><li>Can be used as part of customer service team training</li><li>Making your business more accessible to customers who have difficulty using a standard phone line, such as the elderly or people with learning difficulties</li></ul>The bottom line is that chatbots can be an invaluable asset to your customer service team, but they won’t work if they are too complicated or are perceived as impersonal. The chatbot service provided by Rakuten Viber lets you build your chatbot and integrate it with existing systems. The chatbot can be trained to respond to customer queries in a variety of ways. It can also be used to send automated messages to customers in response to specific events. Rakuten Viber Chatbots can be programmed to send personalized messages at the right time, in the right channel, and with the perfect content. <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/4-ways-to-boost-customer-loyalty-through-conversational-ui/">Learn more</a>.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">The Future of Chatbots, What to Expect</h2>As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, so too do chatbots. What started as simple text-based chatbots have now become increasingly lifelike, able to hold conversations and simulate emotional responses. This ongoing development will only continue as chatbots become ever more realistic and sophisticated.At Rakuten Viber, we believe that the future of commerce and customer service is conversational. Rakuten Viber Chatbots can offer businesses many advantages, including improving customer service efficiency, reducing costs, and freeing staff to work on creative tasks.&nbsp;If you'd like to know more about Rakuten Viber products or how your brand can use the platform to engage consumers, <a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?fs=1&amp;tf=cm&amp;source=mailto&amp;to=messaging@forbusiness.viber.com">our team </a>is always happy to help.

Learn about Rakuten Viber Chatbots and how businesses can benefit from integrating chatbots 

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The Future of Shopping. From E-Commerce to M-Commerce and C-Commerce

Technologies have been evolving and influencing various industries at a tremendous pace. The retail industry is no different, and, in fact, is one of the most heavily impacted ones. The ways consumers shop and purchase products have changed dramatically in recent years, all thanks to the proliferation of technology and innovation. In this article, we will take a look at some of the major trends that are currently shaping the future of retail.It’s not a secret that thanks to the advancement of the internet and smartphones in recent years, we've seen a major shift from traditional brick-and-mortar stores to online shopping. People see it as a more convenient, available 24/7, and often a more cost-effective option. In addition to this, the rise of social media has further changed consumer behavior as people are now able to read reviews and see what others think before they purchase a product.&nbsp;Another major trend that is currently shaping the retail industry is the emergence of artificial intelligence. AI is being used for various purposes, from customer support and product recommendations to powering chatbots. AI is also influencing the way we shop, helping retailers provide a more tailor-made experience and offer a more personalized approach. This evolution was one of the things that prompted the development of CDPs, customer data platforms, helping the retail industry use big data to better understand trends and customer preferences.&nbsp;All in all, technologies are having a big impact on the industry, making it easier for customers to shop, and helping businesses to operate more efficiently. And now, with the further development of technologies, we are seeing even more transformations.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Sell in every channel where your customers are ready to buy</h2>The transformation of the retail industry has had a major impact on the way all businesses operate. It has made it more important than ever for companies to have a strong online presence and to be able to reach their audience through multiple channels and be available at any touchpoint where a customer might be ready to make a purchase.&nbsp;What’s more, e-commerce is now diversifying into additional ways of shopping: mobile commerce, conversational commerce, and social commerce.&nbsp;By using modern tools, companies can provide a more convenient and personalized shopping experience for customers, and not only <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-business-solutions-for-retailers-how-to-increase-sales-and-engagement/">increase sales</a> but help build a close relationship with the audience, too.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">What is mobile commerce?</h2>The official definition of mobile commerce, also known as m-commerce, is “the buying and selling of goods and services through a mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet”.&nbsp;M-commerce has been growing rapidly in recent years, as more and more consumers shop online. In addition to the most common m-commerce example – purchasing a product or a service through a mobile website or an app – there are many creative ways how m-commerce can be used.&nbsp;For example, Rakuten Viber Business solutions allow brands and retailers to use transactional and promotional messages with rich media content including images, videos, and even CTA buttons. They can be very useful when you want to provide more information or highlight specific features of a product.&nbsp;Here are some recommendations that we usually share with brands that are looking to take their m-commerce to the next level using Rakuten Viber for Business:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Use the native Rakuten Viber formatting to create visually appealing, easy-to-read messages</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Offer exclusive, personalized discounts and promotions. For example, you can create a flash sale, or offer a limited time discount</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Include a call-to-action (CTA) in every promotional message to encourage customers to take action</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Use Rakuten Viber to provide customer support. You can use Rakuten Viber Business Messages to answer customer questions via live chat with your agent or respond to queries 24/7 with the help of Rakuten Viber Chatbots</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Make sure to use high-quality images and attractive videos to showcase your products</li><li style="text-align:justify;">If you’re selling physical goods, use Rakuten Viber to provide tracking information and delivery updates</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_m_commerce_with_Viber_for_Business_65e4eb7748.png"><figcaption>Examples of m-commerce with Rakuten Viber for Business</figcaption></figure>These are just some of the ways you can use Rakuten Viber for Business to improve your m-commerce.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">What is conversational commerce?</h2>Conversational commerce is a type of e-commerce that allows customers to make purchases through natural conversations with the brand. Orders can be placed through chatbots, voice assistants, or live support. In other words, through a conversation that is taking place online.&nbsp;The core benefit of this emerging type of commerce is, of course, the ability for businesses to provide a more personalized shopping experience. The customer can discuss the order, choose the size and color of the product, and pay for it, all through one conversation. This format is especially convenient for those customers who aren’t sure which product to choose and want to receive advice from the brand.&nbsp;Good examples of conversational commerce include conversational search to find specific products and brands, messages to facilitate the buying process on the go, like booking a taxi or ordering food, chatbots to answer queries and provide support and services like managing account settings.C-commerce is still relatively new, but more and more brands start using it to increase their sales and it is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. It is a new way of shopping that's emerging thanks to the rise of messaging apps like Rakuten Viber. Conversational commerce allows customers to message businesses directly to ask questions, get recommendations, and make purchases without ever having to leave the app. This new way of shopping is convenient, personal, and fast, and it's changing the way we think about e-commerce in general.&nbsp;In the past, shopping, even online, was a one-way street — you find what you were looking for and then make a purchase. But now, brands can have two-way conversations with their clients, making the shopping experience more individual and interactive. If you're a business owner, you should start thinking about how you can use conversational commerce to your advantage. It's a great way to connect with your audience, build strong relationships, and increase sales and conversions. To get started, all you need is a messaging app and a customer service strategy. Once you have those in place, you can start offering your clients a new, convenient way to shop.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/what-is-conversational-commerce/">Learn more about Conversational Commerce at Rakuten Viber</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_conversational_commerce_on_Viber_cd04a27bbe.png"><figcaption>Examples of conversational commerce on Rakuten Viber via chatbots and business messages</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">The hottest topics in the business world: how retail will continue to evolve</h2><ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Further growth in the use of mobile devices for pretty much everything.&nbsp; Consumers are increasingly using their smartphones to research products, compare prices, find deals, and, of course, make purchases. This trend is only going to increase in the coming years.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">The rise of superapps.&nbsp; Superapps offer a wide range of services, from messaging and payments to transportation and food delivery. Superapps are extremely popular in Asia, and they are starting to gain traction in other parts of the world as well.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/whats-next-for-messaging-apps-a-trend-towards-more-features-and-functionality/">Superapps will continue evolving</a> not just through the features, but through the tools to enhance the shopping experience and make it more convenient for customers. Technologies such as augmented reality and voice-activated assistants are becoming more and more common already.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Personalization.&nbsp; Brands are using data to personalize the experience for their clients. Product recommendations, coupons, and deals are tailored individually based on the audience behavioral or other data. This trend is only going to increase as retailers collect and analyze more customer information.&nbsp; In a rapidly digitizing world, the lines between marketing and commerce are blurring. As technology continues to evolve and the audience becomes more connected, companies are recognizing the need for a more holistic, combined approach to customer engagement. By understanding people and their needs, and by being able to offer them what they need, businesses can create a seamless, omnichannel experience for customers where they are.</li></ol>We encourage all our business customers at Rakuten Viber to pay more <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-improve-your-customer-engagement-and-increase-sales-with-personalized-messages/">attention to personalization</a> as brands will be able to reach new clients, convert more sales, and save money on marketing.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">About Rakuten Viber</h2>A messaging app that on top of dozens features for users also lets businesses connect with their audiences in a very efficient way. It is a fantastic tool for customer service, public announcements, sales, and marketing. The app is available in more than 190 countries and in major stores, including Apple Store, Google Play, Huawei Store, and Xiaomi Store. So regardless of what kind of device your customers are using, they'll be able to receive your messages and stay connected. With over one billion downloads on Android, users around the world have chosen Rakuten Viber as their go-to communication tool.&nbsp;Rakuten Viber just made it even easier and more convenient for its users to enjoy the benefits of a super-app. With<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-to-launch-payments-for-secure-app-based-transactions/"> payments on Rakuten Viber</a> (launched first in Germany and Greece in July 2022), people can now set up a digital wallet to store money directly within the app – no more need to switch between programs. So whether people are making personal or business transactions, payments on Rakuten Viber make it quick, easy, and convenient.You can always <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/12dJLE_P8S9SFBitFV8l1Fw4fpwx">reach out to us </a>for more information on Rakuten Viber for Business products and how your brand can benefit from them.

Trends shaping the future of retail: m-commerce and c-commerce

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The Ultimate Guide to Mobile Marketing for E-Commerce Businesses

As the world increasingly moves online, mobile devices are becoming the preferred choice for many activities, including online shopping. There are many reasons for this, but mostly it's all about convenience and ease of use. With a smartphone, customers can easily compare prices, check product reviews, and make purchases without ever having to leave their homes. This is a huge advantage over traditional shopping, which requires more time and effort. In addition, mobile devices are much easier to carry around than laptops or desktop computers, making them the ideal choice for people who want to shop online while on the go.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-future-of-shopping-from-e-commerce-to-m-commerce-and-c-commerce/">The Future of Shopping. From E-Commerce to M-Commerce and C-Commerce</a>According to <a href="https://www.insiderintelligence.com/insights/mobile-commerce-shopping-trends-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">eMarketer</a>, retail m-commerce sales hit $359.32 billion in 2021, which was an increase of 15.2% over 2020. And this number is expected to double by 2025. There are many reasons for such incredible growth, from the ability to place an order quickly to mobile devices becoming more secure. Customers can now rest assured that their personal and financial information is safe when they shop on their smartphones, and all needed tools are always in their pocket. The market is constantly growing, making it more and more profitable for businesses to turn to m-commerce in order to increase their sales and attract new clients.If you’re not already using mobile marketing to promote your e-commerce business, now is the time to start. And this blog post explains why.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Mobile Marketing: The Future of Marketing Communications</h2>Mobile marketing is the practice of promoting your business or product on mobile devices, such as phones and tablets. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as increasing brand awareness, generating leads, or even driving sales. There are a number of ways to go about mobile marketing, and the most effective strategies will vary depending on your business goals. However, some common tactics include creating a mobile-friendly website, developing an app, using messengers to contact customers, and running targeted ads on social media.With almost <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/245501/multiple-mobile-device-ownership-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">15 billion mobile devices</a> in use around the world, it’s clear that mobile marketing is not a trend that you as a business owner can afford to ignore. Gadgets are now an integral part of our everyday lives, and that means they offer a unique and powerful way to reach your target audience in a way that wasn't possible before. Now, you can connect with your customers on a personal level. Unlike other marketing channels, mobile provides a direct line of communication that can be used to build relationships and trust. It is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used to achieve a variety of business goals. It can help you reach a wider audience, boost engagement, improve your ROI, and more.Mobile marketing is the future because it allows brands to reach a larger audience with a more personal message. This way, companies can target their campaigns to specific demographics, making them more relevant to the audience. Additionally, mobile marketing is more affordable than traditional methods, making it a more viable option for small businesses. It is a more personal, interactive, and immediate form of advertising that allows businesses to reach their customers where they are, when they are comfortable, and with the message they want. Long story short, mobile marketing is simple, convenient, and effective. This rapidly growing commercial instrument is sure to help your business succeed.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/viber-for-business/">Rakuten Viber for Business </a>offers several ways for brands to interact with customers. You can use the app to send one-to-one messages, create a chatbot, or even promote your brand to a wide audience with native and engaging advertising. Rakuten Viber also offers a range of features that can help you interact with your customers in a more engaging way, such as the ability to share photos and videos. <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">Learn more about products and services available for businesses through Rakuten Viber and get started today.</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Mobile_marketing_with_Viber_for_Business_252bbfa1ea.png"><figcaption>Mobile marketing with Rakuten Viber for Business solutions</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">The Benefits of Mobile Marketing for E-Commerce Businesses</h2>Mobile marketing is one of the most effective ways to connect with potential and current customers for e-commerce businesses. There are a number of benefits that come with investing in it. Some of the most notable ones include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">A larger audience. There are more mobile phone users than ever before. This presents a huge opportunity for brands to reach a larger audience through mobile marketing.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Increased reach. Mobile devices are used by people of all ages, all around the world. This gives you the opportunity to reach a much wider clientele than you would with other channels and tools.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Higher engagement. People are more likely to pay attention to and interact with mobile content than they are with other forms of marketing. This means you can achieve higher levels of interest and get your message across more effectively.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Better targeting. Mobile offers a wealth of data that can be used to target potential and current customers more effectively. This allows you to create more personalized campaigns that are more likely to get results.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Increased sales. Ultimately, mobile marketing can lead to more sales for your e-commerce business. If you can reach and engage your target audience, you’ll be in a much better position to convert them into paying customers.</li></ul>If you’re not using mobile marketing for your e-commerce business, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. This modern approach can help you reach a larger audience, increase engagement, and boost sales. Today, it is one of the most efficient and effective ways to grow your brand. Mobile marketing is highly personal and intimate, making it the perfect way to connect with e-commerce customers and prospects on a personal level. It is convenient and interactive, which helps businesses build stable long-term relationships with their clients. Besides this, it is trackable, so you can analyze the performance of your mobile marketing campaigns to see what’s working and what’s not.&nbsp;In a world where people are constantly on the go, it’s important to be able to reach them where they are. Mobile marketing allows you to do just that. And plus, it is very cost-effective. This makes it a great option for businesses of all sizes.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Effective Mobile Marketing Strategy: Key Elements</h2>In order to create a successful strategy, there are key elements that must be included.&nbsp;First of all, it must be well-planned and organized. It is important to know your target audience and what type of messaging will resonate with them. For example, if you want to reach a wide clientele, you might want to consider using a mobile messaging campaign in an app such as Rakuten Viber, a mobile website, or an app. You must consider the timing of your campaign and how often you will reach out to customers, too.&nbsp;Besides this, your <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/mobile-marketing-strategy-101/">mobile marketing strategy</a> should be designed to drive conversions. Make sure your content is relevant, interesting, and engaging — it is the most important part of your campaign.&nbsp;Make it easy for clients to take the next step, whether it is downloading a coupon, signing up for a newsletter, or making a purchase. Use strong call-to-actions and clear messaging to guide people through the conversion process.&nbsp;And finally, measure the success of your mobile marketing strategy and make adjustments as needed. Evaluate your click-through and conversion rates and other key metrics to ensure that your campaign is performing well. Then, make changes to your strategy based on your findings and continue to optimize your mobile marketing efforts.&nbsp;By including these key elements in your planning, you can ensure that your campaigns are successful and that your target audience is reached. Mobile marketing allows you to reach your customers where they are, and where they are most likely to be engaged.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">5 Tips for Creating a Successful Mobile Marketing Campaign</h2>Mobile marketing is one of the most efficient and effective ways to connect with customers and promote your product or service. It allows you to reach a wide audience with a personalized message and can be used to target specific demographics and geographical areas. However, mobile marketing is not without its challenges, and there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your communication is successful. Here are some tips for creating an awesome campaign:<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Keep it short and sweet. With mobile devices, people are used to consuming information in small bites. Keep your message concise and to the point, and make sure it’s easy to understand. Avoid using too much text or complex images that will be difficult to view on a small screen. Keep your message clear and make sure your call to action is easy to follow.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Use visuals. Make your content visually appealing by using images and videos. Mobile users are more likely to engage with content that is easy on the eye.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Be creative. Stand out from the crowd by thinking outside the box. Be imaginative and original with your mobile marketing campaign and come up with something that will grab people’s attention. Besides this, include the recipient's name in your ads and promotional messages, when possible. Personalized messages are more likely to be read and acted upon than generic ones.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Timing is everything. Make sure you time your campaign carefully. Sending out a generic message that isn't relevant to what's going on in your customers' lives is a sure way to lose their interest. You shouldn't bombard people with too many messages and ads, but you don’t want to miss the opportunity to reach your target audience, too.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Test, test, test. Before you launch your mobile marketing campaign, test it out to make sure everything is working as it should. Send test messages to a small group of people to see how they respond, and make sure to track your results so you can gauge the effectiveness of your campaign.</li></ol>By following these tips, you can create a successful mobile marketing campaign that will reach a wide audience and promote your product or service.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">How E-Commerce Businesses Use Mobile Marketing to Increase Sales: Case Study</h2>Here are some success stories of brands that have used mobile marketing to their advantage.&nbsp;A good example is <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/primer/">Primer Group</a> of Companies, a retailer in the Philippines that distributes consumer goods from different brands. Due to pandemic quarantine restrictions, Primer turned to Rakuten Viber Business Messages to establish its online presence. With the help of Rakuten Viber's messaging partner <a href="https://www.infobip.com">Infobip</a>, Primer enabled online purchases for its e-commerce store Bratpack with digital vouchers sent through Viber Business Messages. In total, the brand saw a 401% uptick in sales and achieved a 53% code redemption conversion rate.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/quadx/">QuadX</a>, a Philippine-based company that specializes in digital logistics and e-commerce fulfillment, is another fantastic example. Online shoppers in the Philippines can receive orders from North American and European vendors using QuadX's ShippingCart service. It was QuadX's goal to increase the volume of purchases from UK merchants after launching its UK delivery service. They targeted people who had previously bought from US sellers but hadn't tried UK shipping. Then, QuadX targeted this specific audience with personalized business messages on Rakuten Viber with the help of<a href="https://promotexter.com/viber/"> Promotexter</a>, Rakuten Viber's official messaging partner. Results were impressive: 25% of US shoppers reached via Rakuten Viber made a purchase from the UK; 187% KPI achievement with 300% YoY growth in UK transactions.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_successful_mobile_marketing_on_Viber_e414d9f629.png"><figcaption>Examples of successful mobile marketing on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Mobile Marketing: An Essential Tool for Any E-Commerce Business</h2>As mobile devices become increasingly ubiquitous, mobile marketing is becoming more and more important for businesses. It can be a great way to reach out to potential and existing customers, as well as to drive traffic to your e-commerce website or online store.&nbsp;By going to messaging apps, creating a smartphone-friendly website and using chatbots, brands can reach a wider audience and increase sales. Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/">Viber’s blog</a> is the ultimate guide to mobile marketing for e-commerce companies, providing tips and resources on how to grow and promote your business. Our blog helps brands to leverage mobile marketing for e-commerce by sharing insights on how to effectively reach and engage mobile consumers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-business-solutions-for-retailers-how-to-increase-sales-and-engagement/">Rakuten Viber Business Solutions for Retailers: How to Increase Sales and Engagement</a><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-use-messaging-marketing-to-drive-real-world-sales/">How to use messaging marketing to drive real-world sales</a>By sharing case studies and best practices, we help companies understand how modern tools can be used to drive conversions and sales. In addition, Rakuten Viber’s blog provides guidance on how to reach more consumers and boost your bottom line. As an e-commerce business, you know that staying ahead of the curve is key to success. And <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">we’re here to help</a> you stay ahead of the competition. Let Rakuten Viber be your guide to the world of mobile marketing!

Mobile marketing 101 for your e-commerce business

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How Rakuten Viber for Business Can Help With Cart Abandonment

Cart abandonment is one of the biggest issues for anyone who sells online. Digital marketers, strategists, analysts and e-commerce specialists are constantly looking for ways to reduce it. The cart abandonment rate greatly depends on the industry, and according to <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/457078/category-cart-abandonment-rate-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Statista’s</a> data from 2022, it ranges between 50% to 98%. There are a number of reasons why people don’t complete their purchase, including high shipping costs, unexpected fees, a customer changing their mind about the order, or simply getting distracted, leaving the website, and then making the purchase elsewhere. Regardless of the cause, it is a major problem for online retailers – recent studies show that cart abandonment leads to an estimated $18 billion in lost sales each year (<a href="https://www.shopify.com/uk/blog/shopping-cart-abandonment" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Shopify</a>).&nbsp;There are a number of things you can do to encourage shoppers to complete their purchases.&nbsp;If you're searching for a way to drive more sales and encourage more people to proceed with the order, Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/">Viber for Business</a> could be the perfect solution. In this article, we discuss some of the most popular approaches that brands use on Rakuten Viber to recover lost deals and boost conversion rates.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Three Key Strategies to Reduce Cart Abandonment</h2><h3 style="text-align:justify;">1. Send reminders to shoppers about items they have left in their shopping carts.&nbsp;</h3>By leveraging the power of Rakuten Viber, brands can ensure that customers never forget about an item they are interested in. Not only will your clients be more likely to move on with their orders, but they'll also appreciate the extra level of customer service.How to use Rakuten Viber for such types of reminders? This can be done with <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">business messaging</a>, and there are several aspects that make Rakuten Viber a perfect tool for that:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Guaranteed delivery on time, thanks to TTL and SMS fallback. You will be able to reach your customers where they are, when they are, with the right message, and at the right moment. And when it comes to reducing cart abandonment, timing is everything. If you can catch a customer when they're still interested, you can save the sale.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Higher Open Rate and CTR compared to emails. Rakuten Viber is more personal and interactive, making your message more likely to be seen and responded to. It is the perfect tool for reaching out to your customers and keeping them engaged where their attention is focused the most – on their phones.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Pay for delivered messages only. This way, you can cut your budget without sacrificing quality and ensure your marketing campaign is as cost-effective as possible.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Rich media content: CTA, images, files, video. With Rakuten Viber business messages, you can <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/one-to-one-marketing-in-the-age-of-privacy/">personalize your messages</a> with different kinds of multimedia, making content engaging, original, and visually appealing. With this approach, you are sure to grab customers' attention, which can help you bond with your audience and reduce cart abandonment.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Secure channel for both users and brands. Rakuten Viber offers a high level of safety and privacy, ensuring your conversations are protected. With our <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>, businesses can be sure that their messages are safe from prying eyes, and with Rakuten Viber's strict privacy policy, users can be confident that their texts will remain confidential.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/How_to_reduce_cart_abandonment_with_Viber_Business_Messages_94314dcd46.png"><figcaption>How to reduce cart abandonment with Rakuten Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">2. Verified business accounts.</h3>By marking your brand with Rakuten Viber's "blue tick", you're letting your clients know that you're a reliable source of information and that they can trust you with their queries. This not only helps with customer satisfaction but also helps to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/why-are-official-accounts-in-messengers-so-important-for-your-company-s-reputation/">build your company's reputation</a>. All these factors can help to convince shoppers to stay with you and complete their purchase.Use Rakuten Viber chatbots to engage shoppers in real time and answer any questions they may have about your product or service. This way, your clients will be able to contact your company directly in order to get help with their purchase, which can prevent them from abandoning their carts. Besides, Rakuten Viber chatbots can help you upsell and cross-sell products, which can result in additional commercial value.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/understanding-conversational-commerce/">Conversational commerce</a> with Rakuten Viber is a new way of conducting business that is more personal and interactive than traditional methods. Be it through a live customer service representative that can be done via Conversational <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Business Messages</a>, or by using natural language processing and artificial intelligence with Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Viber Chatbots</a>, brands can now chat with their customers in real-time to provide support and resolve issues. It allows their clients to get the help they need in a more immediate and personal way.&nbsp;Today, this approach changes the way businesses connect with their audience. It is more individual, engaging, and instantaneous than anything that has come before. If you want to improve your customer support, improve your cart abandonment rate, and increase sales, <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-future-of-shopping-from-e-commerce-to-m-commerce-and-c-commerce/">conversational commerce</a> is the way to go. It's efficient, cost-effective, and provides a better consumer experience. And there's no better platform for it than Rakuten Viber - it offers the perfect mix of human interaction and artificial intelligence to help you resolve customer issues faster and more efficiently.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/How_Viber_Chatbots_and_Business_Messages_help_with_cart_abandonment_4bdc20975c.png"><figcaption>How Rakuten Viber Chatbots and Business Messages help with cart abandonment</figcaption></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">3. Provide exclusive deals and discounts.</h3>With Rakuten Viber for Business, you can send special offers and promo codes to customers that they can use to complete their purchases, which can incentivize them to finish the transaction. Plus, this will entice your clients to stick with your brand. These special deals could include price cuts on specific items, free shipping, or even a percentage off of their total bill. Regardless of what you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind when crafting those promotions. First and foremost, the offer should be relevant to the customer and their order. Secondly, it should be compelling enough to encourage a person to complete their purchase. This way, you can show your clients that you are committed to providing them with the best possible experience, which can help to build trust and loyalty, both of which are essential for reducing cart abandonment.By using some or all of these strategies, you can significantly reduce cart abandonment and improve your conversion rate.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/How_personalized_offers_via_Viber_Business_Messages_help_with_cart_abandonment_f52d4b1539.png"><figcaption>How personalized offers via Rakuten Viber Business Messages help with cart abandonment</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Don't Be Afraid to Try New Things</h2>When it comes to reducing cart abandonment, there is no one-size-fits-all solution – companies need to experiment with different strategies to find what works for them and what doesn't. The best approach for your business will depend on your specific products and customers. By testing out different techniques, you can find the best way to reduce cart abandonment and keep your clients coming back. And be sure to keep in mind that it is a long-term goal – those people who did not make a purchase today interacted with your brand, and you added to an overall <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/brand-building-evolved-thousands-of-micro-interactions/">brand-building</a> journey.For everyone who wants to reduce cart abandonment, messaging apps are a great tool. They offer a direct line of communication between the customer and the merchant, providing a better experience for shoppers and decreasing the likelihood of them leaving without finishing their purchase.&nbsp;Rakuten Viber is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 1 billion Android downloads. This makes it a perfect choice for any marketer who wants to increase buyer loyalty and drive more conversions. With us, you can reach out to your clients directly and connect with them on a personal level, which can help build relationships and trust, making it more likely that people will want to deal with you. Besides, Rakuten Viber for Business toolset makes it easy to follow up with customers after a purchase – you can use it to send thank-you messages, follow up with post-purchase experience surveys, and provide any kind of support.&nbsp;And it doesn’t need to be an oversimplified text message. Be creative! Rakuten Viber's rich media features can be used to design engaging and interactive messaging that can help increase conversion rates. With the ability to include images, videos, and even CTA buttons, our platform allows companies to create truly compelling and effective communication.&nbsp;With Rakuten Viber for Business, you, as a marketer, will have everything you need to combat cart abandonment and grow sales. <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/apply-for-messaging-solution">Contact our team</a> today and see the results for yourself.

Use Rakuten Viber to decrease cart abandonment rates. Learn how to increase conversions

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Maximize Conversions & Performance: Top-5 Ideas for E-commerce and Retailers

In today's highly competitive e-commerce landscape, retailers need to use every tool at their disposal to engage with customers, drive sales, and outperform the competition. One of the most powerful tools available to retailers is Rakuten Viber. A global messaging and calling app with over a billion downloads on Android worldwide, Rakuten Viber's messaging and advertising capabilities help e-commerce retailers maximize conversions and performance.&nbsp;In this blog post, we will explore how you can unlock the potential of Rakuten Viber for your e-commerce business.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">1. Reach your customers where they are engaged the most – on their mobile devices.</h2>More than <a href="https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2022-global-overview-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">two-thirds of the global population</a> used mobile phones in 2022, up 95 million from 2021. As mobile usage continues to increase, so does the need for brands to engage with their buyers on mobile. Rakuten Viber allows you to do just that, with its range of messaging and advertising solutions.&nbsp;Rakuten Viber’s capabilities for brands allow providing customer support, sending notifications, promotions, and other communications directly to customers’ phones. Your messages are seen, and customers are more likely to open and interact with notifications on their phones than they are with emails or other media.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">2. Utilize Rakuten Viber Business Messages for personalized customer engagement.</h2><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Rakuten Viber Business Messages</a> are ideal for sending targeted messages and building dialogue with your audience. These messages can be sent as personalized campaigns or conversations that help you nurture leads, drive sales, and foster loyal customers.&nbsp;In <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-in-2022-trends-defining-the-future-of-brand-user-communication/">2022</a>, we have seen an increase in all types of messaging, across all markets.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Transactional Messages get a 73% spike as brands prioritize essential notifications.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">There is a 32% surge in Promotional Messages delivered to end-users across markets.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Users expect two-way conversations with brands, driving a 17% growth of Conversational Business Messages worldwide.</li></ul>Each of the Rakuten Viber Business Messages types provides e-commerce and retail businesses with a wealth of engagement opportunities resulting in conversions. Some ideas include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Offer personalized product recommendations</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Share exclusive promotions and discounts</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Provide customer support and assistance</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Send order confirmations and shipping notifications</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Collect feedback and reviews</li></ul>The benefits of such type of outreach are twofold: it builds trust and loyalty with your customers, and it boosts your marketing ROI. <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/media-kit-request-bm">Learn more about Rakuten Viber Business Messages.</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/OOG1lUT6BtGRqcolv-m9Ze72HQOQJoNpAu_oSQJ5dHKxm2yOznpCNh9SB1qfRDkqGjky3W0wk4b61HtOVlbzlHxniqlkU4-sh0IMnkEBKDBE1BfqC7GmmfOfhRIktNxKndRek2seDoRaBAzC9Qkm7oU"><figcaption>Using Rakuten Viber Business Messages in e-commerce</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">3. Leverage Rakuten Viber Chatbots for seamless customer interactions.</h2>Chatbots have become increasingly popular as a tool for providing quick, automated customer service and support. <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Rakuten Viber Chatbots</a> are easy-to-use—you can create a chatbot yourself or with help of our <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-partners/">messaging partners</a> to handle a variety of tasks, such as:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Answering frequently asked questions</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Providing product information</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Guiding customers through the purchasing process</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Assisting with order tracking and returns</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Offering personalized promotions and discounts</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Enabling easy payments</li></ul>By integrating a chatbot into your Rakuten Viber messaging strategy, you can provide your customers with instant, 24/7 support without needing to invest in a large customer service team—giving customer service representatives the opportunity to focus on more complex tasks. This not only saves you time and resources but also helps to improve customer satisfaction and increase sales.<figure class="image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/RAdaggT7yOqEjNGO6kmtvaOUZStAVoDN6eLMMy9MKjJfB-NdB4v9o6QZhMG44sv78xPIapofL61OI9V2qMpssdqkIt1yIXBtk-TLAEl1yAWqhlSklEXj9qCTTJkeHPFBeYo7hACVFBl5BAn3xt8KXB4"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber Chatbots for e-commerce brands</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">4. Take advantage of Rakuten Viber's Advertising Solutions.</h2>Rakuten Viber offers a variety of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">advertising solutions</a> that can help you reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to your e-commerce store. Some options include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Native ads: Integrate your ads seamlessly into Rakuten Viber's user interface, making them appear as natural content rather than intrusive advertisements. Rakuten Viber Ads can appear in Chats, Calls, Explore screens, More tab, and as a post-call banner. This helps to increase engagement and conversions as users are more likely to interact with ads that blend in with their overall app experience.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Sticker packs: Create branded sticker packs that users can download and share in their personal conversations. This not only increases brand awareness but also encourages word-of-mouth marketing as users share your stickers with their friends.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Lenses: Express your brand identity in an engaging way with branded filters that customers can use to make photos and videos. Users can share Lenses with others giving brands the opportunity to go viral.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/tfCAelAuMHAfqO_lTN3SGY1M4YRn-2O5DCGGhZdbxUnI3mjJE8UAX0zByTHOiAww_mzPtAVPAQYjWhOryE50WinYeP1bRPMeTxOBUURaV7K9oK-SCjbR6_VjlPzz3klVuzR-DLfuk6MeFRchWUNk2MI"><figcaption>Examples of Rakuten Viber Ads and branded Stickers</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">5. Be creative: experiment with Rakuten Viber Branded Lenses.</h2>Augmented reality lenses are a fun and interactive way to engage with your audience. This advertising solution is great for promoting your brand and products, highlighting your latest innovations, and creating an immersive experience for customers.Lenses are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a product launch, a holiday special, or simply a way to show off your brand’s personality. They can be used to create a memorable engagement, as well as drive brand awareness and recognition.An example of a branded use case is allowing users to try on products virtually, "try before you buy". This can be a great way to add some creativity to Rakuten Viber messaging for retailers and increase conversions.<figure class="image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/dcDvM8CE3FMqZjltJiw_aO1pY7YhqKmdPA35V6VXsbkNn0jO64-j9Ubr_cQbg3iUSQquBCm7ZsXwDMmvNSER3bkyq1ZjJMDWH3kQY6A8ciVd0F9Y6i3OpCV3ohoIoiEr3qdf3tpBKbSefHil1wN4Mtw"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber Chatbots and Viber Lenses work in synergy</figcaption></figure>These are just a few examples of how Rakuten Viber’s solutions can support retailers and help sell more.&nbsp;<a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">Contact us</a> to learn more about the Rakuten Viber toolkit for marketers to see what works best for your business.To maximize the effectiveness of your marketing strategy, it's essential to track key performance metrics and make data-driven decisions. Analyze your campaigns, identify trends and optimize accordingly.Start <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/viber-for-business/">exploring Rakuten Viber for Business</a> solutions today and unlock the full power of this versatile messaging and advertising platform.

How e-commerce retailers can maximize conversions with Rakuten Viber's messaging and advertising

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5 Atypical Retail and eCommerce Consumer Preferences Global Brands Need to Know About

When an average consumer is exposed to a seemingly infinite number of choices, retail and eCommerce brands need to do more than just address people’s everyday needs. They need to shape customer experiences by anticipating and reacting to the changes in purchasing patterns.&nbsp;One of the most drastic examples of such changes is the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/understanding-and-shaping-consumer-behavior-in-the-next-normal" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">75% of consumers</a> decided to try a new brand, store or a different way of shopping. The imposed lockdown altered buying behaviours, causing online shopping and delivery services to skyrocket. As some of the most affected businesses, eCommerce and retail stores needed to adapt to the different landscape practically overnight.&nbsp;While this might be an extreme example, it illustrates the importance of understanding and responding to social and economic market conditions. By closely monitoring changing customer behaviours and identifying emerging preferences, retail and eCommerce brands can stay on top of market needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">1. Buyers require more communication options.&nbsp;</h2>In the era of information overload, listening is a superpower. Brands that prioritise getting feedback from customers can genuinely understand their needs and develop more attractive offers. While social media and review sites are useful resources to gather this type of information, they typically reflect perceptions of only a small portion of your userbase. That’s why you need to enable and encourage all your customers to communicate with you directly.&nbsp;In fact, this is something they expect too. As <a href="https://www.g2.com/articles/sms-marketing-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">highlighted by G2,</a> a popular software marketplace, 31% of consumers said they want options to communicate when asked about the importance of connecting to a business. Similarly,&nbsp; <a href="https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/future-of-marketing/digital-transformation/business-chat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">research by Google</a> reveals that 68% of respondents are more likely to buy from a business that offers convenient communication options.&nbsp;These figures imply that brands should embrace digital channels not only for promotion, but for two-way communications as well. Otherwise, they might be missing out on the most valuable insights about their <a href="https://www.gms-worldwide.com/blog/3-surprising-consumer-preferences-to-help-stores-beat-the-economy/">consumers’ preferences</a>. By opening a dialogue through messaging apps, emails, and chatbots, brands can meet one of their customers’ key communication requirements and gain in-depth understanding of their needs and desires.&nbsp;For example, brands can integrate their CRM or CDP systems with Rakuten Viber Business Messages to save conversation history, analyse first-party data, send personalised messages, and collect feedback to improve customer service. Using customer management software, brands can also store addresses, sizes, and preferences so that customers don't have to repeat them every time they contact a service representative.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">2. Consumer expectations for discounts increase as the economic context changes.&nbsp;</h2>Historically, a basic understanding of psychology has helped brands build effective sales and marketing strategies. However, rather than purely relying on established purchasing patterns, successful brands should also consider the context in which their customers live and buy. Eventually, it is our economic conditions that influence our purchasing habits more than our personality traits.&nbsp;This has become particularly important in recent months as concerns about economic uncertainties intensify. According to a <a href="https://discover.gfk.com/story/the-shock-of-inflation-fmcg_midway/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">study by Growth from Knowledge</a>, a data intelligence company, 51% of FMCG consumers are worried that prices will rise and that this will affect their buying behaviour. As a result, they are developing new coping mechanisms that may forever change their purchasing preferences.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Top_shopping_strategies_by_product_category_2a4dfce9a8.png"><figcaption>Top shopping strategies by product category</figcaption></figure>One of the key takeaways from this research is that brands need to “constantly evaluate the shoppers’ living conditions and sentiments, in order to deduce respective challenges and strategies.” In practice, this means they need to consider making their products and services more affordable as this is the number one expectation of their customers. Namely, <a href="https://www.marketingtechnews.net/news/2022/oct/11/brand-switching-is-rife-amidst-the-cost-of-living-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">related research revealed</a> that 43% of consumers want the brands to absorb price increases to show support for their struggles.&nbsp;With price clearly becoming the differentiator, eCommerce and retail companies should consider engaging their customers with discounts and special offers. However, this might not be enough to stand out as your competitors are likely to employ similar strategies. To make your offers relevant, you should <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/">personalise the experiences</a> based on your customers’ purchase histories. Even more importantly, you need to make sure your offer reaches them exactly when they need it via the channel they use the most.&nbsp;By using Rakuten <a href="https://www.gms-worldwide.com/enterprises/business-communications-suite/viber-business-messages/">Viber Business Messages,</a> brands can deliver colourful, eye-catching offers to grab consumers’ attention via their preferred communication channel. An apparel shop can send a message with a video showcasing the latest products, encouraging a customer to use the discount. An electronics store can send a message with a product image, link to the store, and CTA to promote a discounted electric heater during winter months. This is also useful for re-engaging consumers who abandoned their shopping cart by sending a catching visual reminder of the product they browsed earlier with an exclusive discount.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_personalised_Business_Messages_on_Viber_faf0d77682.png"><figcaption>Examples of personalised Business Messages on Rakuten Viber&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">3. Tailored interactions are key to personalisation.&nbsp;</h2>In its most general definition, personalisation refers to tailoring an offer to the needs and demands of an individual. While this is what many consumers expect from brands, it might not be enough to grab their attention – unless communicated in their preferred way.&nbsp;This was <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/the-value-of-getting-personalization-right-or-wrong-is-multiplying" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">confirmed by McKinsey &amp; Company</a>, which revealed that 71% of consumers expect companies to deliver personalised interactions and 76% get frustrated when this doesn’t happen. Brands should therefore not only develop the right offer, but also present it through an adequate medium. And in most cases, a single channel won’t do.&nbsp;This leads us back to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-rise-of-conversational-commerce/">conversational commerce</a>, which is becoming one of the most important trends for modern marketers. Brands that successfully employ different communication channels throughout multiple touch points are likely to grow the demand for their products faster. By strategically engaging their customers throughout the buyer’s journey with mobile messaging, brands can <a href="https://www.gms-worldwide.com/blog/flipbook-cross-selling-up-selling-optimising-clv-with-mobile-messaging/">successfully cross-sell, up-sell, and optimise customer value</a>. AI chatbots and virtual assistants are playing an increasingly important role, complementing business messaging and the traditional email and SMS messaging for improved business outcomes.Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Viber Chatbots</a> can help automate work, provide answers to common questions, take orders and streamline interaction. Having a simple and intuitive interface, they can increase sales and customer satisfaction for brands.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Conversational_commerce_via_Business_Messages_and_Chatbots_on_Viber_60a92090e6.png"><figcaption>Conversational commerce via Business Messages and Chatbots on Rakuten Viber&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">4. Influencers increasingly factor in buying decisions.&nbsp;</h2>While direct interactions with consumers can offer invaluable insights into their preferences, external channels still significantly influence their buying decisions. Brand-owned channels such as websites and social media still play a role in informing customers, but influencers and review sites are more likely to be a turning point in the awareness and consideration stages. Before rushing to these channels, marketers need to consider the different audiences these two typically cater for.&nbsp;From cosmetic products to tech gear, it is common for online buyers to do research before making a purchase. <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/millennial-online-review-products-research-internet-trusted-recommendations-a8245781.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">According to The Independent</a>,&nbsp;80% of Millennials will do this by reading online reviews, while <a href="https://www.mobilemarketer.com/news/gen-z-relies-on-influencers-for-purchase-decisions-kantar-says/573264/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">44% of Gen Z</a>&nbsp;will make a purchase after listening to influencers. Among the general population, this rate is 26%, meaning it is influential across different age groups.&nbsp;Based on these findings, businesses targeting Zoomers are likely to see more success by investing in influencer marketing than in more traditional forms of advertising. Similarly, those targeting Millennials should keep pushing reviews and social proof as a way to influence their primary buyers. Still, rather than assuming your consumers’ preferences, you may choose to collect feedback from your customers via Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Viber Business Messages</a> and get the most valid answers. By using rich content in your messages, like images, videos, buttons, you can make the feedback process fun and easy for your users, increasing their engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;To expand their influencer marketing strategy, businesses can let Instagrammers, TikTokers and Youtubers use mobile messaging for direct communications with customers on their behalf. For example, they can launch a promo campaign where influencers would ask their fans to send an [InfluencerName] promo code via Rakuten Viber to get a discount code for their next purchase at the brand’s online store.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">5. Perception of loyalty programmes varies across different consumer segments.&nbsp;</h2>Loyalty programmes have long been a powerful way for eCommerce and retail brands to increase customer retention. While they still matter to most consumers, there is a significant difference in how Millennials and Zoomers perceive them.&nbsp;Considering <a href="https://www.oracle.com/a/ocom/docs/dc/how-to-engage-consumers-across-every-generation.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Oracle’s comprehensive research</a> on the differences in the buying behaviour across generations, each audience group seems to have its own expectations of loyalty programmes. One thing common to all is that they expect reward points for engagements and not just purchases. From walking into a store to completing surveys and writing reviews, consumers want to get something in return. An important insight here is that almost 70% of Gen Z reported they expect to earn points while playing a game, compared to only 35% of millennials.&nbsp;By understanding the expectations of your target audiences, you can better adapt your programme to their needs. The vital part in ensuring they remain engaged is to send offers, reminders, and alerts via their preferred messaging app.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/okko-pay-by-fishka/">Discover how Rakuten Viber and GMS helped a filling station partner promote its loyalty program</a><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Conclusions&nbsp;</h2>Understanding even the less obvious consumer preferences is a foundation of successful engagement and sales strategies. eCommerce and retail brands that closely monitor their customers’ purchasing patterns using two-way communications can gain genuine knowledge on the behaviours and needs that can shape their business in future.&nbsp;With solutions such as Rakuten <a href="https://www.gms-worldwide.com/enterprises/business-communications-suite/viber-business-messages/">Viber Business Messages </a>and Rakuten Viber Chatbots and a reliable partner to help you implement it, your brand can anticipate these needs and get better business outcomes. This is why <a href="https://www.gms-worldwide.com/">Global Message Services </a>joined forces with Rakuten Viber back in 2016 and continued to grow its partnership offering. Together with Viber, we enabled brands to adopt conversational strategies and leverage two-way messaging capabilities for marketing, sales, and customer support.

Discover what consumers expect from brands in retail and e-commerce

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No More Missed Calls: How Rakuten Viber Business Messages Make Customer Communication Easier and More Satisfying

In recent years, the way people communicate has gone through a significant transformation. Once dominated by phone calls, the landscape has shifted towards messaging apps, which have become the preferred method of interaction for an increasing number of people.&nbsp;This change in communication habits is not just limited to personal use; businesses also find that their customers favor texting. Studies have shown that:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://spectrm.io/resources/state-of-social-conversational-commerce-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">86%</a> of respondents stated that their experience with receiving texts positively affected their perception of a brand.</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://spectrm.io/resources/state-of-social-conversational-commerce-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">82%</a> of survey participants reported purchasing something after engaging in messaging with a business. These people also showed a higher tendency to buy from such businesses and are even more likely to spend more money with them.</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://spectrm.io/resources/state-of-social-conversational-commerce-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">64%</a> of respondents indicate that messaging is their preferred method of interacting with brands. The primary reasons for this are speed and convenience.</li></ul>In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this growing preference for messaging apps and how brands can benefit from embracing <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Rakuten Viber Business Messages</a> to enhance customer engagement.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">What Are Rakuten Viber Business Messages</h2>First, let’s look at what Rakuten Viber Business Messages are. There are three types of messages, each designed for different purposes and scenarios.&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Transactional messages are sent in response to a specific action taken by the customer or as a result of a particular event. Examples include order confirmations, shipping notifications, password resets, appointment reminders, account updates, and more. These messages are typically triggered automatically and provide essential information.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Conversational messages facilitate two-way communication between the business and its customers. They can include customer service interactions, support requests, or answers to general questions and feedback. This type of Rakuten Viber Business Messages allows businesses to engage with people, address their concerns, and build stronger relationships.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Promotional messages are used for advertising or marketing products, services, or special offers. They can include information about discounts, sales, new product launches, or upcoming events. Rakuten Viber Business Messages of this type encourage customers to take action, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or attending an event.</li></ul>Some other capabilities of Rakuten Viber Business Messages include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Exchange of files, videos, and pictures between brands and users</li><li style="text-align:justify;">SMS fallback: automatic delivery of texts via SMS if users don’t have Internet access</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Auto-reply feature</li><li style="text-align:justify;">TTL (time-to-live): a specific timeframe for delivering messages</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Ability for brands to send text up to 1000 characters, including emojis</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Interactive CTA buttons can be embedded in the messages</li><li style="text-align:justify;">CRM &amp; CDP integrations</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Different_types_of_Viber_Business_Messages_2ea89baa81.png"><figcaption>Different types of Rakuten Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Advantages of Rakuten Viber Business Messages over Traditional Phone Calls</h2>Now that we've introduced the capabilities of Rakuten Viber Business Messages, let’s&nbsp; explore what advantages they offer over traditional calls. Let's take a closer look.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Customers appreciate the non-disruptive nature of messaging apps. Of course, there are many circumstances where communication either in-person or over the phone is a necessity. However, when we talk about marketing activities, customers are getting more drawn to messaging apps, where interaction is non-intrusive and where they can engage with brands at their own pace.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Messages boast <a href="https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2017-11-06/text-message-response-times/">impressive open rates</a>, with 64% of people reading texts within 3 minutes of receiving them and another 31% — within an hour. It ensures that users receive important messages right away. In contrast, the success of calls depends on the recipient's availability, and even then, there's no guarantee they will answer an unknown number.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Phone calls are limited to voice communication, whereas messaging apps offer many options to use separately or together. With Rakuten Viber Business Messages, you can send videos, pictures, files, format your text to make it more engaging and visually appealing, and even add interactive buttons (like CTA). This versatility allows companies to provide a richer, interactive experience that better showcases their products and services, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction.</li></ul>The benefits of Rakuten Viber are not just theoretical; they have been proven to work for companies like <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/yespo/">Yespo</a> which added Rakuten Viber to its omnichannel suite. In fact, Yespo's success story of integrating Rakuten Viber Business Messages is a testament to how Rakuten Viber can enhance business's capabilities, increase revenue, and empower clients to target various audience segments with personalized messages. Let's take a closer look at how Yespo's Rakuten Viber integration has made a significant impact on the success of the company and its clients.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Yespo Success Story with Rakuten Viber Business Messages</h2>Yespo, a B2C omnichannel customer data platform, added Rakuten Viber to its portfolio of channels to enhance its reach. Rakuten Viber's high adoption rates in Yespo's target regions, rich media capabilities, ease of implementation, and cost-efficiency made it a suitable addition to Yespo's platform. Yespo's clients utilized Transactional and Promotional Rakuten Viber Business Messages to push customized offers, reduce cart abandonment, boost revenues, set up omnichannel cascade campaigns, and deliver important and time-sensitive notifications.Integrating Rakuten Viber benefitted Yespo with a 17x increase in messages sent via their platform, a 245% YoY growth in supplier interactions, and a 4.5x increase in revenue. Yespo's clients also benefited from the Rakuten Viber integration, with an international eCommerce marketplace, Shafa, reporting a 2.5x rise in orders at half the operational costs. Superstore Auchan Ukraine reported 20% of total revenue coming from Rakuten Viber users, with 70% of that due to reducing cart abandonment through Promotional Rakuten Viber Business Messages.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_Business_Messages_from_Auchan_Ukraine_and_Shafa_3121cb15d6.png"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber Business Messages from Auchan Ukraine and Shafa</figcaption></figure>The integration was set to expand the number of use cases for Yespo's clients, empower them to target various audience segments with personalized messages over Rakuten Viber. Yespo wanted to enhance its reach, increase the quantity of messages sent through its CDP as well as revenues, and expand its client base. The addition of Rakuten Viber has been a success, as Yespo's clients consider Rakuten Viber their #1 channel for repeat purchases.&nbsp;You can find inspiration in other success stories <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/">here</a>.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Getting Started with Rakuten Viber Business Messages</h2>If you’re wondering how to integrate Rakuten Viber Business Messages into your business workflow, here is a small step-by-step guide:<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Choose one of our <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-partners/">trusted messaging partners</a>. Having the expertise and experience to ensure a smooth and efficient setup process, they will work closely with you to prepare the necessary application for creating your Rakuten Viber Business Account.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Your partner will set up your account on their interface. They will provide you with the relevant information to connect to their platform which in turn will allow for a seamless integration to your current workflows.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Via your chosen partner, Rakuten Viber will manually review your application for an official account. Once the business has been approved, the partner will receive a confirmation and your business account will get an authentication badge with a "blue tick". This badge helps establish trust and credibility with your customers, letting them know they are interacting with a verified business.</li></ol>Incorporating Rakuten Viber Business Messages into your communication suite allows you to tap into the increasing popularity of messaging apps while delivering a smooth, enjoyable customer experience. With several benefits over conventional phone calls, Rakuten Viber Business Messages prove to be a crucial asset for brands aiming to excel. Don't wait any longer – enhance your communication strategy with Rakuten Viber Business Messages today and take your customer interactions to the next level.

Boost customer engagement with Rakuten Viber Business Messages; its benefits and integration steps

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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>.

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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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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 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 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 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>.

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